A prominent Yoruba language expert has urged for the establishment of more women-led language clubs and digital content series to safeguard the Yoruba language and culture for future generations.
Dr Damilola Adebonojo, an assistant teacher of the Yoruba language course at the University of Georgia, emphasised the vital role of women and children in keeping the heritage alive.
In a statement sent to LEADERSHIP on Thursday , Dr Adebonojo said, “We need more women-led language clubs, and digital content series that centre Yorùbá proverbs, songs, or folktales. When women and children are not just passive consumers but active participants in creating cultural content, that’s when we win.”
She highlighted the importance of community involvement in cultural preservation, stating, “Community is where culture lives and where it is either preserved or forgotten.
“When we engage communities intentionally, we give women and children permission to reconnect with their roots, proudly and publicly. When communities take ownership of their heritage, magic happens,” she said.
Dr Adebonojo argued that such engagement ensures cultural preservation becomes an organic, living process rather than a mere top-down initiative.
She stressed that empowering women and children through the Yoruba language offers profound benefits, particularly in fostering identity and confidence.
“When people understand their identity, they become unstoppable,” she said.
“Yoruba language education provides this sense of rootedness, especially for women and children. For women, it opens doors to leadership, entrepreneurship, and global opportunities in fields like education, translation, and cultural consultancy.”
She cited examples of women who, having been taught Yoruba as children, went on to establish Yoruba language schools abroad.
“That’s what happens when women embrace their heritage—they not only strengthen their personal growth, they also empower entire communities,” Dr Adebonojo added.
For children, she noted, learning Yoruba builds self-esteem from a young age.
“They grow up knowing their language isn’t just a ‘local dialect’ — it’s a rich, world-class system of thought and communication, full of history and wisdom. By instilling this knowledge, we’re setting them on a path to confidently navigate the world.”
