Mrs. Olaide Turner-Moyet serves as the Director of Alliance Française in Ibadan. A passionate cultural promoter and storyteller, she demons...
Mrs. Olaide Turner-Moyet serves as the Director of Alliance Française in Ibadan. A passionate cultural promoter and storyteller, she demonstrates that art and language are essential elements in forming identity, fostering unity, and reshaping a nation's story. In this conversation with KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she discusses her professional journey, the significance of women in leadership roles, and her aspirations for Alliance Française, Ibadan.
You engage with individuals from various age groups and backgrounds, utilizing art as a means of transformation. Share what motivated this part of your journey and how it influences your current work.
I view it as a lifelong journey, one that I have been softly guided towards since childhood. As a child, I was immersed in art. Sketches, paintings, and performance art were just a normal part of our daily routine. We never saw it as special — it was simply how we played, learned, and connected. However, as I matured, life led me towards career options that appeared separate from my passion. Gradually, I came to understand that to excel in any area, one must be an artist in some form, creative, instinctive, and able to transform personal experiences into significant work. Therefore, yes, art has always been the core of everything I do.
What was your first professional journey prior to taking up this new position at Alliance Française, Ibadan?
My professional path has been very varied. I have never been the type of person who stays focused on a single area for many years. I have taught at various levels, including primary, secondary, and adult education. I have also worked as a translator and interpreter. Additionally, at one time, I managed a business that was strongly connected to the arts.
Share more details about that company.
The focus was on showcasing African textiles and crafts — adiré, batik, and aso-oke. I operated temporary stores and gathered individuals who value African fabrics and handcrafted beaded items. I obtained materials from Nigeria and sold them in the Republic of Benin, where the admiration for African artistry was frequently greater than in my home country.
Even now, friends from various parts of the globe send me images of the fabrics and household items they purchased from me more than ten years ago. It was much more than just a business; it was storytelling across cultures through textiles.
Which disciplines did you instruct during your time as a teacher?
I have taught English, Literature, Government, Social Studies, Christian Religious Studies, and French. Notably, I also instructed sports in English at a French school — EFE Montaigne in the Republic of Benin — assisting Francophone students in learning English through physical education, integrating language with movement.
Which program did you take?
I obtained my initial degree in Classical Studies at the University of Ibadan. Subsequently, I studied French for three years in the Benin Republic, then continued my education at Leeds City College, School of Creative Arts in the United Kingdom, and also acquired certifications in social work, autism, and learning disabilities.
In what ways can art contribute to reshaping Nigeria's narrative?
Art holds great influence. Through narratives, verse, visual creations, and films, it enables us to contemplate, challenge, and envision differently. We should consider: What was our past? What are we today? What future do we aspire to create? If we are dissatisfied with the current state, art can assist us in crafting a fresh narrative, one rooted in honesty, imagination, and togetherness.
Nigeria is the shared heritage of everyone and no one. Change starts with every individual. The world is evolving rapidly. Indeed, there is much to learn, but beyond knowledge, we must focus on developing character. We need to be a people of honesty and moral values. We should strive to work efficiently, not just tirelessly. Working smart involves finding solutions, thinking innovatively, and leading a purposeful life, rather than solely pursuing material gains. We should lead lives that make a difference.
Currently, as the Director of Alliance Française, Ibadan, what is your outlook for the coming years?
The French Alliance combines art, culture, and language—subjects I am very enthusiastic about. My aim is to help people learn French in the French manner, making the process of learning French more fun using games, memory techniques, and other interactive methods. I want the process of acquiring a language to be enjoyable and easy to access. In addition to language, we are developing a lively cultural environment featuring exhibitions, art discussions, artist residencies, workshops, and exchanges. I see a future with stronger ties across West Africa, where we invite artists from nearby countries and also present Nigerian artists internationally. It's about fostering regional unity through culture.
How open are Nigerians to learning French?
Highly open-minded. I recently participated in the National Association of French Teachers Conference, and it was very motivating. These teachers are like warriors, fervently promoting the importance of French language education within their communities.
At Alliance Française, Ibadan, we also tailor education for professionals and students. We serve as an examination center for several international tests such as DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF, which are particularly crucial for individuals planning to move to Canada or French-speaking nations.
Is there a collaborative connection with the French Embassy?
Certainly. The French Embassy plays a central role in promoting and supporting all Alliance Française centers in Nigeria. They created the structure we rely on. They are essential in our efforts to promote the French language and Francophone culture. Without their guidance, none of this would be achievable.
Why is it significant to encourage the use of French in a country where English is dominant, such as Nigeria?
It holds significance as Nigeria is bordered by French-speaking countries such as Benin, Togo, Cameroon, Niger, Chad, and Mali. French serves as our second official language. Proficiency in French goes beyond cultural awareness; it is essential for trade, healthcare, tourism, diplomacy, and regional collaboration. Language equates to power. To take the lead and work together in West Africa, we need the ability to communicate in both English and French.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in charge of a cultural organization?
I don't lead because I am a woman. I lead because I am human, guided by compassion, love, and a sense of purpose. However, I do recognize that as a woman, my natural caregiving tendencies shape my approach to leadership. My goal is for everyone in this environment to succeed, develop, and feel secure.
What guidance do you have for women in leadership roles?
Women are celestial entities. We embody life, not only in a physical sense, but also in terms of ideas. Leadership for women should involve fostering visions, bringing concepts to life, and safeguarding what is important in our communities. Therefore, to women in leadership roles or those aiming to become leaders, accept your talent. Employ it to make a difference, inspire others, and mend flawed systems.
What guidance do you have for young women aspiring to take leadership roles?
The path ahead won't be simple. However, each experience, whether positive or challenging, is helping you become a leader who possesses depth, strength, and kindness. Accept your journey. Take lessons from it. And when the time comes for you to lead, you will do so with insight and caring.
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