Abuja – Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, has called on journalists to contribute their quota in the efforts to drive the current Change Agenda to aid national development.
Mohammed, represented by Mrs Oluseyi Abegunde, Director, Press Centre in the ministry, made this call at Public Presentation and Launch of the book “China in the Eyes of an African Journalist” in Abuja on Tuesday.
The book is written by Mr Julius Enehikhuere, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Mohammed said “I also encourage other journalists to contribute their quota in the effort to drive the current Change Agenda in their areas of interest.
“It is with great pleasure that I celebrate the launching of this book coming at a time when the country is forging stronger old and new partnership with our friends to drive Change Agenda in the country.
“In this effort, all hands must be on deck in driving the ship of state in the desired direction and therefore no contribution is small.’’
He held that the critical drive toward changing the society placed the journalist at the centre of things to reposition and refocus the country for the good of all.
Mohammed said the launch of the book by a journalist was part of the country’s efforts to reassess its partnership with its foreign friends.
Minister of FCT and Chairman of the occasion, Malam Mohammed Bello said the book was of interest to many and had peaked the curiosity of all.
“When you view something through the eyes of another person, you get a better perspective.’’
Represented by the Director of Information, Mrs Stella Ojeme, Mohammed said China had maintained a cordial bilateral relations with Nigeria.
“This is evident as both countries’ volume of trade continues to grow exponentially.’’
The Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Ima Niboro, said the publication of the book was like the birth of child “as it brings forth new ideas, opens new vistas and illuminates the mind to make the society better for all.
Niboro, represented by Mr Jones Afolabi, Executive Director Administration and Accounts of NAN, said “the book expands the vista of human society just as it brings better and stronger understanding of humanity, social interaction and international relations.
“Travels, information and communication technology have combined to shrink the world into a global village in our era making information readily available at the click of the mouse of a computer.
“But this has not diminished the role and critical importance of the book. It is against this background that I welcome this immense work and contribution by Julius Enehikhuere, a staff of NAN.
Mr Qin Jian, Charge d’ Affaires of China’s Embassy in Nigeria, said 2016 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Nigeria.
He said in the past, through the joint efforts between the two sides, the political, mutual trust between the two countries had been enhanced.
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“Economic ties forged closer and mutual understanding between our two peoples deepened further.’’
Author of the book, Mr Julius Enehikhuere said he was inspired to write the book through the support of the Chinese Government which created a friendly environment.
He particularly said such inspiration also “came from the book written by China’s unassuming President, Xi Jinping, entitled, “The Governance of China.’’
Enehikhuere said the book described the governance of China as delicate as “frying a small fish’’, adding “I consider such a proverb as thought-provoking.
“I then came to the conclusion that China and Africa have come of age and that Africa needs experience of China, including her colonial history to growing a shared destiny in a win-win situation.
“My appeal in this book is for us in Africa to put in place positive responses to China’s challenge. I am full of confidence that Nigeria can lead this crusade.
“We have everything that China needs in Africa. Just name it.’’ (NAN)