By Ada Okafor
The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Dr Chris Isiguzo has tasked the Nigerian media, to not only merely report events but to illuminate the path to inspire action and to empower fellow citizens with knowledge and understanding to shape public discourse and foster accountability.
Isiguzo made the call in his goodwill message during a one-day dialogue hosted by the CMG Global Media and the University of Abuja at the China Cultural Center in Abuja, Tuesday.
According to the NUJ boss, represented by Chief Malachy Uzendu, the Editor, The AUTHORITY Newspapers, not only media professionals but members of the academia, think tanks and regional organizations must take up the responsibility of shaping public discourse, fostering accountability, and championing the values of transparency and integrity.
According to him, “the enduring bond between China and Africa, and the pivotal role of the media in fostering understanding, collaboration, and progress on the global stage”, must be put to task always in shaping the future of Nigeria.
It is with great pleasure and immense pride that I extend my warmest greetings to all of you gathered here today for the “China in Spring” Global Media Dialogue, particularly to our gracious hosts from China Media Group CMG Africa and their esteemed partners from the University of Abuja.
He stated: “The theme of today’s event, ‘Strengthening China-Africa Cooperation to Achieve High-Quality Growth with New Productivity’, resonates deeply with the aspirations of the Nigerian media landscape.
“By leveraging the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and embracing a spirit of openness and collaboration, we can chart a course towards a brighter and more prosperous future for our peoples.
“I commend the organizers for their foresight in convening this dialogue, which provides a platform for robust discussions and exchange of ideas on how to further innovate ways and means of China-Africa cooperation”.
The Director-General Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, highlighted importance of the media towards galvanising development and inclusivity to unlock new opportunities for growth and expansion.
He noted that aside broadcasting in several Nigerian local and international lnguages, VON is planning on expanding its broadcast platforms to include Mandarin (Chinese language) to be broadcast through its channels.
He applauded the steady and undaunting striving of China in getting the global community to develop through practical processes.
Mr. Silas Nwaoha, the immediate-past Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), speaking, encapsulated his experiences with the Chinese government, especially their catch-them-young policies.
He advised Nigeria to leverage on its relationship with China and improve the living atandard of the citizenry through bilateral relations with China and other countries across the world.
Other guests who spoke included Mr. Wang Yingqi, Minister Counsellor of the China Embassy in Nigeria; Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja; Alhaji Yabagi Yusuf Sani, Chairman, Africa Democratic Party (ADP) who doubles as the Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), among others, all dissected areas through which Nigeria can benefit leveraging on China-Africa policy trajectory.
