The Pro-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Sir David Sunmoni has advocated the preservation of Yoruba Language among youths and students in Lagos State.
The former Lagos State Accountant-General stated this in Ikorodu yesterday during the Quarterly Musediq Alogba E-Library Reading Session where he was the Library Personality in Focus.
The elder-statesman berated a situation where Nigerian youths and students fondly speak foreign languages like English and French but feel ashamed to speak their Mothertongue, Yoruba Language.
He cited the examples of China, India and other developed Nations of the world that embraced their own local languages and their lingua franca, even in schools and tertiary institutions, which has led their development.
Sunmoni stated that, while English Language was necessary for students, Yoruba Language was more important, being their Mothertongue.
He therefore challenged the students to seek to know and understand the Yoruba Language to enable them to speak their mothertongue fluently and proudly.
He further stated that the choice of a Yoruba Literature, ‘Ogboju-Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole’, authored by Late D.O Fagunwa as his preferred literature for the Reading Session was a demonstration of his conviction.
The LASU Pro-Chancellor also commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for dedicating one day in the week as Yoruba Language day during their plenary session.
He equally informed the gathering that Lagos State University has now made Yoruba Language (GNS 104) one of the compulsory courses a student must pass before they can graduate from the institution.
The Reading Session was graced by the Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG) Dr Mobolaji Olukoya, a former Lagos State Head of Service and Treasurer IDRDG, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe and Chairman, Musediq Alogba E-Library and Research Centre, Hon. Rotimi Ogunleye.
Other prominent IDRDG members in attendance were Alh. F.O Lasisi and Mr Babawale Alogba, Son of Late Businessman and Philanthropist, Alh. Musediq Alogba.
Ede Yoruba gbayi, o gbeye.