Punch Newspaper – Nigeria
Interviewer: The Belt and Road Forum just concluded,can you provide us with some insights?
Interviewee: Absolutely! The Belt and Road Forum (BRF) has recently concluded, and it was an event of great significance. This forum brought together numerous countries to discuss and promote cooperation in various areas such as trade, infrastructure, and connectivity. The forum aims to strengthen international relations and foster economic growth on a global scale. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road initiative, making the Belt and Road Forum one of the most important diplomatic events of the year. During the forum, the Chinese President emphasized the importance of accelerating international trade corridors through land, air, and sea routes. With representatives from over 120 countries, it was a significant gathering indeed. Notably, the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, attended the forum, showcasing the strong relationship between China and Nigeria. This is the third forum of its kind, with the first two being held in 2017 and 2019. It’s safe to say COVID-19 prevented a potential third forum until now.
Interviewer: How was Nigeria’s presence perceived at the forum?
Interviewee: Nigeria, being the largest economy in Africa, is a strategic partner for China. During Vice President Shettima’s visit, he met with China’s President Xi Jinping. President Xi emphasized the cooperative projects between China and Nigeria, especially in sectors like railways, ports, and power stations andexpressed the country’s willingness to continue working with Nigeria to achieve more tangible achievements through the Belt and Road cooperationand to support Nigeria’s industrialization and agricultural modernization. Overall, Nigeria’s presence was well-received, and both parties are committed to high-quality practical cooperation as it were.
Interviewee: In my opinion, and as I stated in the article published in China Daily, the Belt and Road initiative has gone beyond being a mere blueprint and has become a reality. It has proven to be politically, economically, and culturally beneficial for both China and Africa. It’s truly a win-win relationship that generates enormous opportunities and dividends. It can aid indeed in achieving a community of shared future for all of humanity. As we know, one of its main goals is to promote intra-Africa trade by connecting the continent through infrastructure. This can lead to job creation and improved quality of life for many Africans. So, in my honest opinion, it is a very timely and productive initiative favourable to both sides.
Interviewer: Some critics claim that the Belt and Road initiative is a way for China to export its culture. What are your thoughts on this?
Interviewee: Culture is an essential aspect of international relations that is often overlooked. Effective cross-cultural communication is crucial to avoiding misunderstandings among nations. Through the Belt and Road initiative, China and Africa have engaged in various activities to promote cultural understanding, strengthening communication between the two sides. This includes appreciating the diversity and uniqueness of each other’s cultures and even the desire to learn each other’s languages. For instance, Dr Micheal M.E. the Director of the Centre for Nigerian Studies which is under the Institute for African Studies in the prestigious Zhejiang University, Jinhua, is currently in the University of Ibadanwith some of his Chinese students for an exchange program between his Institute and University of Ibadan. This is indeed an important component of the Belt and Road initiative.
Interviewer: You were the only African judge for this year’s Digital Trade Cup: BRI International Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Could you share some details about this experience?
Interviewee: Absolutely! I had the honour of being selected as one of the esteemed judges for this year’s BRI International Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. This event celebrated the 10th anniversary of the BRI and the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the “Double Eight Strategies” in Zhejiang. The competition was organized by the Zhejiang Africa Service Center and hosted by the prestigious Zhejiang University International Business School, also known as the “Cambridge University” of China. The school is renowned for its innovative, inclusive, and integrative approach to education. There were distinguished guests, including the Dean, Prof. Ben Shenglin, Wang LI Yue, the Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC, Zhejiang Province, Director Xie Qi and many dignitaries in attendance. It was a pleasure to meet fellow judges such as Jerry Yang, a General Partner at Roselake Ventures, a platform that invests in early-stage tech companies across Africa and Dickie Yi, the author of Cross-border E-commerce Network and Marketing. The presence of esteemed lecturers from renowned Chinese universities, including Wu Hongkuan from Jiliang University, Jufe Wang from Jiangxi University, and Wang Huanxiang from Jiaxing University, made the experience even more exceptional. It was truly an honour to be among these brilliant minds.
Interviewer: Are you a member of the Zhejiang Africa Service Center?
Interviewee: Currently, I am not a member of the Zhejiang Africa Service Center. However, we are in discussions to potentially become their West African Director, and I am excited about the potential projects we can achieve together. I must emphasize that this centre, under the CABC, boasts approximately 3000 member companies, such as Golden Gates and Chilwee Energy in Nigeria, those companies are undertaking projects in about 50 African countries. Consequently, it is a significantly influential platform, and I am genuinely honoured to have been invited to participate in its activities.
Interviewer: Were there any Nigerian participants in the competition?
Interviewee: Absolutely! There were exceptional Nigerians showcasing their charming and innovative ideas, which was not surprising considering the innate creativity of the Nigerian and I dare say, African people. For instance, Muhammad Nasir Ibrahim, a master’s Student in Construction Project Management at Zhejiang University, and his teammate, Haruna Bayoh from Sierra Leone, presented an incredible idea that has the potential to revolutionize construction in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Unfortunately, I cannot provide specific details about their work. Additionally, there were talented teams from Nigeria and other African countries, including Anas and his team. Nigeria was undeniably well-represented in the competition.
Interviewer: Let’s talk about your expertise, Queen. I understand that you are a Diplomatic Discourse Analyst. Can you explain what diplomatic discourse entails?
Interviewee: Diplomatic discourse is a fascinating field that delves into the intricacies of diplomatic languages, policies, debates, and even images. It goes beyond the mere words and actions of diplomats or a country’s officials, encompassing how diplomatic languages are understood or interpreted and how a country’s image is constructed, perceived, and maintained. At its core, diplomatic discourse focuses on how language is constructed, communicated, and, in the case of China, translated in international settings.
Interviewer: That sounds like a truly interesting course. Are there any universities in Nigeria or anywhere in Africa currently offering this program?
Interviewee: Unfortunately, to my knowledge, there are no tertiary institutions in Nigeria or the whole of Africa that offer this particular course. Even in China, it is not widely popular yet. Within my department, under the guidance of Prof. Yang Mingxing, I am currently the only African interested in this field of study. However, it is one of the projects that my friend, Dr. Michael, and I hope to propose to institutions in Nigeria. My dream is for Nigerian and African universities to embrace this vital but often overlooked field of study. That is why I founded the Center for China-Africa Discourse Studies.
Interviewer: Could you explain to us what exactly the Institute for China-Africa Discourse Studies does?
Interviewee: The Center for China-Africa Discourse Studies aims to foster a deeper understanding of China’s diplomatic discourse in Africa. Our goal is to also elaborate on the unique African diplomatic approach to China, ultimately improving relations between these two regions. Given the increasing importance of China-Africa relations in today’s global political landscape, this institute strives to emphasize the need for diplomatic translation, reshape negative discourse surrounding China-Africa relations and promote a more inclusive, well-informed global narrative. Through scholarly research, dialogue, and advocacy, we aim to foster equality and mutual benefit in diplomacy, and people-to-people cooperation between China and Africa. Our current focus is on China, Nigeria, and Ghana, but we plan to expand to cover all major regions in Africa and offer free training to students in international relations. Additionally, we aim to collaborate with ministries of foreign affairs to help create and project a more positive national and regional image. It is also our hope that through the institute, we can employ Africans who studied in China
Interviewer: With your background in diplomacy, do you collaborate with the Nigerian embassy and consulates in China? What has been your impression of their work?
Interviewee: Yes, I do collaborate with the Nigerian embassy and consulates in China. I have had the privilege of meeting the Ambassador, HE Baba Ahmad Jidda, and I must say that we couldn’t have asked for a better representation in China. Many Chinese individuals that I have interacted with hold him in high esteem, and he is truly a father figure to many Nigerians. I even had a chance to chat with him on Instagram a few months ago, which demonstrates his accessibility. As for the consulates, I have also had the pleasure of working with the former Nigerian Consul General in Shanghai and current Ambassador to Australia, HE Anderson Madubike. He is an exceptional individual. The current Consul General, Hon. Chimezie Ogu, is a true gentleman, and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions. Mr Dayo Lawal, former acting Consul General in Guangzhou, remains a dear friend. Mr. Silvester Owuh, who also served in the Consulate in Shanghai but now works in the presidency, deserves a mention as well. I speak for many Nigerians when I say that we have been fortunate to have such outstanding representatives here in China.
Interviewer: Is there a platform for Nigerians in China?
Interviewee: Absolutely! The Nigerian in Diaspora Organization in China is a captivating platform that has branches in all regions of the country. There are convenient WeChat platforms for all Nigerians to connect and engage with one another. Notably, the previous president of NIDO China, Bar. Justina Ajala was incredibly active and involved in not only Nigerian affairs but also anything related to Africa. The current Vice President of the organization, Okpozae G.O., who was among the team that warmly welcomed the Vice President, was a former candidate for the House of Representatives in Lagos state. So, the organization has many reputable and responsible leaders. Alongside NIDO, there are also provincial and city-level platforms throughout China. We are not only a united and organized group but also a passionate and amiable community. Without a doubt, there is a vibrant platform for Nigerians here in China.
Source: Punch News
