Culture

Yoruba Language Preservation Project Launches Brain Trust

Published

11 months ago

October 10, 2025

Yoruba Language Preservation Project launches Brain Trust to revitalise Yoruba among youths through innovation and cultural engagement

Yoruba Language Preservation Project The Yoruba Language Preservation Project, also known as Èdè Wa Ní – Ẹ Gbé L’árugẹ, has announced the inauguration of its “Brain Trust”, set to hold virtually on Saturday, October 11.

Also read: Ooni of Ife Slams Oluwo of Iwo over Yoruba Origin

The Project Director, Mr Olushola Macaulay, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the gathering would unite distinguished cultural leaders, scholars, linguists, educators, and advocates dedicated to safeguarding and revitalising the Yoruba language, particularly among young people.

According to Macaulay, the Brain Trust will serve as the intellectual and strategic backbone of the cultural initiative, drawing together eminent personalities from Yoruba-speaking regions and the diaspora.

“The formation of the Brain Trust represents a critical milestone in our journey to preserve the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people for future generations,” he said.

Macaulay added that the project seeks to reverse the declining use of Yoruba among youths by making language learning an engaging, immersive, and culturally relevant experience.

He explained that the initiative aims to nurture a new generation of fluent Yoruba speakers through creative and interactive formats inspired by reality shows.

Young participants from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, and Edo States will engage in activities that promote both language acquisition and cultural connection.

The project, powered by the Light-Up Africa Development Initiative (LADI), also includes prominent figures such as Dr Oluseyi Soremekun, Dr Paul Emokhare, Pastor Bola Jordan, Prof Sharon Omotosho, Mrs Damilola Oni, and Mr Taiwo Ibikunle among its members.

Other contributors include Mr Tunde Philips, Mr Idris Akintola, Prof Akin Akande, Dr Babatunde Tiamiyu, Dr Tiwalade Fapohunda, Mrs Funke Durodola, and Mr Damola Oladipo.

Speaking on the project’s cultural significance, the General Manager of UNILORIN 89.3 FM, Mr Idris Ajintola Ibrahim, said that language remains the primary vessel of culture, and its decline risks eroding knowledge systems and identity.

“This initiative represents a bold and necessary intervention at a critical time in our nation-building,” Ibrahim stated.

Also read: Yoruba Ranks Among 40 Most Spoken Languages Worldwide

Macaulay concluded that the collective expertise of the Brain Trust would ensure the project’s authenticity, academic strength, and cultural sensitivity, adding that “traditional wisdom and modern innovation must work hand in hand to keep the Yoruba language alive.”

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”