By Yahya Alhassan
President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigeria
Distinguished guests, colleagues, friends in the media, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour to stand before you today to share my experiences, reflections, and observations from two remarkable visits to China—first in 2019, when we toured various media outlets, and more recently in 2025, during a visit to Jiangxi Province. These visits have not only broadened my perspective as a media professional but also reinforced the importance of mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and the role of civilized dialogue in our interconnected world.
The 2019 Visit to Chinese Media Outlets: In 2019, I was privileged to be part of a media exchange program that took me to some of China’s leading media institutions, including state and private broadcasting houses, digital platforms, and community-based media centres. I was particularly impressed by their integration of technology, content professionalism, and a deep sense of national storytelling. What stood out for me was the emphasis on media as a tool for national unity and development. The Chinese media’s ability to balance modern digital trends with traditional cultural values was both fascinating and instructive. I saw a deliberate effort to use communication not just for news reporting but also for promoting harmony, social cohesion, and development priorities. I came away with renewed understanding of how media can be a bridge between the government and the people, and how it can shape public opinion without losing its sense of responsibility.
My 2025 Experience in Jiangxi Province: Fast forward to 2025, and I had the privilege of visiting Jiangxi Province—a region rich in history, culture, and innovation. The experience was deeply enlightening. Jiangxi offered a different lens into China’s grassroots development. From visiting rural revitalization projects to interacting with CEOs of Various Industries I witnessed a practical demonstration of community-led progress. The spirit of innovation was everywhere—green energy initiatives, digital agriculture, and localized storytelling through new media platforms. I was also struck by the strong sense of cultural preservation amidst modernization. In Jingdezhen, for example—the ancient porcelain capital—I saw how art, history, and heritage were not only preserved but turned into viable economic ventures. That blend of tradition and progress left a lasting impression.
On Civilized Dialogue: Across both visits, one thing remained constant—the Chinese emphasis on dialogue rooted in respect, patience, and shared understanding. Civilized dialogue, I’ve come to learn, is not merely about exchanging ideas It involves
- Listening with empathy
- Recognizing cultural differences without judgment;
- Adaptations a model to create wealth through poverty alleviation strategies
- And promoting mutual respect as a foundation for cooperation.
Whether in media interactions or community engagement, I saw how dialogue served as a tool for building consensus, resolving conflict, and fostering partnerships. In today’s world—marked by increasing polarization—this is a lesson we must all take seriously.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations:
- Media Exchange is Vital: Programs that enable journalists and communicators to experience other cultures first-hand should be encouraged. It builds trust and corrects misconceptions.
- Invest in Local Media Innovation: We must take a cue from how Chinese provinces like Jiangxi have empowered local storytellers with tools and training. Nigeria’s own community media and Africa in General can benefit immensely from such models.
- Promote Civilized Dialogue in National Discourse: Our democratic and multicultural landscape requires a stronger culture of respectful dialogue—in media, politics, and public engagement.
- Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy: Beyond government-to-government relations, people-to-people and media-to-media ties must be deepened as a pillar of our foreign policy and regional cooperation.
In Conclusion: My visits to China in 2019 and in 2025 were journeys of learning and reflection. They have expanded my view of what is possible when media, culture, and dialogue work hand in hand for the greater good. Let us continue to engage, to share, and to learn from one another with an open heart and a respectful voice. Thank you for Listening.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.