Abuja: An educationist, Dr. Olubukola Dosunmu, has emphasized the importance of reviving indigenous languages and cultural values among children, particularly in Nigeria’s Southwest region. Dosunmu made this appeal in Abuja during the 7th Annual Actualising Rare Talents (ARTS) Day at Toddlers Haven and Everest Heights International Academy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event included a stage play titled ‘Blowing With The Wind’, performed by the school’s Primary Six pupils. Dosunmu noted the challenges faced by children, who are digital natives, in speaking their mother tongues due to insufficient reinforcement of cultural practices at home. She highlighted the difficulty children face when expressing themselves in local languages, an issue particularly pronounced in the Southwest.
Dosunmu pointed out that while Nigerian languages are part of the national curriculum, private schools frequently encounter difficulties in finding qualified language teachers. She encouraged schools to adopt innovative teaching methods to make learning indigenous languages engaging and practical.
The play ‘Blowing With The Wind’ addressed the moral drift in modern society, emphasizing the erosion of traditional values, particularly concerning culture and marriage. At the event, Alhaji Muhammed Magaji, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, represented by Abdullahi Mohammed, the District Head of Kasanki, recognized the significance of cultural education in reconnecting young people with their roots amid growing globalization. He praised the school’s efforts, stating that such initiatives help children understand their identity and heritage.
Mr. Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), also commended the school for its commitment to creativity and cultural heritage preservation. Represented by Dorothy Okoroukwu, Deputy Director of Performing Arts, Asika underscored the transformative power of the arts in shaping young minds. He encouraged the school to continue fostering artistic development, describing the Arts Day as a foundation for future cultural and creative achievements.
