The Lagos State University Centre for Yoruba Studies has advocated the need to support and ensure that the Yoruba language is preserved and given attention.
This was made known during the centre’s public lecture in commemoration of Yoruba Week 2024, held on Tuesday at the Lagos State University, Ojo.
Recall that the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Art, and Culture unveiled the grand Yoruba Week celebration in September 2024.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the centre, Ahmed Adesanya, noted that the centre would support the government policy to preserve the Yoruba language in Nigeria.
Adesanya further stressed that the centre would promote Yoruba and make it the best in the world.
Also speaking, the Oniladaba of Ladaba, Oba Odedina Sikiru, said it was important for Yoruba people to preserve their language and culture.
The monarch advised parents to ensure that their wards continue to encourage them to speak the language.
“We mustn’t lose our language and culture. I implore our teachers to encourage their students to speak the Yoruba language,” the monarch added.
Also speaking, the Olori Oluwo (the Supreme Head) of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, Francis Oluwagbenro, stated that anybody who lost touch with his indigenous language had disconnected from its roots.
He said, “It is no news that Yorùbá language is confronted with different challenges and threats.
“What is more important is identifying these challenges to address the root causes to remedy the situation, which is important for the sustainability of the language.”
