By Chiemeka Ugwowo, ABUJA
FRCN, Chinese Embassy Mark 456 Days of ‘Ni Hao China’
Bulama highlights cultural diplomacy, digital broadcasting and stronger Nigeria-China ties
The Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mohammed Bulama, has reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy, promoting language learning and deepening people-to-people relations between Nigeria and China through broadcasting.
Bulama stated this at the celebration of the 456-day anniversary of Ni Hao China, a collaborative programme of FRCN and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, held at Radio Nigeria.
He described the programme as a successful initiative that had moved beyond what some initially considered a broadcast experiment to become a platform for cultural education, international cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries.
According to him, the programme was conceived to build a bridge of friendship between Nigeria and China through language, music, cultural heritage and shared experiences.
“Today, as we celebrate 456 days of this remarkable programme, I proudly stand before this distinguished gathering to declare that the bridge is not only built; it is thriving with the traffic of friendship and mutual understanding,” Bulama said.
He noted that although Nigeria and China had maintained diplomatic relations for decades, their relationship had often been viewed through the lenses of trade, infrastructure and diplomacy.
However, he said Ni Hao China had introduced an important additional dimension by bringing the people of both countries closer through cultural exchange and communication.
“Ni Hao China has introduced a new essential pillar: the people,” he said.
Bulama explained that the programme had enabled Nigerian listeners to learn about Chinese traditions, festivals, philosophy and technological innovations, while also providing opportunities to showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage to international audiences.
He said the initiative reflected FRCN’s commitment to its motto, “Uplift the People and Unite the Nation,” through public-interest broadcasting and constructive engagement beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The FRCN director-general also highlighted the importance of radio as an accessible and resilient medium capable of connecting people across geographical, linguistic and cultural boundaries.
He commended the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, particularly the Chinese ambassador, and the management of the Chinese Cultural Centre for their partnership and support in sustaining the programme.
Bulama also paid tribute to the producers, presenters and technical crew responsible for the weekly production and broadcast of Ni Hao China, describing their contributions as essential to the programme’s success.
Looking ahead, he urged the programme’s team to develop more compelling content covering Mandarin language lessons, Chinese culture, education, tourism, business, science and technology.
He described China as a major centre of innovation and technological development, stressing the need to use the programme to expose Nigerian audiences to developments and opportunities in the Asian country.
On the future of broadcasting, Bulama said FRCN was working to integrate traditional radio with digital media to expand its reach and improve audience participation.
He disclosed that the corporation was adopting digital learning resources, including podcasts, social media clips and audience quizzes, to enable listeners to practise Mandarin and revisit lessons at their convenience.
He further revealed that FRCN was transforming its studio into an audiovisual facility, adding that the forthcoming video platform would provide new opportunities for Ni Hao China to reach wider audiences.
According to him, the development would strengthen the corporation’s ability to deliver content across multiple platforms and respond to changing audience needs.
Bulama maintained that the programme had demonstrated how broadcasting could move international relations beyond institutional and commercial engagements towards stronger personal connections and mutual respect.
He expressed optimism that the partnership between FRCN and the Chinese Embassy would continue to grow, creating more opportunities for cultural understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
Addressing listeners, he thanked them for their feedback, participation and continued support, using the Chinese expression “Xie Xie,” meaning “thank you,” to acknowledge their contribution.
He described the 456-day milestone as the planting of a seed whose benefits would become more evident in the years ahead.
“The 456 days are about planting the seed. In the coming years, we shall harvest the fruits of a partnership that is destined to grow even stronger,” he said.
Bulama concluded by wishing Nigeria, China and FRCN continued progress and congratulating the Ni Hao China team on the anniversary.
The celebration underscored the role of broadcasting in promoting cultural exchange, strengthening international partnerships and bringing people from different backgrounds closer together.
