The Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, has called on parents to actively engage their children in speaking indigenous languages to prevent them from going extinct.
Speaking at a press conference held in commemoration of the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ajiboye emphasized the importance of preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. He urged parents to instill cultural values and lifestyles in their children, warning that neglecting these traditions could lead to the disappearance of languages and customs.
“Parents must ensure they speak their native languages to their children, and also promote cultural virtues. If we fail to do this, our languages and cultures risk extinction,” Ajiboye stated.
He highlighted the impact of modern civilization and migration, which have caused younger generations to abandon their native languages and cultural practices. In response, NICO is intensifying advocacy efforts to encourage young people to reconnect with their roots.
Ajiboye also warned that the nation’s unity and core values would be at risk if the country’s diverse languages and cultures are allowed to fade away. To combat this, he revealed that NICO is establishing the Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies, an institution aimed at teaching young Nigerians about their languages and cultural heritage.
In addition to preserving existing languages, Ajiboye underscored the need for a national language, saying, “Despite the diversity of our languages, it is essential to have a unifying national language. NICO is conducting research to explore this possibility and will soon present its findings.”
