Save Yoruba language from extinction – Indigenous group

An indigenous Yoruba group, Egbe Akomolede Yoruba led by its former national president, Elder Ayo Adesina has solicited the support of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji through the Ministry of Art, Culture and Tourism to prevent the Yoruba language from dying a natural death.

The appeal for support was made in Ado Ekiti when the group paid a courtesy visit to Mrs Abosede Adaran, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Art, Culture and Tourism at the Secretariat complex.

The team leader, together with other executive members of the Socio-Cultural group said the visit was aimed at acknowledging the efforts of the Ministry in promoting the cultural heritage of Yoruba, of which language is an integral part.

The group appreciated the Ministry for upholding Yoruba heritage and values as one of the pillars of Governor Biodun Oyebanji Administration.

“One of the purposes of this visit is to see to the resuscitation of Yoruba language from going into extinction and to prioritize the value of art and culture of our tribe,” the group emphasized.

In her reaction, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Art, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Abosede Adaran thanked the group for coming and appreciated God for the steps taken by the group.

She also charged them not to compromise their value

adding that she is ready to give her maximum support and cooperation towards the success of all their programmes as far as the goal and the objectives are in line with the policy of the present administration.

Adaran advised them to involve all stakeholders so as to bring back the glory of the language from the cradle through elementary to the tertiary education levels, explaining that the Ministry of Education Science and Technology should include the Yoruba language in the school curriculum and make it a core subject for certificate classes.

She, however, pledged her availability when needed and advised them to be good ambassadors of the tribe at all times.