Oladunjoye harps on inculcation and integration of Yoruba language into early life of children…As he becomes OPOMULERO AKOROYIN
Veteran Journalist and Publisher of Tunes Magazine, Comrade Ambassador Olatunde Oladunjoye has harped on the need to further entrench Yoruba into early lives of the children.
He described Yoruba language as Unique language that is meaningful in its entirety.
Oladunjoye stated this on Tuesday during the decoration and presentation of the OPOMULERO AKOROYIN honour on him by one of the leading Yoruba online community Newspaper BOSERI, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
“Yoruba is a very unique language and I use to pride myself as I don’t take excuse to speak this my mother tongue at any occasion.
” There is no expression you can make or introduce in English language, that we won’t have its Yoruba expression that is more meaningful.
He, therefore , called on Journalists in this genre to work and publish unique publications that would further enhance the projection, positioning and promotion of Yoruba language among youth who are no longer in sync with the mother’s tongue.
” We need Publications like this to promote Yoruba language, most of our children have switched to foreign ways of life, they don’t know anything about Yoruba History.
“Whether on Tv, Radio or at any occasion,I have never taken an apology to speak Yoruba, it is my language. There is no children born now at early speak that speaks English, I am not talking of those ones in overseas. Those born here, that can first speak English as his or her first language; he would first say; Baba, Mama.
” I am using this medium to chanllenge you on the need to improve and do more for our language, let us look those who have contributed a lot to Yoruba language.
We have many professors that have done a lot of work on Yoruba language. Those in the past, like D. O fagunwa, J.F Odunjo, we must remember them, Project them, focus on them and look for their families, I am ready available to be part of such laudable projects”. He stated.
Speaking about the media industry, Oladunjoye bemoaned the lack of partnership in the media industry, citing circulation of newspapers as an example,as most of the popular national dailies do transportation of the products to various destinations across Nigeria separately.
” Our media are not even benefitting from shared opportunities,of course, this dovetailed into welfare of workers.
” We should all be each other’s backer, and allow the profession to be our strong bond so that we can be treated well in all spheres.
While delving on his part initiatives to support
Veteran Journalists, families of deceased Journalists in Ogun state,He announced that a Medical Revolving loans is in the pipeline as the scheme will be in partnership with professionals in pharmaceuticals and medical lines.
” I am not doing anything special, I am only giving back to the profession that has made me, if I come back to this world again, I want to be a Journalist”. He concluded.
Earlier, the Publisher of Boseri, Arakunrin Johnson Akinpelu described the recipient as a selfless, reliable personality who always extend his hand of fellowship not only to Journalists but to whoever his path crosses with.
Akinpelu said that the awardee is worthy of the Honour and many that had been conferred on him going by impactful contributions and indelible marks he has made and still making in the profession and to humanity.
In their separate remarks Barrister Babatunde Ogunnubiand Chief Johnson Onifade, commended the astute Politician,and veteran Journalist for his notable contributions to journalism, Politics, advocacy, human rights and people’s welfare at the grassroots, National and at international levels