Adamawa seminar urges preservation of indigenous languages, highlighting their role in culture, education, and sustainable societal development in Nigeria

Stakeholders in education, culture, and community development gathered on Saturday at the Murtala Nyako State Secretariat, Yola, for a one-day seminar titled “The Importance of Language for Societal Development.”

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The event, chaired by Adamawa State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Garba Umar Pella, convened policymakers, scholars, and cultural advocates to discuss the critical role of indigenous languages in fostering unity, identity, and national development.

Special guests included Hon. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa, PhD; Dr. Ishaya Dabari Mamman as Guest of Honour; and Hon. Aloysius Babadoke, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, who served as Chief Host.

Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno, representing Demsa Constituency, chaired the occasion.

Speakers stressed that indigenous languages are central to cultural identity and a driver of social, political, and economic progress. They warned that neglecting native languages could lead to irreversible loss of heritage and knowledge.

Culture and development scholar Kalep Bulus Fillip highlighted that language underpins education, commerce, political participation, and tourism.

He urged the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to champion the creation of a Nigerian Indigenous Language Development Council (NILDC) to preserve linguistic diversity and foster national harmony.

Hon. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa emphasized parents’ role in teaching native languages, citing the example of a five-year-old Yoruba boy crowned the youngest chief after demonstrating mastery of 5,000 Yoruba proverbs.

In his keynote address, Hon. Babadoke underscored the need to revive traditional values and implement cultural and educational programmes in schools to strengthen heritage awareness.

Dr. Hammawa Rufus, representing the Commissioner for Education, affirmed that language is the cornerstone of thought, culture, and identity, describing the seminar as a vital platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

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The seminar, held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., concluded with a collective commitment from participants to champion indigenous language preservation as the foundation for sustainable societal growth.