By Tare Youdeowei

THE Nigeria French Language Village, (Inter-University Centre for French Studies) Ajara, Badagry has adopted its own anthem. The anthem of the 25 years old institution was formerly unveiled recently by the Director/CEO Prof. Raufu Adebisi.   The guest speaker at the occasion was Dr. Ambrose Olutayo Somide of the DAAR Communications.   Music consultants for the French Village Anthem were Mr. Bode Atere former Music Instructor, Nigerian Navy School of Music and Rev. Ekpenyong Bassey of Karis Music Ministries.

In his opening address the Director/CEO Prof. Raufu Adebisi x-rayed the activities of the Village since inception in 1991. According to him, the institution in its 25 years of existence has provided outstanding French teaching and learning to foreigners and Nigerians from all works of life. He stressed that while its primary mandate is targeted at the undergraduates of French in Nigerian Universities and Colleges of Education, the Village, as fondly referred to by staff, students and friends, offers services to Nigerians desirous of the knowledge of French.   He pointed out that the Institution has trained a number of diplomats, officers and men of the armed forces, and para-military personnel among others.

He posited that anthems are often laden with emotions and charges aimed at arousing passion, dedication and commitment towards primary entity.   He urged staff and students to learn and know each word of the anthem by heart and promote the message therein as ambassadors of the Nigeria French Language Village.   He instructed that the anthem be used at every occasion with the NFLV.

In his speech, the guest speaker, Dr. Ambrose Somide thanked the Village for honouring him by the invitation.   He said he was impressed by the development in the Village and urged Nigerians to take the advantage of the institution to learn French fluently.   He maintained that one of his regrets as a journalist and a presenter is the inability to speak French.   To demonstrate his appreciation for the Village; its Mission and Vision, Dr. Ambrose Somide volunteered to be the Ambassador of the French Village. The offer received a loud ovation from staff students, and the audience that graced the occasion.   Embedded into the music programme were guest artists from the Republic of Benin and Old students of the Village who performed using the medium of the French language in the music.

The French Village Music day and Mini Concert was fully endorsed by the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN).

Conseil International des Radios – Televisions d’expression francaise (CIRTEF) (International Council of French Radio & Television) TV5 and DAAR Communications provided official media cover for the event.