Yoruba recognised as official language in Benin Republic
says Amb Obisakin
BENIN Republic has recognised the Yoruba language as second
official language in the country. Nigeria's Ambassador to Benin, Dr Lawrence Obisakin, who
disclosed this also said Dendi, another indigenous Nigeria language, is also
being recognised alongside Yoruba by the Beninoise Government, underscoring the
affinity between the two countries.
The Nigerian envoy explained that based on the recognition,
the Federal Government recently donated Yoruba language books to the Government
of Benin.
"Just a week ago, Nigerian government gave Yoruba books
to the government of Benin to support the recognition of the language.
"We have two languages recognised, Yoruba and Dendi
languages have been recognised here as national languages,'' he said.
According to him, even the President of Benin said 70 to 80
per cent of the people are of Nigerian origin.
"From the south, you have the Egun, both in Porto Novo
and Badagry. When you go northward, you begin to find the Yoruba people.
"You have also the Bariba people; you have the Batonu
who we call the Borgu people. You have the Dendi people; you have the people
that speak Fulani and Hausa."
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