The Executive Secretary of the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) has restated the commitment of the Academy to ensure greater usage of African languages despite the challenges.

He made the resolve while speaking recently at the meeting of ACALAN member structures and the country representatives in Togo last week.

He said, “Indeed, this meeting has allowed us to achieve a number of objectives concerning the language policy of the Member States represented here.

“We all know that the challenges associated with the use of African languages are numerous, but we must not give up. For our part, we will continue to raise awareness and advocate for the designation of national language structures and the preparation of language policy documents by member states that have not yet done so”.

Dr. Lang Fafa expressed delight that the works of ACALAN is now available to the global audience “thanks to the ACALAN online TV which can be assessed online”.

“I am pleased to announce that millions of people around the world have been able to follow the work of this meeting in streaming, thanks to the online TV that the CEOAFRICA Director, Mr Cletus Illobanafor has developed for ACALAN. All this is to show you our determination, commitment and belief in what we are doing. Of course, not everything is perfect, but we will continue to improve to achieve the desired goals with your support.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy for having been able to hold this meeting in Lome which has allowed us, on the sidelines of the meeting, to meet the Hon. Minister of Higher Education and Research of Togo with whom we had very fruitful exchanges.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the Hon. Minister of Higher Education and Research for this audience he has kindly granted to ACALAN. Distinguished participants; Ladies and gentlemen, allow me once again to thank the Government of the Republic of Togo for the multifaceted support given to ACALAN in organizing this meeting.

Also, my gratitude goes to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Togo for their support and participation in the opening and closing sessions of this meeting. I also thank our tireless rapporteur, Margaret Nankinga. I thank the interpreters for their outstanding work which we know is essential for a good understanding of the deliberations. I thank Prof. Dandaura for the communication plan that everyone applauded for its true value,” he added.

Dr. Lang Fafa also reserved gratitude to the MD of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Illobanafor for developing a world class online TV for the academy.