Stakeholders in Lagos have joined their counterparts across the world to celebrate the World Book Day, with the theme: “Indigenous languages”.
At an event organised by the Lagos State Library Board, at the Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa Secretariat, Lagos, invited dignitaries and stakeholders in their goodwill messages enjoined schools and parents to teach their children the mother tongues.
Invited schools across the states also dramatised on the theme, “Why mother tongue must be encouraged in schools’ curriculum.”
Permanent Secretary, Office of Special Adviser on Education (OSAE), Mr. Adeniran Waheed Kasali, who represented the Special Adviser on Education, Tokunbo Philip Wahab, urged schools across the state to imbibe the teaching of cultures and local languages during class period.
“We must take a cue from countries like India, China, Pakistan and others, whose mother tongues have been their source of development today.
“Therefore, our schools should now allow this to take the centre-stage of their teachings,” he stated.
In his welcome address, Director,Library Board Lagos State, Oyadipe Asimiyu Amoo, praised the state government for throwing its weight behind the subject matter, saying this would go a long way in recognising, developing and boosting the economy.
Others who attended the event were: Mrs. Folashade Salako, representative of the Permanent Secretary, PMO, Dr. O.A. Aina, director, the Agency for Mass Education, Ms. Kalesanwo. Director, Admin and HR, OSAE, Mrs. Oluranti Fadipe, and Mr. Taiwo Bogunjoko, retired director, Library Board also attended the event.
Highlights of the day included the presentation of school bags and books containing Nigeria’s indigenous languages to the 12 invited schools from across the state’s six districts, namely: District One – Shasha Community Senior High School, Alimosho; Iju Senior High School, Ifako Ijaye; District Two – United Senior High School, Ikorodu and Ojota Senior High School, Ojota; District Three – Eko Akete Senior Grammar School, Lagos Island and Girls Academy Senior School, Lagos Island; District Four – Birrel Avenue Senior High School, Sabo, Yaba and Sari Iganmu Senior Secondary School, Apapa; District Five – Ojo Senior High School, Ojo, and Tin Can Island Senior High School, Ajeromi; and District Six – Isolo Senior High School, Isolo and Ikeja Senior High School, Ikeja.