By Nkiruka Nnorom

The Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Nigeria (GAF) have reaffirmed commitment to supporting young Nigerians as they leverage French language as a tool for building careers, and accessing regional and international opportunities.

The GAP made the commitment during the reception at the Embassy of France to celebrate La Francophonie Month 2026.

The event brought together diplomats, Nigerian officials, and Francophone community members to highlight French as a language of dialogue, creativity, and opportunity.

This year’s theme, “Speaking of the Future,” emphasizes French as a tool for mobility, employability, and innovation.

The event featured an exhibition showcasing young Nigerians who leveraged French for academic and professional growth. Their inspiring stories illustrated how language learning can expand horizons and open doors. They also echoed the objectives of a programme launched by the French Embassy in November 2025, “Bilingual and Competitive”, which aims to boost the linguistic and professional skills of Nigerian students by promoting French for professional purposes in 22 partner universities across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Mohsen Antit, Ambassador of Tunisia to Nigeria and President of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors, said: “This year’s Francophonie celebration reminds us that French is not only a language of heritage, but also a language of the future. In Nigeria, it is increasingly a language of opportunity for education, professional growth, and stronger connections with the wider region and the world.

“Through this celebration, the Francophone diplomatic community aims to reaffirm its shared commitment to supporting young Nigerians as they build that future.”

“Francophonie is more than a language. It is a space for dialogue, creativity, and shared values. Across the world, it connects more than 390 million people who use French to learn, collaborate, innovate, and build partnerships.

“Here in Nigeria, the French language plays a strategic role. Indeed, Nigeria is surrounded by Francophone countries and is deeply connected to a regional space where French is widely spoken. In this context, mastering the French language is not only a cultural asset. It is also a key that opens doors to regional mobility, professional opportunities, and international cooperation,” Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier of France, remarked.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said: “The fact that Africa currently has the highest number of French speakers in the world shows how Africa is currently at the centre of the French world and is the base for the expansion of the language.”

Switching to French, she concluded, “The exhibition this evening, which presents portraits of Nigerians who have mastered the French language perfectly illustrates this reality.”

GAP brings together 33 diplomatic representations in Nigeria, composed of member, observer and associate states and governments of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

United by the values of La Francophonie, the group works collectively to promote French language, cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and stronger ties between Nigeria and the Francophone world.