The Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has emphasized the critical role media outlets play in shaping society by promoting mutual understanding and driving development. His remarks were made during the launch of a new television documentary, “Traverse China with Me,” a collaborative effort between the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the China Media Group (CMG).
Suleiman Haruna, the Deputy Director of Press at the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, stated that the documentary aims to enhance the relationship between Nigerian and Chinese media, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries through cultural and language exchanges, as well as modern communication channels.
Minister Idris praised the partnership between CMG and NTA for their commitment to delivering accurate news and meaningful content, which he believes will positively impact social affairs, economic growth, and cultural understanding in both Nigeria and China. He stressed the importance of balanced news reporting that highlights progress and inspires hope for future development.
The Minister also acknowledged the challenges posed by fake news and misinformation, which can undermine trust and create societal discord. He called for collaborative efforts between Chinese, Nigerian, and international media to counter these negative influences and ensure the credibility of information.
To further enhance media collaboration, Minister Idris encouraged CMG to expand its presence in Nigeria by incorporating local languages such as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin. This approach would help communicate messages more effectively and create job opportunities and training for Nigerians.
Kande Gao, Director for Hathe USA Language at CMG, highlighted the strong ties between China and Nigeria, emphasizing that both nations share a common destiny and should continue to build on their partnership. She noted that programs like “Traverse China with Me” are instrumental in fostering understanding between the two countries, with the show being particularly popular in Hausa-speaking regions of Nigeria.
The launch event was attended by representatives from various media organizations, including the Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation.
