In a bid to impart and nurture youngsters, to enable learners to develop a capacity for oral communication, the Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST), Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye, has revealed that drama and quiz should be adopted as an avenue to revive the dying desire for reading among the students in the State.

Ogunleye made this known in her keynote address during the 37th edition of the State French Competition and 5th French Spelling Bee organised by the Nigerian Association of French Teachers (NAFT), held at Lisabi Grammar School, Idi -Aba Abeokuta.

Represented by the Director, Quality Assurance and Teachers Development, Mr. Ezekiel Adewunmi, Mrs. Ogunleye said it is imperative to instill in the learners the ability to speak French Language for desired competence, so as to prepare them as future leaders.

“The place of vocabulary in French Language cannot be underrated and to develop accurate and correct spelling skills in learners. It is therefore envisaged that this act of Spelling Bee, drama and quiz competition will revive the dying desire for reading among the students”, Ogunleye said.

Earlier in his opening address, the Director of Education Support and Services, Mr. Obadiah Akindele, said the knowledge of French Language has opened doors of opportunities in all spheres of life in Nigeria, France and other French-speaking countries.

Akindele enjoined French teachers in the State to strive and be proficient in their field of studies for better performance, to enable learners to develop interest in the language.

In his address, the President, NAFT Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Toyin Raheem lauded the Ministry for its unprecedented support towards the progress and development of teaching and learning of French Language and all that was associated with it, pointing out that Ogun State schools had in the past maintained the lead in French Language Drama, Chanson and Quiz respectively.

In their responses, two of the students who participated in the competition, Oyinade Osanyintola from Adeola Odutola College, Private, Ijebu -Ode, and Gbaranwi Tondale of the Ambassadors College, Ota, commended the organiser and the Ministry for the initiative.

Other dignitaries at the event were the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Mr. Felix Agbesonwa, a former National President of NAFT, Mr. Kola Ojelade, and a former French coordinator and Director MOEST, Mr. Taiwo Salako.