The Oodua Youth Coalition has called on the South West governors to make Yoruba a compulsory subject in public schools to ensure the promotion of the Yoruba language, saying that people are better known by their languages and culture.
This was contained in a communiqué issued by the group at the end of its National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday. The group said the appeal became necessary upon the realisation that Yoruba has become an elective subject in schools.
The group argued that making Yoruba compulsory in schools would be the only way to ensure the preservation of Yoruba, the indigenous language of the people in the region.
The group, in the communiqué signed by the National Vice President, Olatunji Adejuwon, and National Publicity Secretary, Bamidele Ifedayo, urged the Houses of Assembly in the South West zone to make Yoruba language a compulsory subject in schools from the basic to secondary and tertiary levels.
According to the group, such an initiative would help deepen knowledge of traditional religion in Yorubaland.
The communiqué read: “The organisation in line with it’s mandate of promoting the art and heritage of the Yoruba people appeal to the South West Governors Forum through it’s Chairman, Gov. Babajide Sanwo Olu to compulsory the teaching of Yoruba in our primary and secondary schools.
“This appeal comes in the wake of the realization that Yoruba has become an elective subject in our schools.
“The Organisation, in the same vein, urge the South West States House of Assembly to use the instrumentality of the law at their disposal to make compulsory the teaching of Yoruba language in our schools.
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“The organisation reiterated it’s commitment against Drug Abuse and seek the support of relevant agencies to fight against the menace of consumption of hard drugs which has become rampant amongst the youth population.
“The meeting also noted that the organisation will be partnering with towns for the celebration of their major cultural festivals this year. The Intention is to help amplify the cultural benefits of the festivals.
“The meeting sanction the creation of the Oodua Youth Coalition website which will serve as an archive for the activities of the organisation.
“The meeting stressed the relative goodness in having good understanding of one’s cultural heritage and history, and enjoined stakeholders at all levels to prioritize using their powers towards advancing the cause of bequeathing an unadulterated history to the next generation.”
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