Mariam Abeeb
An education expert , Dr Olubukola Dosunmu, has stressed the need for parents and educators to revive indigenous languages and cultural values, especially among children in Nigeria’s Southwest region.
Dosunmu made the call in Abuja, during the 7th Annual Actualising Rare Talents (ARTS) Day of Toddlers Haven and Everest Heights International Academy.
The event featured a stage play titled “Blowing With The Wind”, written and performed by the school’s Primary Six pupils.
“Our children are digital natives, born into the age of screens and gadgets.
“Many are struggling to speak their mother tongues because parents aren’t doing enough at home
“You can see it when children try to express themselves in local languages, it’s very difficult. It’s particularly worse in the Southwest because the culture is not reinforced at home,” she said.
She explained that while Nigerian languages were part of the national curriculum, private schools often struggled to find qualified language teachers.
She therefore encouraged schools to adopt creative teaching methods to make indigenous languages engaging and practical.
Speaking on the play, “Blowing With The Wind”, Dosunmu said it addressed the moral drift in modern society, highlighting the erosion of traditional values, especially regarding culture and marriage.
Also speaking at the event, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Muhammed Magaji, represented by the District Head of Kasanki, Abdullahi Mohammed, acknowledged the role of cultural education in reconnecting young people with their roots amid increasing globalisation.
He lauded the school’s efforts, saying initiatives like this would helf children understand their identity and heritage.
“The Western culture is taking over, but in Africa, we must do what we can to preserve our traditions so they don’t disappear entirely,” he said.
The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr Obi Asika, also commended the school for promoting creativity and preserving cultural heritage.
Represented by the Deputy Director of Performing Arts, Dorothy Okoroukwu, Asika highlighted the transformative power of the arts in shaping young minds.
“As a people, we must embrace the power of art to inspire the younger generation.
“Looking at you all, I see Nigeria’s future arts celebrities, the world is waiting for you,” he said.
