Yoruba, Igbo languages listed on UK’s census form

Yoruba, Igbo languages listed on UK’s census form

Two Nigerian languages, Yoruba and Igbo, have been listed among those into which the UK census enumeration form has been translated.

Nationwide census enumeration

The UK government is currently undertaking a nationwide census enumeration.

A copy of the form obtained by newsmen from the London Office for National Statistics shows that the questions for which responses are required are translated in both languages.

The form will be made available on demand to those who do not understand the English language.

The instruction manual, entitled “It is time to complete your census questionnaire”, states that copies of the form can be supplied on demand.

An extract from the form for Igbo-speaking respondents reads: ``Maka enyemaka n'asusu Igbo'', meaning “For the assistance of those who speak the Igbo language”.

The Yoruba version, ``Fun iranlowo ni ede Yoruba,'' means the same thing for Yoruba speakers.

In his reaction, Mr Kayode Ogunsola, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), UK chapter, described it as unprecedented in the history of the Nigerian community in the UK.

He said the development was in recognition of the growing number and positive contributions of the Nigerian community to the growth, vibrancy and cultural diversity of the UK.

Economic growth

“The Nigerian community has contributed immensely to the economic growth of the UK. I think with recognition such as this, we can only continue to project our nation in a positive light,” the NIDO chairman said.

Nigerians as stakeholders

The Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK, Mr Bimbo Folayan, shared Ogunsola's views, saying the development was in recognition of Nigerians as stakeholders in the British project.

``When it comes to ethnic minority matters, the British recognise their importance and contributions in the UK,'' Folayan said.

A tour operator in London, Ola Wright said the development meant that “we are relevant, important and there cannot be any question of Nigerians being shoved aside in the scheme of things in the UK”.

Estimated Numbers of Nigerians

Nigerians in the UK are estimated to be between one and three million.

The current population of the UK is around 60 million people.

NAN/Margaret/Ekata