The Lagos State government has stressed the importance of preserving the Yoruba language and culture, while urging the Federal Government to formulate policies to incorporate indigenous language into the Nigerian curriculum and ensure implementation of such to enable development.

This was disclosed at the maiden edition of Yoruba week and unveiling of the book, ‘Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life’ organised by the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Dawn and Regional Integration.

Speaking, Special Adviser to the Lagos State government, on Dawn Commission Matters, Sunmi Odesanya, noted that celebrating Yoruba socio-cultural heritage was important to imbibe the Omoluabi culture.

Odesanya also advocated the need to introduce Yoruba language studies in higher institutions, mirroring China’s approach to promoting its language, noting that this would ensure the indigenous language is preserved and also aid knowledge in the classroom.

He added that the initiative seeks the globalisation of the Yoruba language making it a reality and not just in paper. He said: “The reason we are gathered is to celebrate our socio-cultural heritage as a people and as a noble Yoruba race.”

We are gifted with a rich heritage that’s recognised globally, with our presence felt in Brazil, Benin Republic, Togo, Jamaica, and even Kubwa. Our way of life is sterling among nations, and that’s why we’re launching this book, a collection of ancient Yoruba proverbs authored by a lawyer.

“We’ve learned from China’s approach, where they communicate eloquently in their language, not English. We aim to globalise Yoruba and make it a reality, not just on paper. If we fail, our language may vanish, and our ancestors will disapprove.

“The Federal Government must formulate and implement policies. We need policy formation and implementation to incorporate indigenous languages into our curriculum. We must learn from the Chinese and French communities, who speak their languages confidently, even at the United Nations level. A race with an inferiority complex is not free to exist.”

Also speaking, the author of the book, Omolere Abisola, who is a lawyer and Yoruba language advocate, noted that the purpose of the book was to ensure that children and generations to come not only inherit digital innovation and foreign languages but more importantly they take with them the wisdom from Yoruba language.

According to her, the book is categorized into ten chapters to serve as a straightforward guide to the reader, noting that there is wisdom embedded in the book that touches on many aspects of human existence- selfcare, human nature, work and productivity, friendship, hope and reflection among others.