Follow Us on Google
By Oluseye Ojo
The Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria French Language Village, Badagry, Lagos, Prof. Lateef Ayeleru, has emphasised the crucial importance of French language proficiency for Nigerian youths in today’s globalised world.
Speaking at a send-off ceremony for 59 students and accompanying teachers from Emerald High Schools in Ogun and Lagos States, who had just completed a week-long customised French Language Immersion Programme, he highlighted the advantages of bilingualism in various professional fields.
According to Ayeleru, Nigerian youths who possess French as a second international language stand to excel in sectors such as tech, online businesses, and social media.
He explained that skills such as coding, copywriting, freelancing, content creation, and development, as well as other internet-based professions, are greatly enhanced by bilingualism.
Ayeleru stressed that being bilingual would open doors to accessing knowledge across various language barriers and opportunities to engage with top-ranking local, regional, and international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The week-long programme provided a range of activities, including classroom and language laboratory sessions, French songs and poetry, sporting events, film screenings, and local excursions.
Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, through visits to historical sites, such as the Seriki Williams Abass Brazilian Barracoon Cells of 1840, the Mobee Family Slave Relics Museum, and the Badagry Heritage Museum.
They also explored significant locations related to early Christian missionaries and Nigeria’s historical landmarks.
The programme also featured a special celebration of Francophony Day (Journee de la Francophonie), with university undergraduate students participating in activities such as a march-past and sack race.
The event was further enriched by the participation of Emerald students.
