By Adeyinka Adeniran
Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on all stakeholders to work together towards enhancing standardization of Yoruba language to ensure its preservation, continuity and global recognition of Yoruba language.
He spoke while inaugurating the International Conference on Yoruba Language Orthography committee organized by The Yoruba World Centre in conjunction with Yoruba Wikipedia, Dawn Commission, Yoruba Language Teachers in College of Education and Egbe Akomolede Yoruba held at John Paul II Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Naimot Oyedele, commended the co-ordinator of The Yoruba World Centre, Mr. Alao Adedayo, Wikipedia Yoruba, Dawn Commission, media and theatre arts practitioners as well as all stakeholders for organizing the event, said the process will review, update the existing orthography and enhance the smooth take off of the new national language policy in Yoruba language.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Co-ordinator, Yoruba World Centre, Mr. Alao Adedayo, who is also the Publisher of Alaroye group of newspapers said the body is not embarking on formation of new Yoruba language orthography but team up with major stakeholders to review the existing one.
Also Speaking, the guest of honour at the event, Emeritus Prof. Ayo Bamgbose commended the efforts of the Yoruba World Centre and other stakeholders for their efforts in sustenance of Yoruba language, culture and tradition, stressing that the review is necessary and timely.
Another stakeholder, the Co-ordinator of Wikipedia Yoruba, Mr. Olatunde Isaac expressed happiness on the programme as it would broaden Yoruba language globally, especially on social media.
Scholars of Yoruba language, media practitioners from both prints and broadcast, theater Arts Practitioners among other stakeholders attended the event.
