By Victor Akinkuolie,, Ado-Ekiti.
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Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, has expressed worry over the ‘frightening decline’ in the use of Yoruba language in schools and homes.
The Deputy Governor spoke at the palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, during a programme organised by Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yobuba Worldwide, to commemorate the Yoruba Day 2023.
She described the language as a veritable means of communication in the South West, tasking relevant stakeholders to prevent the language from sliding into extinction.
Mrs. Afuye lamented how modernity brought by Western education which has gained traction and wider acceptability in the South West, had eroded the speaking of the Yoruba Language among the younger generation, describing this as a dangerous trend that must be halted.
Mrs. Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant Media, Victor Ogunje, said many countries such as Cuba, China, India and Japan, have fully adopted their languages as means of communication in schools, describing as erroneous and unfathomable, the widespread impression that local languages could reduce one’s intelligence, knowledge and brilliancy.
“I want to advocate that government should allow all subjects to be taught in Yoruba language once a week at all levels of education. This will promote our culture and prevent Yoruba language from dying.”
The Chairman, Egbe Akomolede Yoruba, Mr. Muyiwa Akinrelere, said over 200 million population speak the Yoruba language globally, saying such a wide range of speakers can’t be underestimated and confirmed how illustrious the language had become worldwide.
He suggested that government and traditional rulers should conduct bi-weekly council meetings in the Yoruba Language to promote culture, customs, and tradition.
