Francophonie Day in Lagos Highlights French Language and Cultural Exchange
The International Day of Francophonie was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Lagos, marking its third consecutive year with a vibrant array of activities. Held at the Alliance Francaise de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre, the event brought together diplomatic representatives from France, Switzerland, and Canada to promote the French language and culture.
Diplomatic Collaboration and Event Highlights
Organized by the Consulate General of France in partnership with Alliance Francaise, the Consulate General of Switzerland, and the Embassy of Canada in Nigeria, the celebration featured three film screenings, culinary experiences, musical performances, poetry renditions, networking opportunities, and a competition. The selected films included Un monde merveilleux (A Wonderful World) by Giulio Callegari from France, Une Colonie (A Colony) by Genevieve Dulude-De Celles from Canada, and Tambour battant by Francois-Christophe Marzal from Switzerland.
Consul General of France in Lagos, Laurent Favier, emphasized the significance of the day, celebrated annually on March 20. He noted that the films were chosen to commemorate the French language and culture through media. Favier highlighted that there are approximately 400 million French speakers worldwide, with about 65 percent residing in Africa, underscoring the need for Nigeria to embrace the language more actively.
Theme and Educational Initiatives
Addressing this year's theme, Un Monde a Venir (imagine the world of tomorrow), Favier explained the aim to create a sustainable future, targeting students in Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Plateau, and Oyo states. He outlined the four missions of Francophonie: promoting French as a language, fostering peace and human rights, supporting higher education and research, and developing sustainable cooperation for future generations.
Favier pointed out that French is an important language in international organizations and can assist Nigerians pursuing global careers. Over the past three years, initiatives have included equipping schools and training hundreds of teachers. A recent Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Caen in France and the French village in Badagry will allow local awarding of master's degrees. Currently, 22 Nigerian universities are part of the French Research Centre, with plans to expand.
Economic and Cultural Benefits
Favier stressed that Nigeria, surrounded by French-speaking countries, could benefit from language mastery for business expansion, growth in film, music, and media industries, and stronger regional and international relationships. Deputy High Commissioner of Canada in Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulu, added that Francophonie Day unites 90 states and governments, promoting diversity and cultural sharing for a sustainable future.
Rojas-Arbulu noted the vibrant interest in French language and culture among young Nigerians, academics, and businesspeople aiming to tap into Francophonie markets in West Africa and beyond. Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Conny Camenzind, expressed excitement about the growing passion for French among young Nigerians and hoped for its mainstream expansion.
Competition and Awards
The event concluded with the presentation of gifts to schools participating in La Compete, an inter-school competition showcasing talents in French poetry, music, and debate. Greensprings Secondary School Lekki placed third, Riverbank Secondary School came second, and Wellspring College secured the top spot, delighting all attendees.
