Atelewo Cultural Initiative on Saturday organised an event to celebrate the 2024 International Mother Language Day at the BNI Youth Centre, University of Ibadan and to promote the Yoruba language.
The programme with the theme ‘Language is the pillar of knowledge’ also doubled as the award-giving ceremony of the fourth edition of the ATELEWO Prize for Yoruba Literature.
Speaking at the event, Ayo Adams, a prominent digital media influencer and Yoruba storyteller, noted that as a visual storyteller, he has witnessed firsthand the power of language as the cornerstone of knowledge and empowerment.
He added “Our Yoruba language not only preserves our stories but also serves as the bedrock of our cultural heritage. It’s more than just words; it’s a vessel that carries the essence of who we are as a people, encapsulating our history, traditions, and values.
“In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s imperative that we prioritize the preservation and promotion of our Yoruba language, ensuring that our children learn and embrace it. By instilling a deep appreciation for our language from a young age, we empower future generations to connect with their roots, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.”
Similarly, Oluwo Jogbodo Orunmila, a Babalawo and Yoruba Culture Advocate also agreed with the notion of prioritising Yoruba language in Nigeria’s educational system.
He said, “As a practitioner of Ifa and a custodian of Yoruba tradition, I firmly believe that our language holds the key to unlocking the vast reservoir of knowledge inherent within our culture. Yoruba is not just a means of communication; it is a repository of ancient wisdom, encompassing profound insights into every facet of human existence.
“In our quest to preserve our cultural heritage, we must recognize the pivotal role that language plays in shaping our worldview and transmitting knowledge across generations. The Yoruba language possesses the unique ability to convey complex concepts and profound truths with eloquence and clarity, and as such can be used to teach any subject whatsoever.”
The event also witnessed the prize-giving ceremony for the winners of the fourth edition of the Atelewo Prize for Yoruba Literature.
Out of an initial longlisted eight entries, four eventual winners were announced by the organisers including Adewumi Fatimah Luqman who emerged as the overall winner for her outstanding collections of short stories written in Yoruba language in the prose category titled “Ọ̀rẹ́ Àtàtà”.
Other runners-up included Famuyiwa Oluwafemi for his drama entry titled “Àtẹ̀yìntọ̀”, Abdulrosheed Olalekan Fadipe for his translation of “The First Men in the Moon” by H.G Wells titled “Àwọn Arìnrìn Àjọ̀ Àkọ́kọ́ Sínú Òṣùpá”, and Ademola Olayiwola for his collection of poems titled “Ewì Àrìnyè”.
In recognition of their literary achievements, Adewumi Fatimah Luqman, the overall winner, received an award and a cash prize of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N250,000), while the three runners-up each received an award and a cash prize of one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) respectively.
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