By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu, LONDON/
In a heartwarming celebration of cultural heritage, the Yoruba Awareness Foundation (YAF) hosted its periodic free barbecue day in London, creating a vibrant “home away from home” for attendees.
The event, filled with delicious food and nostalgic Yoruba old-school music, mirrored the serene relaxation scenes of Southwest Nigeria from the 1960s and 70s.
YAF, a group registered with both the UK Charity Commission and Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission, is dedicated to ensuring the Yoruba language thrives for generations to come.
Despite being based in London, YAF operates Yoruba language schools in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria. These schools, open to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, are located in areas like Papa-Ajao, Mushin, and Meiran in Lagos State, as well as Ibadan and Ilaro in Oyo and Ogun States.
At the event, YAF Chairman Aremo Dokun Adewale expressed concern about the declining fluency in Yoruba among children born both in and outside Nigeria.
“Our Yoruba language must be prevented from going into extinction,” he said. “The only way to achieve this is through free teaching classes, which we are already providing through our schools in Nigeria and the UK.”
YAF is appealing for support from well-meaning Nigerians to help fund these educational initiatives.
Other key members of the organization include Olufemi Falana (Vice Chairman), Moses Dada (Secretary), Tokunbo Aderogba (Chief Whip), Laide Ladenika (Social Secretary), Olu Ojuroye (Publicity Secretary), and Baale Andrew Sobitan (Treasurer).
Mr. Lookman Dabiri and other associates also play vital roles in coordinating YAF’s activities.
The barbecue day not only showcased the rich cultural traditions of the Yoruba people but also highlighted the critical work YAF is doing to preserve the language and support the needy through its registered foundation. With the community’s backing, YAF continues to forge a path toward a vibrant future for Yoruba language and culture.
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