By: Oluwatobi Aroyehun
The Kwara State Chapter of the Association of Teachers of the Yorùbá Language and Culture of Nigeria joined the global observance of International Mother Language Day 2025 with a strong call for the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages.
Held in the Offa/Oyun Zone under the leadership of Mrs. Titilayomi Felicia Adeoye, the event attracted teachers, cultural enthusiasts, and stakeholders committed to the survival of the Yorùbá language.
Elder Shina Samuel, Chairman of the association in Kwara State, highlighted the urgent need to integrate indigenous languages into the state’s education system.
In his keynote address, Elder Aina Felix Dada traced the history of International Mother Language Day and emphasized UNESCO’s role in linguistic diversity preservation. He urged the Kwara State Government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take decisive steps in supporting the Yorùbá language.
Elder Samuel further stressed the scarcity of qualified Yorùbá language teachers in public schools, warning that this shortage is contributing to the decline in proper language transmission among young learners. He also condemned the practice in some private schools where students are prohibited from speaking their indigenous languages, calling it a threat to cultural identity.
Mrs. Adeoye reinforced the message, stating that language is central to cultural heritage and must be protected. She expressed gratitude to school principals in Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas for their financial and logistical support, particularly acknowledging the efforts of Mr. F. T. Salami and Mrs. L. B. Bello of Offa Grammar School for hosting the event.
Beyond advocacy, the celebration featured traditional dances, cultural performances, and financial support for language preservation initiatives. The event was attended by dignitaries such as Mr. Omoniyi Ajiboye, Chief S. Aperin, Mr. Akorede W. Awoniyi (Assistant Secretary of the Association), and Aare Kayode Sanusi Alaafin Oro (Public Relations Officer).
The celebration emphasized the ongoing need for advocacy and government intervention to ensure the survival of indigenous languages, with the Association of Teachers of the Yorùbá Language and Culture remaining dedicated to safeguarding Yorùbá linguistic heritage for future generations.
