By Anino Aganbi

The Federal Government of Nigeria was recently applauded by the Head of the Seme border, Commander of the Beninois Police, Mr. Waidi Akodjenou for conceiving and establishing the Nigeria French Language Village, to foster the teaching and learning of French among youths in Nigeria.

This was brought about with the aim of fostering the learning of both foreign and local languages across the country.

Mr Akodjenou expressed this view when the Director/CEO of the NFLV, Prof. Raufu Adebisi paid him a familiarization visit at his Seme-Krake office recently.

During the interaction, the Police Chief expressed his views on many issues and reiterated that Nigeria was a very strong political, economic and social pull not only to countries in the sub-region but to Africa as a whole. In view of this, the Federal Government’s decision to promote the learning of French as a foreign language by establishing the NFLV is highly commendable.

He stated that “The use of a common language is a catalyst for reciprocal interaction in business, education, socio-cultural and security intelligence sharing in the sub-region. He posited that the bilingual orientation of Nigeria would open the country to a new era of accelerated industrial and technological development and also allow her expand her circle of trading partners.

Nigeria, he added, will also place itself in a position to obtain its fair share of representation in international organization in which bilingualism is an absolute requirement for appointments. He commended participants and students of the Village who cross the border for the week-end excursions and language contacts in Benin for their orderly conduct.

He said “As leaders of tomorrow, the youths needed to be encouraged to become bilingual and to work towards a truly united Africa. He said his dream was to see a stronger and more united ECOWAS and Africa in general. He called on the Village to consider the possibility of mounting a special vacation-time English coaching, for interested Beninois officers and functionaries, who wish to improve on their spoken English”