The Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, Mr. Akogun Adeniyi, has emphasized the crucial role parents must play in safeguarding indigenous languages and cultural heritage from extinction.

Speaking in commemoration of World Mother Tongue Day, Akogun stressed that parents serve as the primary custodians of cultural values and traditions.

He warned that without their active involvement, the Yoruba language and cultural identity could gradually fade away.

Expressing concern over the declining use of native languages among the youth, he attributed this trend to the growing influence of globalization and modernity, which have distanced younger generations from their cultural roots.

He urged parents to make a deliberate effort to teach their children their native language and customs at home, noting that language is more than just a means of communication—it is an essential part of identity and a link to history, traditions, and ancestral wisdom.

Akogun encouraged parents to engage their children in speaking Yoruba, sharing folklore, and participating in cultural activities to ensure they remain connected to their heritage.

Beyond the home, he called for stronger collaboration between schools and parents to reinforce cultural education.

While schools play a vital role in instilling cultural awareness, he emphasized that this responsibility should extend beyond the classroom into the community.

The principal urged all stakeholders—parents, educators, and cultural advocates—to take proactive steps in preserving the Yoruba language and traditions.

He expressed confidence that with collective dedication, Yoruba culture would not only endure but also gain global recognition as an essential part of Nigeria’s rich heritage.