A leading Yoruba language scholar has called for the creation of more women-led language clubs and digital content series to help preserve Yoruba language and culture for future generations.
Dr. Damilola Adebonojo, an assistant instructor of Yoruba at the University of Georgia, stressed the crucial role women and children play in sustaining cultural heritage.
In a statement to LEADERSHIP Friday, Dr. Adebonojo stated, “We need to see more cultural initiatives—like language clubs and digital series—led by women and focused on Yoruba proverbs, songs, and folktales. When women and children are active creators of cultural content, not just consumers, that’s when meaningful preservation happens.”
He underscored the importance of community-driven efforts, emphasizing that “culture thrives in communities—it’s where heritage is either preserved or lost. By involving communities intentionally, we give women and children the space to reconnect with and celebrate their roots. When that connection happens at the grassroots, the results are transformative.”
According to Dr. Adebonojo, cultural preservation must go beyond institutional mandates; it should be a living, breathing process, sustained through everyday engagement and local ownership.
He also highlighted how language education empowers identity and self-confidence, especially among women and children. “Understanding one’s roots fosters unstoppable confidence. Yoruba language learning grounds individuals, particularly women, in a strong sense of identity. It also opens up opportunities in areas like leadership, entrepreneurship, education, translation, and cultural consultancy.”
Dr. Adebonojo pointed to real-world examples of women who, having learned Yoruba in their youth, later founded Yoruba language schools abroad, demonstrating the long-term impact of early language education.
“When women embrace their cultural roots, they not only transform their own lives—they uplift entire communities,” he noted.
He concluded by emphasizing that early exposure to Yoruba gives children a deep sense of pride in their language. “They learn that Yoruba is not just a local dialect—it’s a rich, intellectual tradition with global relevance. Instilling this understanding sets them up to face the world with confidence.”