By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Oodua Youth Coalition has asked the South West governors to make Yoruba a compulsory subject in public schools to ensure promotion of Yoruba language.

In a communique issued at the end of its National Executives Council, the group, said the appeal becomes necessary on the realization that Yoruba has become an elective subject in our schools.

The group said that that people are better known by their languages and culture.

It argued that making Yoruba compulsory in school would be the only way for the conservation of the Yoruba, the indigenous language of the people of the area.

The communique which was signed by the National Vice President,  Olatunji Adejuwon and National Publicity Secretary, Bamidele Ifedayo, urged the Houses of Assembly in South West zone to make Yoruba Language compulsory subject in schools from the basic to secondary and tertiary level.

According to them, such initiative would help in deepening knowledge of traditional religion in Yoruba land.

The communique read: “The organisation in line with it’s mandate of promoting the art and heritage of the Yoruba people appeal to the South West Governors Forum through it’s Chairman, Gov. Babajide Sanwo Olu to compulsory the teaching of Yoruba in our primary and secondary schools.

“This appeal comes in the wake of the realization that Yoruba has become an elective subject in our schools.

“The Organisation, in the same vein, urge the South West States House of Assembly to use the instrumentality of the law at their disposal to make compulsory the teaching of Yoruba language in our schools.

It added that “The organisation reiterated it’s commitment against Drug Abuse and seek the support of relevant agencies to fight against the menace of consumption of hard drugs which has become rampant amongst the youth population.

“The meeting also noted that the organisation will be partnering with towns for the celebration of their major cultural festivals this year. The Intention is to help amplify the cultural benefits of the festivals.

They “sanction the creation of the Oodua Youth Coalition website which will serve as an archive for the activities of the organisation.

” The meeting stressed the relative goodness in having good understanding of one’s cultural heritage and history, and enjoined stakeholders at all levels to prioritize using their powers towards advancing the cause of bequeathing an unadulterated history to the next generation”