International Day Of World’s Indigenous languages: Dr. (Mrs.) Ojoge, Principal FGGS Calls For Preservation Of Yourba Language In Public Schools
Consequent upon the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) setting aside 27th of February for International Day of World’s Indigenous languages schools in Ondo State have joined their counterparts across the world to celebrate the special day to mirror the their various cultural heritage as linked to heterogeneous native languages.
Leading in displaying this cultural heritage and norms is Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, Akure under the leadership of Amb. (Dr.) Mrs. Omobola Temitope Ojoge who spoke unequivocally over the need to preserve our indigenous languages in Yoruba land for the purpose of upcoming generation.
She noted The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples serves as a global platform to honour and amplify the voices of indigenous communities and their languages as postulated by UNESCO.
She pointed out the importance of the celebration across the globe is because languages are disappearing at an alarming rate, with a significant number of them being indigenous languages.
She added that these linguistic treasures encapsulate the essence of peoples’ identities, cultures and complex knowledge systems cultivated over thousands of years stressing that today present an excellent opportunity to foster awareness about the significance of indigenous languages.
Mrs. Ojoge went further to elucidate that having good knowledge of indigenous languages will aid in communicating deep values and re-awakening norms in them for posterity.
“When I came to this school I told all my staff to do assembly in Yoruba language on Fridays and to explain things to them in Yoruba for them to get better understanding. Because this has a whole lot of benefits for our children in Yoruba land.”
While calling on government at all levels to give boost to all Yoruba teachers, Mrs. Ojoge also encouraged other schools to follow the trend speaking Yoruba on Fridays as they practise at Fiwasaye.
Some of the Ministry of Education officials that came on inspection appreciated them for their efforts towards inculcating Yoruba values in to the students in the school.