I had always wonderd why the Curency notes used in Nigeria carry Arabic inscriptions. For a very long time this question has been on my mind. I did ask around and never found anyone who had an answer. Well the Inscriptions are said to diaplay the value of the currency in Arabic.
The only time Arabic is used in Nigeria is with the Islamic religion. Islam as we know uses Arabic as it's language, just as the early Church used Latin.
I finaly got an answer from the Central Bank of Nigeria on why this was done.
''Originally when the Arabic inscriptions were used is was meant for the Commercial Market in the North where those who could read could only read in Arabic. But on the newly redesigned notes that will be released on the 28th of February, 2007 the Arabic inscriptions won't be there , in its place will be the three major Nigerian Languages."
While this sounds like a reasonable answer, it still doesn't explain why it took so long for anyone to realise that we don't speak Arabic in Nigeria. I also don't understand why we should have the three major Nigerian langusges on the notes. I'm sure we'll use the notes the way they are. From my own perspective, it would be okay to remove the Arabic inscription and leave it at that.
Well at least I finallay have an answer as well as so many Nigerians. My next question will be to the Nigerian Army and why the only inscription on it's Coat of Arms is also in Arabic!
3 comments:
Dear Friend,
Good to know you're actively questioning, no doubt a hangover from our mass rebellion against the state's design to programme us to serve in their military.
I find it very interesting that every weblog, association site or other I come across seems to mirror the fact that ex-boys will not sit down and be dictated to by the society we've come to love to hate.
Back to the issue. This one is easy, and is a historical remnant of our past.
The evolution of the Nigerian Army (NA) dates back to 1863 when Lt Glover established the "Glover Hausas" a local force made up of 18 indigenes from the Northern part of Nigeria. The script, again in Ajami, can be transliterated into Cyrillic script to roughly read "Nassara daga Allah kadai" which in turn translates into English "Victory from God Alone". So you see that this was also a direct response to communicating with the governed.
Contrary to my views on the Naira, I do feel that this occurrence could be adjusted to reflect a federal nature, given the sensitivity which Military matters attract in Nigeria, and given the fact that in this instance there are no equivalents written in other languages.
I do still hold that rather than revert to English it may be a good thing to encourage the use of our major languages, surely they can find space for scribbles in Yoruba and Ibo as well, what with all the space and material used up to make Generals' cap badges?
Societies like those of the Irish, Scottish and Welsh, although no yardstick for us, are amongst peoples whose cultures have been slowly eroded by that of the English, and who have started to rediscover their respective national identities, culture and launguages. These people more frequently have favoured devolution from the English in all aspects of government, even reflected in how much they are now striving to resurrect their once dying tongues. Sometimes a seemingly logical thing is not necessarily the best solution available.
Your friend
Ibrahim el Yakubu
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