Yoruba Language Preservation Project gains momentum as Brain Trust pledges to revitalise Yoruba heritage and inspire a new cultural awakening
The Yoruba Language Preservation Project has received a powerful boost as The Brain Trust (Èdè wa ni – Ẹ Gbe L’árugẹ) reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising the Yoruba language and safeguarding the region’s cultural heritage.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Project Director, Mr Olushola Macaulay, said the commitment was renewed during the group’s inaugural meeting held on Saturday, which brought together eminent Yoruba personalities, cultural advocates and scholars.
Macaulay described the meeting as a turning point in the collective mission to preserve the Yoruba language and the cultural values it represents.
“The passion and strategic vision shown by members have exceeded expectations,” he noted, adding that members had pledged their expertise, influence and resources to ensure the initiative’s success.
According to him, The Brain Trust plans to engage traditional rulers, political figures, business moguls and cultural icons across Yorubaland to generate broad-based support and transform the project into a pan-Yoruba movement.
Dr Sharon Omotoso, one of the group’s members, emphasised that cultural leaders must play a pivotal role in achieving the project’s objectives.
“Our commitment is to open doors at the highest levels of Yoruba society to ensure that this project receives the recognition and support it deserves,” she said.
The meeting also marked a significant milestone with the unveiling of the project’s official logo and brand identity. The symbol—featuring a talking drum, a cock, and a book—was unanimously endorsed to represent communication, tradition and learning.
Media expert Mr Paul Emokhare explained that the logo captures the essence of Yoruba heritage while pointing toward the future, while broadcaster Mrs AnikeadeFunke Treasure-Akintoye pledged to leverage her extensive media reach to amplify the initiative.
“I am fully committed to using every media resource at my disposal to amplify this critical movement,” she said, stressing the need for “visibility, engagement and sustained public conversation.”
Similarly, Mr Babatunde Tiamiyu, General Manager of Pensioners’ 106.7 FM, described the project as the most comprehensive effort to safeguard the Yoruba language in a generation.
The Yoruba Language Preservation Project (Èdè wa ni – Ẹ Gbe L’árugẹ) is designed to reconnect young people aged 15 to 18 across Yoruba-speaking states with their linguistic and cultural roots.
It adopts a reality show-inspired format that blends education, mentorship, and cultural immersion to make language learning engaging and accessible.
The initiative, covering Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and parts of Kogi, Kwara, and Edo States, aims to rekindle pride among Yoruba youths and raise nationwide awareness about the importance of preserving indigenous languages.
As The Brain Trust continues to build momentum, the Yoruba Language Preservation Project stands as a beacon of cultural renewal, promising to inspire a generation of young Nigerians to embrace and celebrate their identity.
Culture4 years ago
