Lagos speaker backs introduction of three major languages in army

Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly, has commended the Nigerian army for its directive to its personnel to learn the country’s three major indigenous languages – Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa.

In a statement signed by Mufutau Egberongbe, special adviser to the speaker on political and legislative matters, Obasa said the directive showed that the army was passionate about ensuring internal peace and unity in the country.

“Our argument has often been that security officers should operate in areas where they understand the language, cultures and traditions of the people,” he said.

“We also recently resolved to have the Yoruba language taught in all schools in Lagos.

“It is not a personal issue; there is the need to ensure that the language retains its importance in the country.

“Across the world, people are proud of their languages. They even teach with it in schools and solve major societal issues with it.

“We know English is our major language here, but we must keep indigenous ones from extinction.

“With the introduction of the three major languages in the military, we are sure of a positive result in the fight against terrorism and other issues threatening our peace as a nation.”

Last week, the army directed its personnel to learn the three languages within one year.