NUJ Chair Calls for Deeper China–Nigeria Cultural Ties: “Let’s Build More Bridges Through Media.
By Raymond Enoch.
In a spirited move to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called for expanded cultural exchange opportunities, particularly for Nigerian journalists.
The call came during a high-level courtesy visit to the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, where Ike and her executive council were warmly received by Mr. Yang Jianxing, Director of the Centre and Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy.
“We’re here to show appreciation for your continued support to the NUJ FCT Council and to further strengthen our collaboration,” Comrade Ike stated. “Over the years, we’ve shared so much in terms of cultural exchange programmes, training opportunities, and the annual table tennis tournament.”
Emphasizing the pivotal role of journalism in nation-building, Comrade Ike appealed for more targeted opportunities such as short-term training in China, collaborative media workshops, and bilateral journalism exchange programmes. She noted that these would not only enhance professional skills but also foster cross-cultural understanding in an increasingly globalized world.
7th Nigeria–China Friendship Table Tennis Tournament Set for November 15
As part of the ongoing collaboration, Comrade Ike announced the 7th edition of the Nigeria–China Friendship Table Tennis Tournament, scheduled for November 15, 2025, co-hosted by the NUJ FCT Council and the China Cultural Centre. The sporting event, a symbol of cultural camaraderie, has grown to become a calendar highlight fostering diplomatic friendship through soft power.
During the visit, Comrade Ike also formally invited Mr. Yang and his team to the NUJ FCT Press Week, holding at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. “We’d be honoured to have you there as one of our key partners,” she said.
In response, Mr. Yang praised the NUJ FCT Council for its proactive engagement and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening ties through people-to-people diplomacy. He provided insight into the Centre’s robust annual programming, which includes:
Spring Festival celebrations
International Women’s Day events
China Tea Day
China–Nigeria Cultural Festival (in partnership with Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy)
He further revealed plans for upcoming Chinese cultural performances—featuring traditional music, dance, martial arts, and magic shows—that will take place later this year in Nigeria.
Responding directly to Ike’s request for journalist training in China, Mr. Yang gave assurances that he would push for the inclusion of NUJ members in upcoming delegations.
“I will do my best to speak with the Embassy and see what can be arranged. Even one or two placements would go a long way,” he said.
He described China and Nigeria as “brothers and family,” lauding the media’s role in shaping public perception and enhancing international diplomacy. “Through your work, people in China learn more about Nigeria, and vice versa,” he added.
