News

UK Group Elevates Yoruba Language to New Heights

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.

YAF Chairman, Aremo Dokun Adewale

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.”

Vice Chairman, Falana with some attendees.

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.

0
Dipo

Dipo Kehinde is an accomplished Nigerian journalist, artist, and designer with over 34 years experience. More info on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipo-kehinde-8aa98926

Recent Posts

Are The Grammys Relevant Outside the United States?

Building Credibility For nearly eight decades, the Grammy Awards have stood as the pinnacle of…

14 hours ago

Disputed 5.3bn Shares: Court Adjourns Barbican/FBN Holdings Suit as Ecobank’s Recusal Motion Remains Pending

Justice Ayokunle Faji has adjourned further proceedings in the suit filed by Barbican Capital Limited…

2 days ago

Los Angeles Protects Undocumented Immigrants from Trump’s Deportation Plans with Sanctuary Ordinance

Segun Atanda/ The Los Angeles City Council has approved a sweeping "sanctuary city" ordinance designed…

2 days ago

Trump Could Face Prison After Second Term, Prosecutors Say

Segun Atanda/ New York prosecutors have opposed dismissing President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction for falsifying business…

2 days ago

MC Oluomo Flouts Court Order, Assumes Office as NURTW President

Femi Ashekun/ In a bold and controversial move, Musiliu ‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya, has defied a…

2 days ago

Tinubu Sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC, Registrar … Dissolves Council

Matilda Omonaiye/ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University,…

2 days ago