The Consul General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier, has urged French learners to enhance their skills, highlighting the wealth of job opportunities available for those fluent in the language. He made this call during the recent "French Up Your Career" seminar, which was held at Alliance Française in Port Harcourt. Favier emphasized that mastering French entails more than adding a language to one’s resume; it opens doors to various career paths.
During the seminar, Favier underscored the significance of French in today’s job market. He articulated that fluency can lead to opportunities in areas such as diplomacy, international relations, international development, translation, interpretation, and journalism. With over 300 million speakers worldwide, French is recognized as one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union.
“Being fluent in French can provide a significant edge on the job market and lead to professional careers that you may not have even considered before,” Favier stated. He highlighted the necessity of creating awareness among young Nigerians, particularly in Port Harcourt, about how French fluency can create diverse career opportunities not only in Nigeria but globally.
Favier further noted that neighboring African countries like Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo primarily communicate in French, thus reinforcing the language's relevance in business and marketing sectors in Nigeria. "These sectors are where the French Embassy is often mobilized," he said, adding that many multinational companies prefer French, especially in sectors like energy, oil, and telecommunications.
The seminar saw approximately 250 participants attend, eager to learn how the French language could be leveraged for their careers. In addition, French-speaking countries in Africa are heavily investing in technology and innovation, creating a demand for bilingual professionals who can assist in software localization and customer support among other roles.
“We are providing our support and expertise in training teachers and optimizing university programs,” Favier added, further emphasizing the embassy’s commitment to promoting the language.
Magaly Losange, the linguistic cooperation attaché at the French Embassy, supported Favier's message. In her lecture, she stressed the importance of making French a skill rather than just an academic pursuit. “French is important. I don’t see French as colonization; I see French as a key to embrace globalization. I hope that learners will be inspired and ready to embrace the global village,” she remarked.
Losange also pointed out that traditional teaching methods often inhibit learners from applying their knowledge practically. She spoke on the need for modern methods to facilitate effective communication in French. “School teachers at the primary and secondary levels often teach French using outdated techniques. Students learn French but may struggle to piece together words and grammar for effective communication,” she explained.
She expressed a hopeful vision where learners would have access to tools and resources that would expedite their mastery of the language, stating that with sufficient practice, individuals could communicate fluently in just two to three years. She encouraged students to be intentional about learning through diverse channels, including social media.
The highlight of the seminar was the eloquence awards ceremony, where students were recognized for their proficiency in French by the Director of Alliance Française, Marina Lacal, alongside Losange. Following two successful editions, this event saw its third iteration hosted by Alliance Française Port Harcourt, with the earlier ones taking place at the Alliance Française Lagos and UNILAG in 2024.
Amid the positive atmosphere of the seminar, social media also shone a spotlight on notable personalities sharing aspects of their lives. Nigerian comedienne Tomama humorously recounted her experience waiting outside a bathroom, in hopes of encountering Afrobeats superstar Wizkid during an event. She shared her story on Instagram, saying, “Wizkid, I saw you, and I waited for you to pee, but you didn’t even stand up from where you were sitting.”
Meanwhile, actor Mr. Macaroni opened up about his financial struggles, revealing how a scam and failed investments left him in immense debt. After losing all his savings, he recognized the repercussions of financial recklessness and urged others to borrow responsibly. “I was a victim of a scam and simultaneously a failed investment that cost me all I had saved at the time,” he reflected on social media.
Adding to the dynamics of recent news, Adura Aloba, the younger brother of late singer Mohbad, was arrested, creating a stir across social media. His mother claimed unknown gunmen, suspected to be police, abducted him outside the Lagos State Magistrates Court after a hearing related to a legal dispute.
As Port Harcourt experiences this surge of cultural and linguistic enthusiasm, events like the "French Up Your Career" seminar signify a keen interest in harnessing the potential that bilingualism presents in a rapidly globalizing world.
