By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The China Media Group (CMG) Asian and African Languages Programming Center, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and StarTimes, has launched the China-Nigeria co-production project “Kwadon Baka” meaning “Traverse China with Me” in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The programme, is to strengthen China-Nigeria relations and deepen media cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking during the unveiling of the television documentary titled “Traverse China with Me”, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was represented bythe Director Press in the Ministry, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, re-echoed the vital role media outlets play in guiding society, highlighting the promotion of mutual understanding, and contributing to significant development.
“Media outlets play a vital role in guiding society, promoting mutual understanding, and contributing to significant progress. Therefore, they have a positive impact on improving social affairs, economic development, and cultural advancement, which require public awareness. I commend the authorities of China Media Group and the National Television Authority (NTA) for their efforts in providing accurate news and meaningful programs for the advancement of both countries. There is a need for balance in news reporting, especially in highlighting the progress and achievements of the country and producing programs that will inspire hope for future growth”. He stressed.
The Minister indicated that the documentary, which aims to strengthen the relationship between Nigerian television stations and the Chinese media, is part of efforts to enhance the ties between the people of Nigeria and China through cultural and language exchange and modern communication channels available in both countries.
The Minister commended the authorities of CMG and the NTA for their efforts in providing accurate news and meaningful programs for the advancement of both countries. He said the collaboration will positively impact social affairs, economic development, and cultural advancement.
Noting that Nigeria has a vibrant youth population that is dedicated in working hard to seize opportunities despite facing significant challenges, which calls for increased effort to attain positive outcomes.
He urged Chinese media outlets to collaborate with international counterparts to end the negative trend and ensure reliability and credibility.
“There is a need for China to expand its media presence in Nigeria by incorporating more languages including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin to convey messages and provide employment opportunities and training for Nigerians”.
This documentary aims to strengthen the relationship between Nigerian television stations and the Chinese media. It is part of the efforts to enhance the ties between the people of Nigeria and China through cultural and language exchange, as well as modern communication channels available in both countries.
Similarly, the Director China Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr. Li Xuda, said the cultural exchange between the two countries has been of great increase.
We always say that People-to-people bond holds the key to state-to-state relations. I can tell you that China-Nigeria People-to-people bond has been further strengthened in recent years through co-hosting colorful cultural events such as the “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair, China-Nigeria Film Festival, China-Nigeria cultural week. Meantime, both sides have jointly celebrated”World Cultural Day”, “International Mother Language Day”, “International Museum Day” and so on. From these facts, we can say that the cultural exchanges between our two countries have been booming and fruitful in recent years.
Adding that “TV shows has become a part of our daily life, I think film and television are the most vivid form of telling good stories, so why don’t we work together to tell good stories about China and Nigeria through co-production? With the wisdom, knowledge, skill and professionalism of many talents in the film and television industries of our two countries, I have full confidence that the co-production will surely have a promising future”.
The Director General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Dembos, represented by the General Manager, NTA Hausa service, Mr. Aminu Ishaq Abbasa, said that the collaboration between the two media groups is as part of synergy to promote Asia and African languages, with a greater emphasis on Hausa language, with a purpose to showcase the beauty in diversity and close link between Nigeria and China.
“The Nigerian Television Authority will continue to collaborate with international television networks to promote and foster global unity and peace. Today’s event is one of such efforts by the NTA to support the initiative of CMG to come up with a series of television documentary in Hausa as part of deliberate policy for cultural exchange between the people of the republic of China and Hausa speaking communities not only in Nigeria or Africa but the world at large.
He also noted that : “Understanding the dynamics of languages, the Nigerian television authority placed premium for establishment of three television channels in Hausa Igbo and Yoruba for the promotion of culture and tradition of these ethnic groups. These channels also provide linkages as they take care of diverse communities in hard to reach areas”.
Mr. Abbas added that “The choice of the Nigerian television authority by china media group for this project is quite apt, as the symbiotic relationship will consolidate the existing diplomatic tie between Nigeria and china. As we unveil the project today let me assure our partners that the interest of our country Nigeria is paramount and NTA will not do anything to undermine our national interest”.
The Director General, further explained why Hausa was chosen, as the preferred language of broadcast.
“The Chinese understand that Hausa language is becoming an internationally accepted language. The Chinese want to capture more of Nigerian spaces and taking Hausa as one of languages in expanding not only in Nigeria but Africa is the right choice”
The the Kwadon Baka program has been broadcasted for three years.
NTA is to provide a producer and the China Media Group will provide co-producer.
