Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, VON, Jibrin Ndace, has revealed that preparations are on top gear to commence broadcasting in Mandarin, China’s official language in Nigeria. Mr Ndace made the disclosure when he led the VON management team on a courtesy visit to the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai in Abuja.
According to Mr Ndace, adding Mandarin language to the program would increase the VON’s broadcast languages to nine.
Explaining, he said that currently, VON broadcasts in eight languages which include Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulfude, Swahili English, , Arabic and French.
Speaking, Ndace said, “The purpose of our visit is to get the final nod so that we can move very fast. I and my team have set all the instruments in motion to ensure that once we begin, it will be sustained.
“The initiative aligns with the agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We are keen on doing this, because we have a president who is looking towards China,” he added.
According to him, the initiative would help to shape positive narratives and collaboration about the two countries at the global stage as well as to encourage exchange of programmes and ideas.
Ndace said, “VON will continue to set positive narratives about Nigeria, Africa and China. Everywhere I go on the continent of Africa I see Chinese people doing amazing jobs”.
In his response, Dunhai said the move would deepen implementation of media to media cooperation signed between Nigeria and China recently during President Tinubu’s State visit to China.
Dunhai said the initiative is a milestone in the bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.
“I am sure that this new initiative will certainly promote cultural exchange.
“In 2023 the Chinese President put forward a global civilisation initiative advocating for civilisation exchanges.
Mr Dunhai said “In China, we believe that there is no civilization that is superior to the other. All civilisations make contributions to humanity, and both China and Nigeria are proud of their civilisations,”.
NAN