NICO to introduce a unified language for Nigeria

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, has announced an initiative to introduce a unified language aimed at reducing language barriers and promoting unity.

The NICO Boss made this known recently at a press briefing organized in commemoration of the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held yesterday, at the Board Room National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Wuse-Abuja.

Otunba further disclosed that language is a sacrosanct nucleus of cultural sustenance and a core condiment in the longevity of culture in the younger generation.

Otunba also emphasized the significance of embracing Nigerian festivals and rituals as part of the intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO.

“I am working towards developing a unified Nigerian language. I believe that establishing a common language will promote unity among us. We plan to seek guidance from language experts, outline a strategy, assess the expenses, and aim to incorporate it into the 2026 Budget. We all must strive collectively to preserve our culture from going to extinction

“Parents should learn to teach their children their indigenous language. It’s the most important because the family is where the seed is first sown. I, for instance, have to ensure my children speak and also let them see the need to teach their children our mother tongue. I even went to the extent of telling them every day that a man who does not speak his mother tongue is completely lost.

“It is important we decolonize our minds and see our cultural festivals, language, rituals, spirituality, and other rich intangible heritage as assets rather than diabolical as we were made to believe. Nigeria has contributed significantly to the highest level in enacting this convention; we were elected thrice into the prestigious committee,” he said.