CULTURAL ASSOCIATION WARNS AGAINST DECLINING USE OF YORUBA AMONG YOUTHS

Regional advocacy group launches deliberate sensitization initiative in Abeokuta, urging parents, educators, and policymakers to reverse the erosion of indigenous linguistic heritage

A prominent socio-cultural association has sounded an alarm over the steady decline in the usage of the Yoruba language among younger generations, warning that the trend poses a significant threat to regional identity and cultural continuity.  

The group issued the caution during a cultural advocacy event held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the preservation of indigenous languages in the face of modern globalization.

According to leaders of the association, the growing preference for foreign languages in domestic spaces, academic environments, and social media interactions has progressively alienated contemporary youths from their linguistic roots.

Speakers at the gathering noted that proficiency in mother tongues has dropped markedly among children and teenagers, warning that unchecked assimilation could lead to the gradual extinction of vital oral traditions, folklore, and indigenous philosophy.

The organization called on parents to consciously prioritize speaking Yoruba within their households, emphasizing that foundational language acquisition begins at home rather than solely within formal school systems.

Furthermore, educational administrators and curriculum planners were urged to integrate stronger indigenous language modules into primary and secondary learning frameworks to make local dialects more engaging and accessible to students.

Cultural custodians and traditional rulers across the southwest region were also charged with spearheading community-level campaigns to restore pride in native heritage, ensuring that the language remains vibrant across public and private spheres.