PEN Nigeria Advocates Mother Tongue Preservation, Warns Against Extinction

As part of activities marking International Mother Language Day 2025, the Nigeria Centre, PEN International (PEN Nigeria) held a thought-provoking webinar on February 21, 2025, themed “The Fate of Mother Tongue in Our Evolving Society.” 

The event featured Toyin Adenubi, President of PEN Nigeria, along with Lagada-Abayomi Olanrewaju, a communication, culture, and language expert, Folu Agoi, former president of PEN Nigeria and other members of the association and the public. 

The speakers emphasised the urgent need to preserve Nigeria’s indigenous languages, warning that failure to act could lead to their extinction. 

Adenubi highlighted the educational and cultural benefits of learning in one’s native language, stating that “learning in a mother tongue enhances comprehension and fosters deeper cultural understanding.” She called for more emphasis on indigenous language education. 

Keynote Speaker, Olanrewaju, a senior Yoruba broadcaster with the Voice of Nigeria (VON), traced the decline of native languages to colonial influence and modern societal shifts. He called for a surge in indigenous content creation, including books, films, journals, historical records, and digital media. 

“Language carries culture. When we put away our mother tongue, we put away our culture. We must ensure future generations inherit and cherish our linguistic heritage,” he stressed. 

Echoing similar concerns, Agoi warned that many Nigerian languages are at risk of extinction and urged a renewed commitment to multilingualism and cultural diversity. 

“Some of the world’s greatest writers wrote in their mother tongue before translation. We must tap into the wealth of our native languages and start creating content as soon as possible,” he noted. 

The webinar concluded with a call for government institutions, media, and educational bodies to actively support indigenous language preservation through policies, advocacy, and content development.