Alhaji Ado Yahuza, chief executive officer and Director General, National Institute for Culture Orientation ( NICO) says the revival and sustainance of indigenous Nigerian languages are vital to community policing.
He is also believes that the study and sharing of knowledge on Nigeria’ history, culture and tradition through the use of indigenous tongues, will unite the country, thus shaping collective national aspirations and reduction of sociopolitical tensions.
Speaking at the nation wide third edition of Nico’s indigenous language program for police formations, held at Lagos police command, Ikeja on Wednesday, Ado Yahuza reiterates the spiritual awakening attached to the teaching of local Nigerian languages, noting that the process reinforces the brotherhood of the various Nigerian peoples and key enabler for rural security and development.
Specifically addressing new police intakes who thronged the NICO event for Lagos area command, Alhaji Yahuza insisted that a national rebirth in all areas of human endeavour, can only be accelerated when Nigerians can truly discuss in their mother tongues which will help in understanding and resolving issues.
“As aspiring police officers, it is my firm believe that your job to secure Nigerians starts with the opportunity to learn the indigenous language of the people, who will readily support your assignment because of your mastery of their local tongue.”
Earlier at a courtesy visit to , Mr Adekunle Asafa, Commissioner of Police(CP) of Ikeja Police college, the Nico helmsman, commended the police chief for the good work in training new officers, and appreciated him for partnering with NICO to revive and reposition the study and teaching of indigenous language as part of the college curriculum.
“Our local language is an essential tool to unlock and unravel the security challenges in our nation, particularly at the rural areas and it is government desire to address entire architecture of community policing through the indigenous language program as conceived by NICO”, Yahuza told his host.
On his part, CP Adekunle Asafa disclosed that his experience as a top cop who have served in the north and east of Nigeria, validate the importance of the need for security personnels to speak local languages which will make their assignment very easy.
He appreciated the efforts of NICO chief executive officer in putting together the program targeting the barracks, adding that it is a well thought out human development program which is need at this point in time in the affairs of the nation.
