A Professor of Psychology has called for the establishment of local language schools across Nigeria, as a way of preserving the nation’s dying languages and cultures.
Professor Andrew Zamani, who was a guest lecturer at a cultural event in Karu, a satellite town in Abuja, told reporters that most of Nigeria’s languages and cultures, especially those from the minority ethnic groups, were near extinction.
Revive Dying Cultures
He also said there was an urgent need on the part of the government and traditional rulers to establish both formal and informal local language schools to revive Nigeria’s dying cultures.
It was the cultural celebration of the indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and a grand finale of activities to mark the New Year.
The event showcased different cultural displays, showing the identity of the people – farming, hunting and a lot more.
Beyond the fun, experts said it was an effort to preserve a culture that was almost going extinct.
In their speeches, the Sakaruyi of Karu, HRH Emmanuel Kyauta and the President, Abuja Indigenes Cultural Group, Dangana Jimiko, said it was necessary to preserve Nigeria’s languages and cultures.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has estimated that if nothing is done, over six thousand languages spoken today will go into extinction along with their cultures by the end of this century.
