The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has lamented that Yoruba language is facing threat of extinction, calling for its use as a medium for teaching at schools.
Afenifere disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of its caucus meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The organization noted that citizens of the region are now substituting Yoruba for English.
It stressed that if necessary measures are not put in place, the Yoruba language may be a thing of the past.
The group urged state governments in the region to “make the language the medium for teaching at elementary and lower level of secondary education”.
Afenifere further urged parents to ensure that the ability to speak the language is inculcated into their children.
The communique read, “Afenifere observed that the Yoruba language is under threat of extinction due to the fact that many Yorubas, especially elites, prefer to communicate with their children in English rather than in their native language.
“To prevent the language from going into extinction, therefore, Afenifere called on governments in Yorubaland to make the language the medium for teaching at elementary and lower levels of secondary education.
“And make it compulsory for students at school certificate examination level. It also called on parents and guardians to change their attitude by ensuring that their children are versed in Yoruba language”.
