By Felix Kuyinu
The Lagos State Government, LASG, has continued it’s commitment to preserve heritage of Yoruba language by mandating it’s use for communication in schools.
LASG stated that there is a law which mandates teachers to teach students in schools using the language. The government also urged parents to ensure communication with their children in the language.
Olanrewaju Odesanya, Special Adviser to the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, gave the charge at the maiden edition of Yoruba Week held on Wednesday in Ikeja.
Odesanya noted the significance of showcasing and promoting the Yoruba socio-cultural heritage as a race, people, and above all, as a nation.
He said, “Our heritage and history must not go in vain, hence, the need to conscientise our people, home and abroad.
“In order to preserve the Yoruba heritage, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly now communicate with the Yoruba language during plenary on Thursdays.
“In April, the state government announced plans to dedicate the last week of September every year for the Yoruba Week event to celebrate the Yoruba culture.
“The event is expected to showcase the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people through traditional music, dance, art exhibitions, and delectable culinary delights.”
The state Commisioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Balogun said, “The Yoruba language is universal because it is not only spoken in Nigeria; we have Yoruba people in Benin Republic, Togo, some parts of Ghana, Jamaica, Finland, Cuba and Brazil.
“In all these countries mentioned, we have that promotion of Yoruba culture, heritage, and language that is more or less being practised than we are in our own space speaking that language.
“It is a common thing in our household, where we don’t allow our children to speak that lovely language, the language that is embedded with so much wisdom and knowledge, and we just want to make a u-turn to correct that impression.
“We need to let our children know the value of our language, the value of our culture and the value of our heritage.”
He added, “Principals and the tutor-general have been called to implement the speaking of Yoruba in schools, majorly to boost students’ understanding of what was taught.
“According to UNICEF, the best way for a student or people to learn better is to be taught in his or her indigenous language, and that starts at one to nine years old.
“They can actually learn better and faster when they are taught in indigenous language.”
