The Yoruba Academy, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has issued a passionate call to action, urging stakeholders to unite in safeguarding the Yoruba language, customs, and traditions.
Addressing the audience at the ‘International Mother’s Language Day’ event in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Programme Director, Folaranmi Wakeel, highlighted the challenges faced by Yoruba children who often feel socially marginalized for their inability to communicate effectively in English.
Wakeel emphasized the transformative potential of preserving and upholding Yoruba language and culture, asserting that it is the key to reshaping society. He called for collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the empowerment of media to actively propagate the richness of the Yoruba language.
“In our language lies our culture, and it is through our culture that we can achieve social renaissance and transform our society,” declared Wakeel. “Abundance awaits us if we can uphold the fundamental aspects of our language and culture.”
The Yoruba Academy, positioned as the think-tank for sociocultural and economic development in Yorubaland, has played a pivotal role in formulating developmental plans, including the influential Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission).
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Chairman, Adebayo Akinsowon; Chief Dele Akinleye, Coordinator of the Afenifere Renewal Group in Oyo State; and Chief Tunde Odunlade, all united in their commitment to the preservation and promotion of the Yoruba language and heritage. The gathering served as a platform for discussions on collaborative strategies to ensure the longevity of this rich cultural tapestry in the face of modern challenges.
