By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The French Embassy in Nigeria has underscored the importance of promoting greater awareness and understanding of legal systems across different countries, highlighting the role of comparative law in strengthening global cooperation and respect for human rights.
The initiative, driven by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, seeks to encourage cross-cultural understanding through the French language while promoting legal literacy among citizens and institutions.
Speaking during the Legal Day event held at the French Institute in Wuse, Abuja, the Embassy’s Cooperation Attaché, Ketty Régis, said the programme is designed to deepen knowledge of national and international laws. According to her, the initiative “focuses on enhancing awareness of the laws that govern different countries, serving as a valuable resource for individuals looking to better understand diverse cultures and legal systems.”
Régis added that being informed about a country’s legal framework fosters mutual respect and helps bridge cultural divides. She also announced plans to expand the Legal Day programme to other states where Alliance Française is present, including Lagos and Port Harcourt, to further strengthen collaboration and engagement.
The Abuja event featured an interactive quiz session that tested participants’ knowledge of legal systems in France, Nigeria, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, and other countries. Three winners emerged from the contest, with participants describing it as both educational and inspiring.
Hilary Onuora, a French teacher and moderator of the quiz, explained that the event was designed to enlighten students about the legal frameworks of countries they might visit in the future. “The institute is committed to providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond language proficiency to address global issues and promote moral and ethical values,” he said.
He further encouraged young people to study French, noting that “the knowledge of the French language puts people on a global level—it broadens one’s horizon and general knowledge.”
One of the quiz winners, Odi Lagi, expressed appreciation to the French Embassy for the initiative, describing it as an innovative way to promote legal understanding and international cooperation. She credited her success to her experience as a human rights activist, saying the event reinforced her commitment to advancing awareness of international law.
The Legal Day event will be replicated in other parts of the country, including Lagos and Rivers State, where French cultural institutions are active. The Embassy noted that such initiatives are part of France’s broader effort to promote intercultural dialogue, legal literacy, and respect for global values.
