Chidinma Iroegbu
Diplomats and government officials in Abuja on Friday have reaffirmed the growing importance of the French language in driving youth employment, regional integration and global opportunities during the 2026 Francophonie celebration.
The event, held on March 26 at the Embassy of France, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, Nigerian authorities, academics and the wider Francophone community.
Organised by the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Nigeria (GAF), the gathering highlighted the role of language in strengthening cooperation and economic ties between Nigeria and French-speaking countries.
The GAF, which comprises 33 diplomatic missions under the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, said promoting French remains central to advancing cultural diversity and international collaboration.
Speaking at the event, President of GAF and Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohsen Antit, described French as a language of opportunity. “French is not only a language of heritage but also a language of the future… a language of opportunity for education and professional growth,” he said.
Also speaking, French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, noted that initiatives are ongoing to strengthen French language skills among Nigerian youths to improve their competitiveness in regional and international markets.
A major highlight of the event was an exhibition showcasing young Nigerians who have leveraged French language skills for academic, professional and personal advancement.
The programme also spotlighted the “Bilingual and Competitive” initiative launched in November 2025, designed to promote professional French across 22 universities in Nigeria and enhance employability.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to multilingual education and stronger engagement with Francophone countries.
Professor Mufutau Adebowale Tijani was honoured for his contribution to French language development, as the event concluded with a cultural performance and announcement of a Francophone Cultural Fair scheduled for March 28.