The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Chinese media outlets to collaborate with Nigeria and other international partners in combating fake news and misinformation.
Idris made this call on Thursday at the unveiling of a television documentary titled “Traverse China with Me” held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
The documentary is a joint initiative by the Nigerian Television Authority and the China Media Group.
In a statement issued by Deputy Director of Press, Suleiman Haruna, Idris emphasized the crucial role of the media in shaping society, fostering mutual understanding, and contributing to meaningful development.
He highlighted that the collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese media through this documentary aims to strengthen the relationship between the two countries by promoting cultural and language exchange.
“The collaboration will have a positive impact on social affairs, economic development, and cultural advancement,” the Minister stated, praising the efforts of both CMG and NTA in delivering accurate news and meaningful programming.
He also stressed the importance of balanced reporting, particularly in showcasing progress and achievements that inspire hope for future growth.
“The Minister indicated that the documentary, which aims to strengthen the relationship between Nigerian television stations and the Chinese media, is part of efforts to enhance the ties between the people of Nigeria and China through cultural and language exchange and modern communication channels available in both countries.
“The Minister commended the authorities of CMG and the NTA for their efforts in providing accurate news and meaningful programs for the advancement of both countries. He said the collaboration will positively impact social affairs, economic development, and cultural advancement.
“He restated the need for balance in news reporting, especially in highlighting progress and achievements and producing programs that inspire hope for future growth,” the statement read in part.
Idris highlighted that Nigeria’s youth are vibrant and hardworking, constantly seeking opportunities despite facing numerous challenges.
However, he noted that these challenges are often intensified by the spread of fake news and misinformation, which erode trust between the government and its citizens.
The Minister urged Chinese media outlets to work with Nigerian and international counterparts to combat the harmful trend of fake news.
He also encouraged the China Media Group (CMG) to expand its presence in Nigeria by incorporating local languages such as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin into their programming. This move, he suggested, would not only help convey messages more effectively but also create employment and training opportunities for Nigerians.
“He called on Chinese media outlets to join Nigeria and collaborate with international counterparts to end the negative trend and ensure reliability and credibility in the spread of information.
“The Minister also called on CMG to expand its media presence in Nigeria by incorporating more languages including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin to convey messages and provide employment opportunities and training for Nigerians,” the statement added.
Speaking earlier, the Director for the Hausa Language at CMG, Kande Gao, highlighted the close relationship between China and Nigeria, noting that both nations share a common destiny.
Gao praised the collaborative efforts that led to “Traverse China with Me,” noting that the program has become particularly popular in Hausa-speaking areas of Nigeria.
