The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has urged Nigerian journalists to move beyond event reporting and become interpreters of technology, policy and development for ordinary citizens. Speaking at the China Insights and Experience-Sharing Forum in Abuja, Ike emphasized the need for Nigeria to convert its vast resources into tangible benefits through reliable electricity, skills development, innovation and planning.
Ike highlighted that China's experience offers valuable lessons for Nigeria, not for wholesale adoption but for careful adaptation to its realities. The training programme in Shenyang and Beijing exposed Nigerian participants to China's approach to energy security, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, robotics and industrial development. Visits to educational institutions and power facilities demonstrated how research, innovation and technical expertise drive economic growth and improve citizens' lives.
Ike stressed that sustainable development cannot rely solely on natural resources, but requires knowledge, consistent investment in human capacity, technological innovation and long-term planning. She noted that future economic development does not have to rely on increasing fossil-fuel consumption, citing China's pursuit of a more secure, efficient, low-carbon and sustainable energy system through energy efficiency, industrial restructuring and clean-energy development.
The NUJ FCT chairman emphasized that journalists have a special responsibility to explain emerging technologies, stimulate informed public debate and show how policies affect everyday Nigerians. She also stressed that the media must promote accountability and ensure development initiatives deliver real results. Ike added that international cooperation should extend beyond trade and technology to cultural exchange, professional interaction and people-to-people relationships.
Ike called for stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese media professionals through training, knowledge-sharing and exchange programmes. Her remarks align with the NUJ FCT Council's engagement in Nigeria-China cultural cooperation, including the Ni Hao! China radio initiative, which promotes Chinese language learning, cultural understanding and constructive international engagement.
Ike commended the Chinese Cultural Centre, programme organisers and Chinese hosts for creating the learning platform, but warned that the programme's value would be measured by what participants do after returning home. She encouraged participants to share their knowledge with colleagues, apply relevant lessons in their professional and national contexts, and sustain relationships established during their time in China.
Ike expressed optimism for deeper Nigeria-China collaboration in 2027, closing her address with a message of appreciation and a Chinese phrase, "Xièxiè". The programme aims to foster greater understanding and cooperation between Nigeria and China, with a focus on media cooperation and cultural exchange.
Key points
- Comrade Grace Ike calls for Nigerian journalists to become active interpreters of technology, policy and development.
- Ike emphasizes the need for Nigeria to convert its vast resources into tangible benefits through reliable electricity, skills development, innovation and planning.
- The programme aims to foster greater understanding and cooperation between Nigeria and China, with a focus on media cooperation and cultural exchange.
