The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria on Thursday, celebrated 456 Days of the “Nihao China” Radio Programme in Abuja.
Hosted at the China Cultural Centre, the event marked 456 days of continuous broadcast, friendship and shared future.
Speaking at the event to celebrate this milestone, Mr Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said since its launch, “Nihao China”—a Chinese-language radio programme jointly produced by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and FRCN, with support of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, has offered engaging and enjoyable Chinese-language lessons, while promoting friendship and cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.
“Over the past 456 days, thanks to the dedication and joint efforts of our Chinese and Nigerian colleagues, Ni Hao China has grown into an important bridge of friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples. It has also opened a new window for our Nigerian friends to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and explore new opportunities for personal and professional development,” he said.
According to the Cultural Counsellor, the programme has also introduced listeners to China’s history, culture, everyday life, food traditions and people-to-people ties between both countries.
He noted that in addition to tuning in through FM radio stations across the country, the programme is accessible through FRCN’s website, YouTube and other digital platforms.
Yang said the celebration comes as Nigeria and China mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, emphasising that Ni Hao China is both a witness to and a driving force behind the growing ties between the two countries.
Yang also reiterated the significance of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, stating that Ni Hao China will continue to play a significant role in strengthening this tie.
“Ni Hao China will continue to play an increasingly important role in strengthening our traditional friendship, promoting mutual learning between our civilisations, and bringing our people closer together,” he said.
Looking ahead, Yang identified three priorities for the programme: richer content, exploring more innovative ways to reach audiences and promoting increased youth participation.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr Mohammed Bulama, said the programme had evolved from a broadcasting experiment into a platform for cultural exchange, language learning and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and China.
He noted that while relations between both countries had traditionally been viewed from the prisms of trade, infrastructure and diplomacy, Ni Hao China had introduced a significant people-centred dimension to the engagement.
“Although Nigeria and China have enjoyed decades of diplomatic relations, often viewed through the lenses of infrastructure, trade, and diplomacy, which we all agree are vital pillars, Ni Hao China introduced a new, essential pillar: the People,” he said.
He reiterated that through Ni Hao China, the Nigerian listener in a rural village in Yobe, Kano, Onitsha and Ile-Ife has been able to visit the Great Wall, understand the philosophy behind Chinese festivals, and appreciate the innovations driving the second largest economy in the world.
The FRCN Director-General further stated that the initiative demonstrates the enduring relevance of radio in a world where inter-state affairs are clearly measured by economic agreements and state-to-state cooperation.
“Obviously, it has allowed us to showcase the vibrancy of the Nigerian spirit to a global audience. The FRCN in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy has moved beyond ‘business to business’ to ‘heart to heart’, by using broadcasting to promote cultural education, international cooperation and constructive engagement beyond Nigeria’s borders,” he said.
The FRCN Director-General also announced plans to upgrade the corporation’s network studio into an audio-visual facility to boost its digital broadcasting infrastructure, adding that the Ni Hao programme would benefit from the upgrade.
In her goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the programme has demonstrated the power of broadcasting to connect people, promote peaceful coexistence and build enduring friendship between nations.
She said the programme’s significance went beyond the number of days celebrated, emphasising that it represented 456 days of communication, cultural exchange, mutual learning and people-people-diplomacy.
“The Nihao China programme has used that responsibility to highlight the richness of Chinese culture, strengthen Nigeria-China relations and encourage a better appreciation of the shared opportunities between both countries,” she said.
Ms Ike noted that friendship between nations is built through ordinary conversations, cultural programmes, music, stories, mutual respect and goodwill.
“The NUJ FCT Council recognises and appreciates the role of the media in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting national development. We therefore encourage the continuous growth of programmes that advance professional journalism, cultural diplomacy, youth participation, language learning and responsible public communication.”
She urged the organisers to expand the programme’s reach through radio, digital platforms and social media, so that more Nigerians, especially young people can participate in and benefit from this priceless cultural initiative.
The event also showcased a mix of Chinese and Nigeria music, songs, cultural performances and was attended by representatives of the Chinese Embassy, FRCN, China Cultural Centre, the NUJ, the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Media practitioners, Chinese Corners and other guests.
Officially launched in July 2025 on FRCN (Africa’s largest radio network), “Nihao China” is the first Mandarin-language programme by a Nigerian media organisation and now reaches millions of weekly listeners across Radio Nigeria’s network.
