The Republic of Benin Adopts Two Nigerian Languages
The Republic of Benin is said to have adopted the Yoruba language as it’s second official lingua franca.
An indigenous Nigerian Language called ‘Dendi‘ was recognized alongside the Yoruba language by the Beninoise Government.
The recognition of the two languages will bring a sense of unity between the two countries.
“At the fifth session of Nigeria-Benin Bilateral Joint Commission where there is a multi-party, multifarious and inter-ministerial meetings.
We were able to sign and renew eight agreements including educational agreements.”
The Nigerian envoy explained that the Federal Government donated Yoruba Language books to the Government of Benin.
“Just a week ago, Nigerian Government gave Yoruba books to the government of Benin.
This act was to support the recognition of the language.
We have two languages recognized, Yoruba and Dendi languages have been recognized here as national languages.”
The President of Benin was reported to have stated that 70 to 80 percent of the people in Benin are of Nigerian origin.
“Republic of Benin is a country that shares about 778 kilometres of border.
It is that part of the country that has the most densely populated frontiers with Nigeria.
Benin is a country that has produced the first official border at Idi-Iroko.
The country that has the most lucrative border with Nigeria, Seme, where about 6,000 people cross per day.”
Nigeria and Benin were the same people and the Nigerian empires had governed almost all parts of Benin before the colonial separation.
“If not for the colonial separation, where you are standing now Cotonou use to be part of Oyo Empire.
The capital was Oyo-Ile up to the shores of Ghana and the Northern part of this country (Benin) used to be Borgu Empire.”
