Voice of Nigeria (VON), Nigeria’s statutory external radio broadcasting station, is working in partnership with China to begin broadcasting in Mandarin.
VON Director General, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, disclosed this on Saturday evening in Abuja, while speaking at a dinner organised by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) group of ambassadors and high commissioners.
Ndace said VON aimed to reach a broader audience with pro-Nigerian content by broadcasting in Mandarin, China’s official language spoken by more than 70% of the Chinese population.
According to him, the plan is part of the broadcasting station’s commitment to promoting Nigeria globally.
“I am currently exploring opportunities for VON to begin broadcasting in Mandarin, thanks to our partnership with the Chinese government.
“This collaboration will enable us to reach a vast audience in China and promote cultural exchange between our nations.
“Let us take control of our narrative and earn global respect. We need to be intentional about creating a positive narrative about Nigeria and Africa,” he declared.
Partnership
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ndace also called for partnership between SADC countries and VON, promising to provide VON platforms for SADC journalists to share their stories and vice versa.
The DG urged stakeholders and diplomats to unite in promoting a positive narrative about Africa, celebrating its common future, and working towards a brighter tomorrow for all Africans.
Profile
Voice of Nigeria began operations in 1961 as the External Service of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), which later became the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The station currently broadcasts news and programmes to a global audience in 8 different languages. These are English, French, Arabic, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Fulfulde, and Kiswahili.
NP/NAN
