The English Scholars’ Association Of Nigeria has said language, literary studies, and communication will foster and uphold peace and security in Nigeria.
While giving a keynote address at the 38th Annual ESAN Conference, Vice-Chancellor, Ahman Pategi University, Kwara State, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, emphasised that his paper interrogated the significance of language, literature, and communication, saying it situated their relevance in the context of promoting peace, security, and development in the world, with Nigeria being its microcosm.
The four-day conference, held at the Lagos State University, Ojo and titled, ‘Language and communication studies for peace, (In) security and development in Nigeria,’ highlighted the crucial role of language, literature, and communication in addressing societal needs.
Adedimeji, said, “First, government and policymakers should encourage language education across all states to enable citizens to become skilled and critical communicators since the proper use of language engenders peace and security.
“Then, prominence should be accorded to the minority languages in the country apart from the three major languages that have been adopted as the nation’s national languages.
“Also, policymakers and citizens should be encouraged to embrace literary works so that they can be exposed to a variety of cultural norms and values of different ethnic groups in Nigeria which should be respected and defended.
Head, Department of English, LASU, Prof. Pius Akhimen, acknowledged the significance of the conference’s theme in addressing contemporary realities.
He, thereby, encouraged all participants to actively engage with the speakers and make the most of the conference’s insightful discussions and presentations.
The National President of ESAN, Prof. Tajudeen Surakat, reiterated the role of language in shaping human activities and consciousness.
He called for government leadership, cooperation from the governed, and the eradication of divisions based on religion, ethnicity, gender, and age.
