Port Harcourt is set to become a hub for bilingual career advancement as the Alliance Française hosts “French Up Your Career” on March 19, 2025. The seminar, is part of the French Language Week celebrations, will bring together students, educators, and professionals to explore how proficiency in French can enhance job opportunities and academic success.

As Nigeria’s National Policy on Education recognizes French as the country’s second official language, the demand for bilingual professionals is growing. To meet this need, the French Embassy in Nigeria launched the project Developing the Employability of Young People in Nigeria through Specialized French. This initiative aims to develop tailored language programs in universities and foster partnerships with businesses that value bilingualism.

Following a successful edition in Lagos last October, which gathered students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan, Lagos State University (LASU), and Badagry French Language Village, the event now arrives in Port Harcourt. This edition is expected to attract 150 participants, including students from universities, learners at Alliance Française Port Harcourt, and French teachers from Rivers State.

Marina Lacal, Director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, emphasized the importance of the seminar in equipping young Nigerians with skills to stand out in the job market. “The ability to speak French is a powerful asset, especially in a country like Nigeria, which shares borders with several Francophone nations. This event will highlight the real-world value of bilingualism in business, diplomacy, and education.”

The seminar will feature a dynamic program, including panel discussions with professionals who use French in their careers, an inter-university eloquence competition, and an information booth offering insights on language certifications and study opportunities in France. Companies that promote the use of French among their employees will also present their policies, shedding light on how bilingualism enhances career prospects.

For over four decades, Alliance Française Port Harcourt has been at the forefront of French language promotion in Rivers State. As part of a global network spanning 135 countries, it offers French courses for individuals and businesses, as well as internationally recognized certifications such as DELF, DALF, TCF, and TEF. The institution also plays a crucial role in supporting schools and university language departments.

Campus France Nigeria, another key partner, will be present to provide guidance to students interested in higher education opportunities in France. As a service of the French Embassy, Campus France supports student mobility, manages scholarship programs, and connects Nigerian students with French universities.

The event will be graced by the presence of the Consul General of France, along with representatives from academia and the private sector, reinforcing the significance of bilingualism in Nigeria’s economic and educational landscape.

With growing global demand for multilingual professionals, “French Up Your Career” aims to inspire young Nigerians to harness their language skills for a competitive edge in the workforce.

For more information, interested participants can contact Alliance Française Port Harcourt at reception.phc@af-nigeria.org

Spotify yesterday revealed a significant surge in heartbreak song streams in Nigeria during the Valentine’s Day season, with a 626 percent increase between 2022 and 2024.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Lagos, Nigeria by Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu.
Okumu said, “Spotify data reveals a surprising trend, a massive surge in heartbreak song streams.
“Nigerians are turning to their playlists to express their emotions, with a staggering 626 per cent overall growth in heartbreak streams from 2022 to 2024.
“This Valentine, the sound of love is accompanied by the sound of heartbreak, and the data shows it’s louder than ever before.”
She said on Valentine’s Day, most surprisingly, male listeners streamed heartbreak songs at a significantly higher rate than female listeners, with a 362 per cent increase compared to 169 per cent among women.
“This could suggest that men resonate with the feeling of heartbreak more and turn to music as a private outlet for processing emotions.
“Whatever the reason, one thing is clear, when love is in the air, so is heartbreak and Nigerian men are pressing play on their pain more than expected.
“While Valentine’s Day is often celebrated with grand gestures, heartbreak is a common theme on Valentine’s Day -more than what’s publicly shown,” she said.
Nigerians will join their counterparts across the world to mark the 2025 Valentine’s today.

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has joined MLS side San Diego FC’s ownership group as a club partner.
SDFC announced today that Tems joined the ownership group through her company, The Leading Vibe.
In the process, Tems became the first African woman to be involved in MLS ownership.
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a club partner,” SDFC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said in a statement.
“Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which, of course, has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organisation.”
Reacting to her addition as the latest partner in SDFC’s ownership group, the singer said: “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community.

“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”