The China Cultural Centre in Abuja came alive on Monday, April 20, with the sound of Chinese folk songs, Mandarin recitals, and Nigerian drums as government officials, journalists, students from Chinese Corners and cultural enthusiasts gathered to mark the 2026 Nigeria’s International Chinese Language Day”.

Organized by the Chinese Cultural Centre of Nigeria, the event turned language into a bridge of communication, dreams, and what speakers described as a shared future of harmony. The celebration featured a mix of Chinese and Nigerian songs, dances, poetry recitations, and stage performances.

In his welcome speech, the Cultural Chancellor of the Chinese Cultural Centre, Abuja, Mr. Yang Jianxing, entreated guests and participants to embrace Chinese culture, describing it as “a culture of harmony, communication, unique charm and global partnership.” He said language remains a key tool for building trust and cooperation between nations.

”Today, we gather here to celebrate the 17th ”International Chinese Language Day.” This is during Grain Rain, one of the twenty-four solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. Legend has it that this special day commemorates Canjie, the legendary inventor of Chinese characters. Standing at this juncture connecting the past and the future, let us together experience the unique charm of the Chinese language that transcends time and space”, he said and continued.

”It is a shared treasure of mankind. In today’s world, Chinese is not only a ”gift across time”, but also a ”golden bridge” connecting people’s hearts.” he stated.

The cultural counsellor also noted that Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and a bridge of harmony.

”To date, more than 190 countries and regions worldwide have implemented Chinese language teaching, with over 200 million international learners and users. More and more foreign friends are opening windows to understanding ancient and modern China by mastering Chinese. And as this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria and the China-Africa year of People-People Exchanges, we hope that this ”International Chinese Language Day” event will serve as an opportunity for everyone to experience the unique charm and contemporary vitality of the Chinese language”, he declared.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Muhammed Bulama, represented by Mr. Suleman Musa, Director of Office of the Director General, said that as the largest radio network in Africa and also a legacy institution in the country, the FRCN in collaboration with Chinese Embassy launched Ni Hao China, a weekly radio programme on Network Service of Radio Nigeria.

”Last year, precisely on the 11th July, 2025, the FRCN in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy launched Ni Hao China, a weekly radio programme on Network Service of Radio Nigeria, aimed at teaching Mandarin and promoting Chinese culture and strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and China.”

The DG further noted that the Chinese language has continued to open new frontiers for storytelling, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect among nations.

”Today’s celebration is not only for native speakers but for all who seek to learn, engage, and build bridges through communication. It also reminds us that in embracing each other’s languages, we embrace each other’s humanity,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Grace Ike, Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, noted that the event beautifully underscores the power of language as a bridge for cultures, fostering deeper understanding between Nigeria and China, two great nations bound by shared aspirations for progress, innovation, and mutual prosperity.

As journalists, we witness daily how effective communication dissolves barriers, amplifies voices, and builds enduring partnerships. The Chinese language, with its rich heritage and global resonance, exemplifies this truth, enriching our multicultural tapestry and opening doors to collaborative opportunities in trade, education, technology, and beyond,” she stated.

And to the Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre, Mr. Yang Jianxing, I wish to express our deepest appreciation for your ”unwavering support, openness, and collaborative spirit that have enabled balanced reporting, cultural exchanges, and insightful stories that strengthen Nigeria-China ties. This partnership exemplifies the best of strategic diplomatic engagement through media,” she concluded.

For both countries, the International Chinese Language Day is more than a calendar event. Rather, it is a strong reminder that language remains a valuable instrument to strengthen cultural exchanges and elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Nigeria to a new level.