AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, has called on the Nigerian government to adopt comprehensive language policies that prioritize indigenous languages as a catalyst for national development.
Ilobanafor made this appeal during the 4th Edition of the African Languages Week (ALW) 2025, where he highlighted the importance of integrating local languages into key sectors such as governance, education, and technology to fast-track Nigeria’s progress.
“For Nigeria to achieve meaningful development, it is crucial to promote the use of our major indigenous languages—Hausa, Igbo, Yorùbá, and others—across all spheres of life,” he emphasized.
His statement comes amid rising concerns over the marginalization of indigenous languages, which experts warn could undermine Nigeria’s cultural identity and hinder socio-economic growth. As a strong advocate for African languages in the digital era, Ilobanafor stressed that ignoring linguistic diversity could weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The 2025 African Languages Week, observed from February 21 to 28, carries the theme “African Languages: Voices for Reparations, Justice, and Dignity for the Africa We Want.” The event highlights the critical role of African languages in fostering social justice, cultural empowerment, and digital transformation.
Ilobanafor also commended stakeholders such as the African Union, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and officials of the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) for their efforts in safeguarding Africa’s linguistic heritage.
“May our languages continue to unite us for a peaceful, prosperous, and healthy Africa,” he said, echoing the week’s slogan: “My language, my heritage, my dignity.”
His call aligns with the African Union’s broader agenda to integrate indigenous languages into governance and educational systems. Advocates argue that such policies would strengthen literacy, boost communication, and foster economic inclusion and innovation.
Ilobanafor further urged Nigerians to embrace their native languages in daily interactions, warning that sustainable development is unattainable without cultural and linguistic preservation.
“Let us work together to ensure our languages thrive in the digital age, empowering future generations with their rich heritage,” he concluded.
As Nigeria strives toward digital transformation and global economic relevance, the question remains: Will policymakers take decisive action to elevate indigenous languages as a tool for national development?
