Nigeria and China have renewed their commitment to strengthening cultural and economic diplomacy through film and creative industries.
This pledge was emphasized at a symposium in Lagos themed “Promoting Cultural and Economic Diplomacy Through Film.” The event was organized by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the Chinese Consulate General, and other stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of NIIA Director-General Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Research Professor Femi Otubanjo highlighted the historic role of culture and film in diplomacy, noting how Nollywood and Afrobeats are now reshaping global perceptions of Nigeria.
“Today, Nigerian music and Nollywood are taking over arenas worldwide, creating not only cultural influence but also significant economic activities,” he said.
Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, described film as a “universal language that transcends borders.” She praised Nollywood’s global impact and referenced China’s century-long film tradition and its $6 billion industry. Yuqing also recalled the success of the 2023 Chinese Film Festival in Lagos.
Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, urged practical cooperation in production, training, and infrastructure. He proposed co-production treaties, technical exchanges, and collaborations in animation, soundstage development, and community cinemas.
“When Nigeria and China collaborate through film, they are not just telling stories. They are shaping global narratives and strengthening bilateral relations,” Husseini said.
Director of Studies at NIIA, Prof. Efem Ubi, added that culture and entertainment are powerful diplomatic tools that can reshape international perceptions of Nigeria. He called for more deliberate efforts to project positive narratives about the country.
The symposium, co-hosted with Trim Network and MESPA, also featured screenings of Nigerian films such as Ramona Yahya’s Tradition and Ijeoma Richard’s documentary Úru ígbă bòi, reinforcing film’s role as a bridge between nations.
About the author
Spain vs Argentina Finalissima cancelled over Middle East crisis
The 2026 Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina has been cancelled due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the failure to agree on a new venue.Spain, winners of Euro 2024, and Argentina, Copa América 2024 champions, had been scheduled to meet on March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. UEFA confirmed in a statement that the game could not go ahead in Qatar because of the current political and security situation in the region.The announcement came after US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and rising tensions that officials said made hosting the match there unsuitable. Following Qatar’s withdrawal as host, UEFA, CONMEBOL and local organisers explored other options, including moving the match to Madrid or Buenos Aires.However, no agreement was reached, with the Argentine Football Association insisting the game be played on neutral ground rather than […]
I left acting for music, not because of trauma, says Ray Emodi
Nollywood actor and singer Ray Emodi has clarified that he did not leave acting because of trauma or family pressure, but to fully pursue his passion for music.He said recent reports suggesting that his exit from Nollywood was driven mainly by traumatic experiences were misleading and did not capture his true motivation. Emodi explained that music has always been his first love and that he had been combining it with acting for years before deciding to focus on it completely.According to him, continuing to split his time between both fields was holding him back from reaching his full potential as an artiste. He confirmed that he had faced difficult moments on some movie sets, including unsafe locations and stressful work conditions, but insisted that these were not the main reasons for his decision.He also noted that while he has spoken […]
Super Eagles friendlies with Jordan, Iran moved to Turkey
The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ planned friendly matches against Jordan and Iran have been moved from the Middle East to Turkey.The games, originally scheduled for Amman in Jordan later this month, were relocated because of rising tensions and security concerns in the region. Nigeria had been set to play Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31 in a four nation invitational tournament that also involved Costa Rica.However, Iran has since withdrawn from the event, meaning the Super Eagles will now only take on Jordan in the rearranged programme. According to updates from the Jordan Football Association, the tournament will now take place in Antalya, a major football and tourism hub in Turkey.Officials said the new venue offers a safer environment and easier travel for teams, match officials and supporters. The NFF sees the […]
Man United sink Aston Villa, boost Champions League hopes
Manchester United strengthened their push for a return to the UEFA Champions League with a 3–1 home win over top four rivals Aston Villa on Sunday.The result keeps United ahead of Villa in the league table and gives them a crucial advantage in the tight race for European places. United started brightly and took control of the game with sharp attacking play and high pressing.Their pressure paid off as they broke through Villa’s defence to grab the opening goal and settle early nerves at Old Trafford. Aston Villa responded and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, creating moments of danger for the home side.The visitors eventually levelled, reminding United of the stakes in a match that could shape both clubs’ seasons. United, however, refused to lose control and struck again to restore their lead, lifting the atmosphere inside the […]
Netanyahu mocks false social media rumours about his death
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mocked viral social media rumours falsely claiming that he had died.The claims spread online after his recent televised address, with some users even suggesting the video was generated by artificial intelligence. In response, Netanyahu posted a short video on his official X account, filmed at a cafe outside Jerusalem, to show he is alive and well.Receiving a cup of coffee, he joked in Hebrew, “I’m dead for coffee,” using a common phrase meaning he really loves coffee. He then raised his hands to the camera and asked viewers if they wanted to count his fingers, directly addressing online speculation that earlier footage showed him with six fingers.Social media users had shared slowed clips and screenshots of his last address, claiming what they called an “AI finger glitch” proved the video was fake. Netanyahu used […]
Tinubu has ended Southeast marginalisation, says Umahi
Minister of Works, David Umahi, says President Bola Tinubu has effectively ended the long standing political and infrastructural marginalisation of the Southeast region.He stated this while speaking at a public event where he reviewed federal projects and appointments linked to the zone. Umahi explained that, under Tinubu, the Southeast is receiving more federal attention than at any other time since the return to democracy in 1999.According to him, previous administrations did not give the region the level of inclusion and investment it is currently enjoying. He pointed to his own appointment as Minister of Works as a major signal of change, describing it as the first time since independence that someone from the Southeast is heading the ministry.Umahi said this position has allowed the region to have a stronger voice in national infrastructure planning and execution. The minister listed several […]
Related
One Battle After Another dominates Oscars 2026
The biggest names in cinema gathered in Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the Academy Awards, celebrating the most outstanding films and performances of the year. Political drama One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony, winning six awards including Best Picture and Best Director. The film’s director, Paul Thomas Anderson, secured his first Oscar after several previous nominations. In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, while Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor award for his performance in Sinners. Both had been widely tipped as strong contenders throughout the awards season. The Best Supporting Actress prize went to Amy Madigan for her role in Weapons. Meanwhile, Sean Penn earned Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another, adding another major honour to the film’s successful night. Among other major winners, animated film KPop […]
I left acting for music, not because of trauma, says Ray Emodi
Nollywood actor and singer Ray Emodi has clarified that he did not leave acting because of trauma or family pressure, but to fully pursue his passion for music.He said recent reports suggesting that his exit from Nollywood was driven mainly by traumatic experiences were misleading and did not capture his true motivation. Emodi explained that music has always been his first love and that he had been combining it with acting for years before deciding to focus on it completely.According to him, continuing to split his time between both fields was holding him back from reaching his full potential as an artiste. He confirmed that he had faced difficult moments on some movie sets, including unsafe locations and stressful work conditions, but insisted that these were not the main reasons for his decision.He also noted that while he has spoken […]
Netanyahu mocks false social media rumours about his death
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mocked viral social media rumours falsely claiming that he had died.The claims spread online after his recent televised address, with some users even suggesting the video was generated by artificial intelligence. In response, Netanyahu posted a short video on his official X account, filmed at a cafe outside Jerusalem, to show he is alive and well.Receiving a cup of coffee, he joked in Hebrew, “I’m dead for coffee,” using a common phrase meaning he really loves coffee. He then raised his hands to the camera and asked viewers if they wanted to count his fingers, directly addressing online speculation that earlier footage showed him with six fingers.Social media users had shared slowed clips and screenshots of his last address, claiming what they called an “AI finger glitch” proved the video was fake. Netanyahu used […]
Tinubu has ended Southeast marginalisation, says Umahi
Minister of Works, David Umahi, says President Bola Tinubu has effectively ended the long standing political and infrastructural marginalisation of the Southeast region.He stated this while speaking at a public event where he reviewed federal projects and appointments linked to the zone. Umahi explained that, under Tinubu, the Southeast is receiving more federal attention than at any other time since the return to democracy in 1999.According to him, previous administrations did not give the region the level of inclusion and investment it is currently enjoying. He pointed to his own appointment as Minister of Works as a major signal of change, describing it as the first time since independence that someone from the Southeast is heading the ministry.Umahi said this position has allowed the region to have a stronger voice in national infrastructure planning and execution. The minister listed several […]
Middle East crisis: NLC demands COLA, wage award, tax relief
The Nigeria Labour Congress has asked the Federal Government to introduce immediate measures such as cost of living allowance, wage awards and tax relief to cushion the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on Nigerian workers.The union said rising global tensions have worsened fuel prices, transport costs and inflation, deepening hardship for salaries that were already inadequate. NLC President Joe Ajaero noted that workers were struggling even before the latest spike in energy costs and warned that many households can no longer cope without urgent support.He explained that the current N70,000 minimum wage has been overtaken by inflation and does not reflect the real cost of food, transport, housing and basic services. The NLC is therefore pushing for a cost of living allowance to be paid on top of existing wages so that workers can absorb sudden price shocks.Ajaero […]
Iran warns against wider war as Trump urges allies to escort ships
Iran has warned foreign countries not to join a proposed naval coalition to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, saying wider involvement could escalate the ongoing conflict into a broader war.The warning came after US President Donald Trump called on allies and major energy importers to send warships to protect vessels in the strategic waterway. In a phone call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged France and other nations to refrain from any action that might expand the fighting.He cautioned that further militarisation of the Gulf could push the region toward a confrontation that would be difficult to control. Iran has previously said it is prepared for a prolonged conflict with the United States and Israel and warned that such a war could severely damage or even “destroy” the global economy.The country […]