When Abuja celebrated Francophonie Day

Various French-speaking countries converged at the premises of the French Institute Abuja to celebrate the two-week long French language fiesta. The celebrations included cinema from Chad, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, France, Canada, Switzerland, Egypt, Belguim and Cameroon. There was also an array of food display, buffet-style, from the different French-speaking […]

Various French-speaking countries converged at the premises of the French Institute Abuja to celebrate the two-week long French language fiesta.
The celebrations included cinema from Chad, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, France, Canada, Switzerland, Egypt, Belguim and Cameroon.
There was also an array of food display, buffet-style, from the different French-speaking countries that ensured that all present had a taste of their indigenous delicacies.
Providing entertainment for all ages and classes, children were a major part of the celebrations as they presented drama and songs among other presentations, while adults were treated to soirees which many heartily welcomed.
Cultural attache of the Institute, Alice O’Reilly said: “The International Organisation of La Francophonie represents one of the biggest linguistic zones in the world. Its members share more than just a common language.”
O’Reilly added that: “They also share the humanist values promoted by the French language. The French language and its humanistic values represent the two cornerstones on which the International Organisation of La Francophonie is based.”
The cultural attaché explained that the IOF was created in 1970 to embody the active solidarity between its 77 member states and governments which represent a population of over 900 million, including 220 million French speakers.
The actions of the IOF respect cultural and linguistic diversity and serve to promote the French language, peace and sustainable development.
Until 2010, the fiesta was celebrated for only one week in Abuja before it was increased to two weeks as a result of the rise in the number of countries participating. This year, 14 countries took part.
The French Language and Francophone Week was initiated in 1995 by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication with the aim of promoting the French language widely and is marked annually around March 20 as World Francophone Day.  
It is an occasion to celebrate a language that unites over 275 million people around the world, bringing together a diversity of cultures that continue to enrich the language and promote peace, democracy and human rights.