France has committed itself towards helping Nigeria to overcome its present security challenges, especially the menace of Boko Haram, which has made parts of the North virtually ungovernable.

French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jacques Champagne De Labroille, disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Adewole.

“We are trying to help Nigeria in the area of development of raw materials which would be used legitimately by experts who are reliable in the area of fact-findings, reliability and data analysis,” Ambassador De Labroille said.

“I must let you know that French is putting interest in these areas of raw material development and security, and that is the main reason why we are supporting it, to achieve the pulling down of insecurity in Nigeria,” he added.

Welcoming the ambassador to his office, Prof. Adewole said the visit was auspicious and timely, as Nigeria is presently grappling with a high degree of insecurity.

“Our country must gladly engage the French-speaking countries if really we want to maintain security for the citizenry. I believe creating a long-term security should be our main concern just as the initiative of our President was so strategic, having recently visited France,” Prof. Adewole stated.

Emphasising the importance of language, the UI VC explained that “it is another instrument which could be used to tackle insecurity.” “I want to plead with French to collaborate with us in the learning and teaching of the language. Our University must be a partner in this progress, and also have housing for its sustainability. We have to be a part owner in this development. I love French Language, and whatever we can do to have the support of learning it, we shall do,” he stated.

Prof. Adewole lamented the state of insecurity in the nation which has left the nation with countless attacks on its citizens, saying that the recent kidnap of over 200 secondary school girls in Borno State was a great error, “and we pray for the quick recovery of the girls.”

He said it was about time Nigeria’s leaders got it right and battle the country’s insecurity challenges head-long.

“Although we cannot pull down insurgency easily, because it is from within, as a country, we must do everything within our power to curb it. I believe God would support us, and also bring back our girls,” Prof. Adewole stated.

•Photo shows UI VC Isaac Adewole (R) with French Ambassador, Jacques Champagne De Labroille.

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