How cultural education stimulates mental development of children —Adésànyà

YORUBA writer, Mrs. Níkè Adésànyà, has advised mothers to culturally educate their children as this would aid their mental development.

Speaking at the last edition of quarterly cultural renaissance programme, Yorùbá Lákotun, held at Ethnic Heritage Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos in December, the author of ‘Òdún Á Yako’, ‘Àbèké Òréke’ and ‘Kókó-Omi’ said cultural education is a fundamental part of learning.

She said: “We have the opportunity to correctly educate our children from childhood so that they can challenge discussions that are not in tune with our culture. The uniqueness of each language is in their words and as such, it should not be assumed that languages can find their direct transliteration.”

Adésànyà equally stressed that the mother tongue plays a very important role in stimulating the mental development of children because thinking is easier in one’s mother tongue than in any foreign language.

“Children should also be allowed to relate with their peers by engaging in cultural activities like  ‘Ere Osupa’ literary translated into Tales by Moonlight because it encourages children to learn role playing and other valuable lessons that portrays the virtues of Omoluabi which is renowned among the Yorùbás,” she added

Corroborating the author, Mr. Segun Adebayo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor  on Facility Management, explained that the understanding of Yorùbá language has opened opportunities to Yorùbá in the diaspora. He appealed to people in the southwest to promote the language from their households and project it to the world as a treasured heritage.

The last Yorùbá Lákotun in 2017 was dedicated to Ms. Iyabode Aboaba, the program’s matron who recently clocked 70 and all hardworking women who have carved a niche for themselves in the promotion of Yorùbá culture and craft.