The 10th edition of the Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme (NILP) organized by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Lagos office, came to an end on Wednesday, 7th of September, 2016, at the Institute’s premises at the National theatre Annex, Iganmu-Lagos, with participants applauding the Institute for organizing such an educative programme.
Speaking to NICO News, Mrs. Funmike Ige, a participant of Hausa Language Class and a staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), showed how impressed she felt with the programme, applauding the Institute for the great opportunity given to her to improve on her spoken Hausa, which she had been craving for.
She however suggested that the Institute should create greater awareness on the programme in the next edition so that more people can be aware of the programme and take full advantage of the unique opportunity.
Another participant from the Hausa Class, Mrs. Agnes Abayomi, a staff of Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), also appreciated the effort of the Institute in organising such a laudable programme, and affirmed that she can confidently go to the market and interact with the Hausa people that sell onions, tomatoes, carrot, and so on.
Mrs. Abayomi, who was also very happy with the programme facilitators, suggested that, the venue for further editions of the programme should be more centralized for more people to benefit from the language platform.
Furthermore, Affiong Onyinyechi, a participant of Igbo language, and a student of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Institute for giving her the opportunity to attend the programme, saying that it has really helped her proficiency in speaking the Igbo language.
In the same vein, an Igbo indigene, Mrs. Senema Precious Williams, who is a staff of National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) that participated in the Yoruba class, commended the Institute and the Yoruba teacher for his doggedness in impacting knowledge of Yoruba language and culture in the participants.
She affirmed that the programme has helped her in communicating in Yoruba language with her husband, who is a Yoruba and her neighbours, suggesting that transportation should be provided for further editions to encourage participants attend, as the distance from the National Theatre to the Institute’s premises hind
ered some participants from completing the programme.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, represented by the Director, NICO Lagos Office, Mr. Louis Eriomala, expressed his appreciation on the large turn out of participants in the 10th edition of the NILP, and their zealous attitude to learn a language, encouraging them to keep on communicating with the languages they learnt for improvement.
He emphasized the value of language in our society and in the expression of culture, saying that parents should encourage their children by speaking their mother tongue to them to reduce the language barriers in the country.
The ES also stated the need for people to develop interest in speaking a second language, as the passion to learn and speak another language other than one’s mother tongue will enhance the unity of a country.
In his closing remarks, the Director, NICO Lagos Office, Mr. Louis Eriomala, affirmed that, the country had a lot to gain if people can come together to face the challenges of learning and speaking our local languages.
He urged all to support the Institute’s Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme (NILP) in order for it to achieve its optimal objective, assuring the participants that the Executive Secretary will look into all the suggestions.
Certificates were issued to all participants and prizes were given to the best participants in each of the languages: Mrs. Senema Williams (Yoruba); a student of Delta State University, Abraka, Onyinyechi Affiong (Igbo); and Edokpaye Gladys (Hausa).
This year’s edition attracted a total number of 58 participants, which comprise of people from different Ministries, Agencies, Schools and NICO, Lagos office.
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