LAGOS PARTNERS FRANCE IN PROMOTION OF FRENCH LANGUAGE IN STATE SCHOOLS.

The Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat while receiving the Minister of State for Development, Francophone and International Partnerships, Mrs. Chrysoula Zacharapolou and other delegates on a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor’s official residence gave the assurance today.

The Governor stated that “Nigeria is a country with potentials and it is time to turn those potentials to real possibilities and opportunities for Nigerians through the different initiatives and partnerships”. He said, that the state has also gotten to the stage where French language should be made compulsory for the students in Government Schools.

He added that there are very few countries that don’t speak English or French in Africa, “and if one can speak both languages, you are able to communicate in most African countries. And this is something to prepare our youths for the future to be a global citizen”. 

While speaking on the benefits to be derived from partnerships inherent in terms of business, entertainment and culture, the Governor noted that the State Government already has Six Pillars of Action and Agenda THEMES PLUS, which the government is working on. 

He added that the E in the THEMES Agenda, stands for Entertainment and the State Government has trained over a thousand youths on photography, cinematography amongst others skills. 

He commended the Agriculteurs Francais et Developpement International (AFDI) for their support especially in capacity building and in the waterways transportation. 

Earlier in her remarks, the Minister of State for Development, Francophone and International Partnerships, Mrs. Chrysoula Zacharapolou stated that the collaboration will facilitate more employment and more innovation to Lagos State. 

She is of the view that the studying of French in secondary will be beneficial to the state, adding that “as we know, Nigeria is surrounded by Francophone countries and this will create more opportunities and links with the people of the different countries”. 

Speaking further, she noted that the best of the country can be felt almost immediately, through the energy of the people and the potential of the country. 

The highlight of the event was the signing of the letter of intent of promoting the French Language and improvement of the quality of French teaching in secondary schools in the State.