By Precious Ireoluwa.
Ekiti State government has expressed its readiness to ensure that Yoruba cultural values do not go into extinction.
This came to the fore when a Yoruba Cultural Group, known as ‘Egbe Akomolede Ati Asa Yoruba’ paid a courtesy visit on the Secretary to the Ekiti State government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro in her office, in Ado-Ekiti.
They SSG told her guests that the State government is poised to revive the use of Yoruba language in schools and government institutions. Adding that it is regrettable that Yoruba language has almost extinct among students of both private and public schools,which she said calls for serious attention.
A news release by the Information Officer in the office of the SSG, Blessing Bolaji says Dr Adubiaro pointed out that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji is committed to giving much respect to Yoruba culture and would not hesitate to take steps in preventing it from extinction.
The university don remarked that if foreigners were willing to learn Yoruba language and culture, there is no reason for the real owner of the language to abandon it. She commended the group for promoting Yoruba cultural values in the society.
“Let me start by thanking you on behalf of the state government for your efforts in seeing that Yoruba cultural values did not go into extinction. It is true that the learning of Yoruba language by both students of public and private schools is no longer feasible like before which calls for a great concern.”
She urged the group to put its demands in writing to the government and take further step in making their views known to the state legislature for more assistance.
The release further highlights that the State Chairman of “Egbe Akomolede Ati Asa Yoruba”, Akogun Olumuyiwa Akinrelere, on behalf of the group appealed for government support in reviving the use of Yoruba language in schools and government institutions.
According to the release, Akinrelere canvassed for an executive order or enacting of law that will mandate the use of Yoruba as official language in institutions of learning to revive and promote the speaking of Yoruba language among students.