By Abiodun Olofe
Special Adviser to the governor on Education Science and Technology, Dr Mrs Kofoworola Aderiye has encouraged the leadership of an indigenous socio-cultural group, Egbe Akomolede Yoruba to introduce career talks and counseling to their activities as a way of reviving the ailing Yoruba language among the youths.
The word of encouragement was given by the Special Adviser while welcoming the executive committee members of the socio-cultural group who were on a courtesy visit to her office in Ado Ekiti.
Aderiye charged the group to embark on sensitization of all the stakeholders including Parents, Students, Teachers among others in the education sector on the benefits derivable from indigenous language.
She implored the group to market the language and it’s Cultural values in order to attract people rather than imposing traditional religion which might likely discourage people as she described religion as personal conviction.
The Special Adviser also reiterated the commitment of Biodun Oyebanji led Administration at encouraging policies and practices that would promote Culture and core Ekiti values among students.
Earlier, the Chairman, Egbe Akomolede Yoruba, Ekiti State chapter, Akogun Olumuyiwa Akinrelere has solicited the support of the state government through the Ministry at ensuring that Yoruba language is made compulsory for all pupils of primary and secondary education in the state.
Citing Osun and Lagos States as examples where Yoruba language is a compulsory prerequisite forall students, Akunrelere promised to carry the SA along in all the activities of the group.
He however solicited the support of the Special Adviser and the state government on the sponsorship of the international language day coming up soon as well as other activities of the organisation.