By, Omowumi Hannah

A former Director of Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, and Chief Executive Officer of Young Artists Art hub, Mrs. Olaide Turner-Moyet, JP, has emphasized the importance of foreign language learning for Nigerians, describing it as a key factor in boosting the country’s economy.

Speaking at the commemoration of Francophonic Day Event at Triumph Schools, Adegbayi, Ibadan, Turner-Moyet stated that poverty in Nigeria could be reduced through foreign language learning, particularly French, which is ranked second globally in influence after English.

“The United Nations has seven official languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and others. This has enabled its global reckoning and attention,” she said.

Turner-Moyet expressed concern over Nigeria’s poor bilateral trade deals with French-speaking countries, attributing it to language barriers.

The award winning artist noted that many French-speaking countries in Africa enjoy direct trade flow from their parent countries, despite independence.

“Many of the French-speaking countries in Africa enjoy direct trade flow from their parent countries, despite independence. Inflation and other social menaces are pronounced in these countries, yet they are advantageous over Nigeria in socio-economic ranking,” she said.

The French expert urged Nigerians to tap into the opportunities available in neighbouring African countries, such as the Republic of Benin, Cameroon, Togo, and Côte D’Ivoire, by learning and practicing trade and relationships in French.

“Take for instance, the United Kingdom permits the learning of Swahili, Portuguese, despite the mother tongue being English. No wonder, their economy grows every time. The Republic of Benin permits speaking and studying in English and French; this is one of the reasons why her socio-economies improve,” she said.

Turner-Moyet highlighted the benefits of foreign language learning, including career expansion, economy expansion, learning of other cultures, and serving as ambassadors of one’s country.

“I enjoy easy access to socio-economies in French-English-Yoruba speaking communities because of my fluency in the three languages. I bet with you if Nigerians are permitted to learn other foreign languages, and give officialness to it here in Nigeria, poverty and talents dearth will greatly reduce,” she said.

She commended Triumph Schools for integrating French into its curriculum, saying it would contribute to the students’ prosperity and global economic contributions.

“I am very impressed by the fluency and accuracy in plays, raps, question and answer session of the pupils/students of this school who are aged between 4 and 16. I can see this as a preparation for prosperity and foundation for later global economic contributions among her learners,” Turner-Moyet said.

She called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to domesticate and encourage learning of French as another foreign language alternative, and promote inter-country tourism, with sustainable security and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Turner-Moyet also urged parents to remain supportive of progressive education, emphasizing the importance of foreign language learning in Nigeria’s economic development.