By
Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos (BDA), in conjunction with the Federative Republic of Brazil launched a Portuguese language class in Lagos State.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu, who is also a Brazilian descendant from the Carrena family, spoke at Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos Island, during the ‘launching of the Portuguese language class in Lagos on Friday.
The First Lady was ably represented by Mrs. Olumide Ibitoye, who described the program as a landmark and historical event.
“I am delighted to participate in this landmark and historical event marking the formal launch of the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos Portuguese language program supported by the Brazilian Government to promote skill and knowledge in our dear state, Lagos.
“Withoutany iota of doubt, this program, which is the first of its kind at the grassroots level by the Brazilian Government to promote the Portuguese language in the Brazilian quarters of Lagos Island, is laudable, remarkable, and a giant leap forward in advancing the rich cultural and historical ties between Lagos and Brazil.”
It’s a statement of fact that Lagos and Brazil have a lot in common historically. The Brazilians in Nigeria, who are referred to as Aguda’s, settled in Lagos and created the Brazilian quarters.
The history of Lagos State cannot be effectively told without copious reference to the role played by European traders and travellers who were some of the earlier settlers in the kingdom of Lagos.
History has it that, as a result of the geographic location of Lagos on the lagoon, Portuguese merchants gave the island its name, Lagos, while Lagos Island to the indigenous population is called Eko.
This clearly establishes the fact that we have a lot in common. And there must be a concerted effort to rekindle and reinforce historical consciousness, particularly among the younger generation, in order to appreciate where we have come from, where we are now, and where we must go in the future.
Therefore, on behalf of the good people of Lagos State, especially the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos, let me warmly appreciate the Brazilian Government, through the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos, for the wholesome initiative designed to support and promote the teaching of the Portuguese language in our dear state.
It’s particularly commendable that the Brazilian Consulate is working to promote appreciation of culture through the use of the Portuguese language among the interested family members of the Brazilian Descendants Association and other interesting people from Brazilian neighborhoods for the first time in a long time.
This will go a long way in helping family members appreciate their rich cultural heritage and build on it for effective communication. It’s also instructive that the program has been designed to give an opportunity to qualified members to further their education in Brazilian higher institutions.
For us in Lagos State, we are proud and happy to identify with the various strides of the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos in ensuring that the historical bond between Lagos and Brazil is not completely relegated.
During the Easter celebration this year, it was on record that the Association held its annual Easter music concert, which served as a platform to bring together all the family of the Association of Brazilian Descendants to commemorate Easter in a special way by showcasing the diverse and rich cultural heritage in music, boxing, and dancing, among others.
While the Afro-Brazilian cultural centre was equally launched, we must therefore continue to work towards promoting our historical heritage and ensure that the younger generation are not denied the opportunity to understand our past. Hence, they provide the pedestal to adequately plan for the future.
Mrs. Taiwo Ololade Salvador, Education Research Director, Brazilian Descendants Association Lagos, popularly known as “popo aguda,” said the program is to promote the Portuguese language and give the youth a world-class opportunity.
“The programme is to encourage our youth. First, to establish the language in our community; the language of Portuguese was one of the core languages spoken in our community a long time ago.
With a letter demonstrating this, the Brazilian government granted us the opportunity and permission to establish the language in the community.
While highlighting the benefits of the program, Salvador noted that being bilingual is an added merit to exploring the world.
“Anywhere you go and you can speak an additional language, it’s a plus for you and gives you privilege to other opportunities. So, the benefit of the language has two phases: establishing it in our community and the benefit of traveling to Brazil for four years to study any discipline with tuition free,” she said.
She said the tuition-free program is a plus for the community.
According to her, the first class will be graduated by December 2022.
She urged the beneficiaries to take the program seriously and personally.When you are reading your Quoran, let it be the second thing you are doing.
“When you are reading your Bible, let it be the second thing you are doing. And when you are doing your traditional worship, let it be the second thing you are doing, because it will take you to places and change your lives,” Salvador charged.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Brazilian Descendants Association, Gaizamo Martins, gave the chronological background of the Brazilian Descendants and their unique education.
He noted that most of them are predominantly Christians.
Mrs. Hashrup Taiwo, Director, Multilingual International Resources Center, Maryland, represented the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, who stated that the state places a high value on the teaching and learning of all languages through the Lagos State Multilingual International Resources Center, which is located in six educational districts.
According to her, she noted that Chinese, French, Germany, and Arabic, among others, are currently being studied at the various designated centres.
“At present, we have our Lagos State students studying Chinese at the University of Lagos just like these students. We expect, in return, they will come and give back to society as the Brazilian community is doing today,” she said.
She noted that COVID-19 prevented the volunteer Chinese language instructors from coming into the country to train the students, while other pilot programs such as German and Arabic language are currently being run in some pilot schools to teach the languages in the state.
“Language reflects the totality of the people.” It tells us about the culture and heritage. Language makes me alive, whether it’s written, oral, or non-verbal. It makes people alive. Language never dies.”
While announcing the various centres to support the Organizer in the study of the Portuguese language, she reiterated Lagos State’s readiness to partner with them geared towards including the Portuguese language in Lagos schools.
In his remarks, Mr. Adeniran Arimoro said the purpose of the launch is to enable the community to learn Portuguese.
According to him, “Language is one of the general community’s heritage, and most of them bear Brazilian names. For so many years, they have not been able to have access to the language. Now the opportunity is open to them, sponsored by the federative republic of Brazil.”
He said that by supporting the teaching of the language in the community, it would be of great benefit to the children.
The Lagos Island Local Government Education Secretary, Abari Kudus Omobolaji, commends the organizer.
“I am very happy with the launching of the Portuguese language in Lagos Island today because it will help all our students all over the world. Language solves many problems of interaction in the world.”
He further appealed to the organizer to do more to encourage other students to join them in ensuring that the language is well understood.
He commended the organizer for the embedded scholarship program and reiterated the readiness of the LGEA to provide more classrooms to support the program.
The dignitaries at the launching included First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwoolu, represented by Mrs. Olumide Ibitoye; Commissioner for Education, represented by Hashrup Taiwo; Brazilian Consulate, represented by Adeniran Arimoro; Ambassador Lara Fashola of the African Union; Lagos Island Local Government Education Secretary, Kudus Abari, Portuguese language instructor, Ayoh Omidire ifedayo, Doctoral researcher on Brazilian studies, Ayodeji Olugbuyiro; Ayodeji Olugbuyiro; also, President of the Brazilian Descendants Association; Gaizamo Martins; Mrs Olusola Osoba; students, among others, attended the programme.
Where is the Portuguese language school located in Lagos????