Advocacy group to preserve Yoruba language, holds strategy meeting

A Yoruba language advocacy group – Brain Trust, has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing and preserving the language and culture by initiating the Yoruba Language Preservation Project, “Èdè wa ni – Ẹ gbe l’árugẹ”.

This reaffirmation of commitment was made on 11 October 2025, at a meeting of its distinguished personalities, leaders, scholars, and advocates who had gathered to have a strategic engagement on the sanctity of preserving the Yoruba language. They pledged to deploy their collective expertise, influence, and resources to ensure the success of this groundbreaking initiative.

“Today marks a turning point in our collective effort to preserve the Yoruba language and the rich cultural heritage it embodies,” said Olushola Macaulay, Director of the Project. “The commitment, passion, and strategic vision demonstrated by our Brain Trust members have exceeded our highest expectations. We are now positioned to make a transformative impact on Yoruba language preservation in Nigeria and beyond.”

The Brain Trust unanimously agreed to leverage their collective influence to engage prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, business moguls, and cultural icons across Yoruba land. This strategic approach aims to create a groundswell of support that transcends individual efforts and becomes a pan-Yoruba movement.

“We recognize that the success of this initiative requires the active participation of those who hold cultural authority and influence in our communities,” noted Sharon Omotoso. “Our commitment is to open doors at the highest levels of Yoruba society to ensure this project receives the recognition and support it deserves.”

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In a significant milestone, the Brain Trust approved the official logo and branding identity for the Yoruba Language Preservation Project. The logo, which features traditional Yoruba cultural symbols including the talking drum, cock, a book, was unanimously endorsed as a powerful representation of the project’s mission.

“The logo beautifully captures the essence of our heritage while pointing toward the future,” said Paul Emokhare, a renowned media guru and Brain Trust member.

In a powerful statement of commitment, Anikeade Funke-Treasure Akintoye, a prominent media personality and Brain Trust member, pledged to deploy her extensive media connections to promote the project across traditional and digital platforms.

“I am fully committed to using every media resource at my disposal to amplify this critical initiative,” declared Akintoye. “This is not just a project; it is a movement, and movements require visibility, engagement, and sustained public conversation.”

“In the same vein, Babatunde Tiamiyu, General Manager, Pensioners’ 106.7 FM and a member of the group, said that the initiative represents the most comprehensive effort to preserve the Yoruba language in a generation.

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The Yoruba Language Preservation Project (Èdè wa ni – Ẹ Gbe L’árugẹ) is an innovative initiative designed to revitalize and safeguard the rich Yoruba language and cultural heritage among adolescents aged 15-18. Through an immersive, reality show-inspired format, the project engages youth from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and parts of Kogi, Kwara, and Edo States in intensive language learning and cultural activities.

The project combines educational excellence with cultural immersion, competitive challenges, mentorship from distinguished cultural figures, and comprehensive media coverage to create a transformative experience for participants while raising public awareness about the importance of language preservation.