By Gloria Ikibah
Stakeholders in diplomacy, academia, and the media have dismissed claims of China’s ulterior motives in Africa, as they said the Asian power remains a key development partner on the African continent.
This was the conversation at the Media Executives Workshop for Editors organised by Perfect View Communication and Book Launch held on Wednesday at the China Cultural Center in Abuja.
The event, which featured the unveiling of three books titled Balancing the Narrative: China-Africa Relations, The Blue Print and The Diplomatic Reporter authored by Nigerian journalist, Comrade Raphael Oni, brought together diplomats, media professionals, and scholars to discuss the impact and perception of China’s growing involvement in Africa.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Oni, who recently participated in a media training program in China, described the books as a product of his experience and research.
“There is a gap in understanding China’s role in Africa. A lot of misinformation is being circulated, especially through Western media. This book is my effort to correct that,” he said.
Oni made reference to China’s numerous contributions in areas such as infrastructure, education, and technology, citing projects like roads, railways, and airport construction supported by Chinese funding and expertise.
He also emphasised capacity-building programmes whereby Nigerian professionals and students are to China for training.
The Director of Chinese Studies in Nigeria, Charles Onaikwe, commended Oni’s work, and said that it contributes to knowledge-driven cooperation.
“There are myths surrounding China-Africa relations, but what we need is deeper understanding and accurate information,” he noted.
In his remarks, Mr. Chris Isiguzo, President of the African Union of Journalists, urged Nigerian political leaders to emulate China’s development-driven approach.
“China’s progress is rooted in long-term planning and strong national vision. We can learn a lot from that,” he said.
Diplomatic representatives from the High Commissions of Sierra Leone and Malaysia, as well as the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, also delivered goodwill messages.
They praised the book and emphasized the importance of cultural and media exchanges in building international partnerships.
Participants at the event called for greater collaboration between African and Chinese media to present more balanced narratives and foster mutual understanding. They urged African journalists to take the lead in shaping the continent’s global image by telling stories grounded in fact and experience.
The forum concluded with a consensus that China remains a reliable ally in Africa’s development journey and that dispelling misinformation through responsible journalism is essential for strengthening bilateral ties.
