Nigeria has applauded China for its success in adopting an innovative approach by utilising media outlets to promote sustainable development and foster economic growth.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this at an event with the theme: “Written in the Sky; My China Story,” organised by China Media Group (CMG) on Tuesday in Abuja.
The ‘global solicitation results special release ceremony’ aims at fostering collaboration and synergy among media professionals and stakeholders from across Africa.
The Minister, represented by the ministry’s Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Suleiman Haruna, noted that the media plays a crucial and extensive role in shaping and nurturing societies.
He lauded CMG for the initiative, stressing that it strengthened Nigeria-China diplomatic ties through cultural exchanges leveraging contemporary communication channels in both countries.
“In this context, we want to commend CMG for its dedication to delivering accurate news and producing programs that positively influence the development of China and Nigeria too.
“We believe in the power of the media to promote mutual understanding, foster progress, and contribute to the growth and advancement of societal, economic, and cultural domains.
“It is also essential to create content that inspires hope and drives aspirations for future growth. In today’s world, advances in technology have made it possible to deliver credible and timely news to millions of people, even across vast distances,” Idris said.
Rep Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, lauded China’s investments in Nigeria and Africa.
According to him, such investments have played a crucial role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and enhancing infrastructure.
Yakubu also lauded China’s commitment to cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy, emphasising the significance of storytelling in connecting diverse cultures and fostering understanding.
In his remarks, Amb. Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, said that he was elated celebrating the African narratives collected through the “Written in the Sky: My China Story” event.
He underscored the importance of leveraging the friendship between China and Nigeria for the betterment of both countries and humanity at large.
“I am happy to see many witnesses, participants and inheritors of China-Africa friendship sending back videos, letters, etc. to CMG AFRICA to share the touching moments of their friendly exchanges with China, which prove the power of media in shaping narrative.
“As the 15th Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, with a lofty mission on my shoulder and great excitement in my heart, I deeply feel the hospitality of the Nigerian people and their friendship with China.
“On this note, let us continue to work together to leverage our strengths and resources for the benefit of both of our countries and peoples, contributing to the vision of a community of shared future for mankind,” he said.
Yu also extended his wishes for enduring friendship, familial bonds, and a shared destiny between the Chinese and Nigerian people on the occasion of the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.
Mr Shen Haixiong, Director-General, CMG, said the organisation was committed to showcasing China’s journey of reform, modernisation and global engagement to foster exchanges, dialogue, and mutual learning worldwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the award of partnership certificates to various organisations by CMG.
Dignitaries from different parts of Africa, including Mr Ephraim Sheyin, NAN’s Editor-in -Chief; Mr Paul Tembe, Founder and Director at SELE Encounters, Cross-Civilization Communication Strategies and Analytics, South Africa, among others.(NAN)
