Ogun State Government says it has put in place deliberate policies to improve teaching and learning of both indigenous and foreign languages, for personal development and nation building.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu made this known at the 36th edition of the State French Competition and the 4th French Spelling Bee at Lisabi Grammar School, Abeokuta.

Arigbabu, who emphasised the importance of learning foreign languages particularly French, said it was one of the ways to open doors of opportunities to international communities for young ones to thrive.

“I want to encourage our learners to make good use of the opportunity to learn and improve their knowledge of the French language because it will give you an advantage over your peers and also open more opportunities for you in the international markets in future”, he said.

The Commissioner commended teachers of French Language for complementing the government's effort in its revitalisation agenda on education, saying it had increased the acceptability of the subject.

In her welcome address, the Director, Education Support Services Department, Mrs. Bamidele Makinde, represented by her Deputy Director, Mrs. Deborah Ogundimu said the inclusion of French language in schools had paved way for the overall development of the learners.

Mrs. Makinde stated that the annual State French competition was aimed at reawakening and reassessing both the teachers and learners for better performance and to further develop their interest in the language.