The Lagos State Government says it will collaborate with the French Community to promote the French language in schools across the state to foster employment and employability of youths through cultural and linguistic ties.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the French Minister of State for Development, Francophone and International Partnerships, Mrs Chrysoula Zacharapolou, and other delegates on Wednesday in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The governor was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
According to Sanwo-Olu, Nigeria has potential and it is time to turn those potential to real possibilities and opportunities for Nigerians through different initiatives and partnerships.
He said: “The state has also gotten to the stage where French language should be made compulsory for the students in government schools.
“There are very few countries that do not speak English or French in Africa and if one could communicate in both languages, such person will have better opportunity.
“We should prepare our youths for the future to enable them be global citizens.”
Speaking on the benefits to be derived from partnerships inherent in terms of business, entertainment and culture, the governor explained that the state government already had six pillars of actions and agenda tagged “THEMES PLUS”, which it was working on.
He said that the ‘E’ in the ‘THEMES’ agenda stood for entertainment adding that the state government had trained over a thousand youths on directing, editing, cinematography, and photography, among other skills.
He, therefore, commended the Agriculteurs Francais et Development International (AFDI) for its support especially in capacity building and waterways transportation.
Earlier in her remarks, Zacharapolou, said that the collaboration would facilitate more innovations, jobs and employment opportunities to the state.
The minister said studying of French in schools would be beneficial to the state.
”As we know, Nigeria is surrounded by Francophone countries and this will create more opportunities and links with people of different countries,” she said.
Highlight of the visit was the signing of the letter of intent to promote French Language and improvement of the quality of French teaching in secondary schools in the state.
