Editor’s note: Oladele Saheed, the NAIJ.com partner blogger, in his latest article, explains five reasons Nigerians have to commend the Nigerian Army.
Saheed is the coordinator of War Against the Falling Standard of English Project (WAFSEP).
He has trained many Nigerians including teachers in over 200 schools, journalists, university administrators and other public and private functionaries.
He has also got approval of the Federal Ministry of Education to use his Remedial English Pronunciation Software (REPS) in secondary schools.
Oladele could be contacted via phone call 07010053775, WhatsApp 08185662120 or eruditeclp@gmail.com
I was glad to read in newspapers four days ago that the Nigerian Army has directed all its officers and men to immediately commence the learning of the three major Nigerian languages.
At this time that our languages are threatened, every Nigerian should see this as a step in the right direction. The Nigerian Army deserves to be commended for the following reasons:
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1. The directive is a step towards saving our endangered languages. By the end of 2018, Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo languages will have gathered greater numeric strengths.
2. Ability to speak the three languages will facilitate smooth communication between the Nigerian Army and communities. At least, in the larger parts of Nigeria, the issue of language barrier will be greatly reduced.
3. The ability will also improve military intelligence gathering. No information should be hidden in this period of widespread terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes.
4. The policy will make Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo courses attractive. Many people, who do not want to study these languages in universities for economic and other reasons, may soon have a rethink.
5. The directive is a source of encouragement to those working on improving the status of these languages. It has already boosted our morale at Erudite Millennium Ltd as we see a bright future for our 'Save an African Language Initiative'.
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Finally, we are ready to extend our ongoing 6 months proficiency courses in Yoruba, Hausa and other languages to the Nigerian Army. Hence, as soon as possible, members of our team will be deployed to various military barracks in Nigeria to teach the three languages. Interestingly, we also have online classes for officers and men with other engagements or very limited time.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that the Nigerian army has introduced a new language policy that will foster espirit-de-corps and better communication with Nigerians.
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Source: Naija.ng