Abuja: The Yoruba Language Preservation Project (‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬¹€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬¦¡¬ d¨ Wa N­ – ? Gb© L’¡rug?) has announced the inauguration of its ‘Brain Trust’, scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 11. This was revealed in a statement issued in Abuja by the Project Director, Mr. Olushola Macaulay.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the virtual gathering will bring together distinguished cultural leaders, scholars, linguists, educators, and advocates committed to safeguarding and revitalizing the Yoruba language, especially among young people. Macaulay stated that the ‘Brain Trust,’ comprising eminent personalities from Yoruba-speaking regions and the diaspora, would serve as the intellectual and strategic foundation of the cultural initiative.

Macaulay emphasized that the formation of the Brain Trust represents a critical milestone in the journey to preserve the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people for future generations. By assembling this group, they are creating a force for cultural revitalization that combines traditional wisdom with innovative approaches.

The project aims to reverse the decline in Yoruba language usage among young people by making language learning an exciting, immersive, and culturally rich experience. The initiative seeks to nurture a new generation of fluent Yoruba speakers who are passionate about preserving and promoting their heritage. It will engage youths from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and parts of Kogi, Kwara, and Edo States through activities focused on language acquisition and cultural connection, using a reality show-inspired format.

Members of the Brain Trust include renowned Yoruba scholars, award-winning authors, cultural advocates, media personalities, and educational leaders. Macaulay added that the collective expertise of the group would guide the project’s development to ensure authenticity, educational excellence, and cultural sensitivity.

The statement also quoted Mr. Idris Ajintola Ibrahim, General Manager of UNILORIN 89.3 FM, emphasizing that language is the carrier of culture, and its decline leads to the loss of knowledge systems, worldviews, and identities. Ibrahim noted that this initiative represents a bold and necessary intervention at a critical time in nation-building.

The project is powered by the Light-Up Africa Development Initiative (LADI), a Nigeria-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). The statement listed other members of the project team, including Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun, Dr. Paul Emokhare, Pastor Bola Jordan, Prof. Sharon Omotosho, Mrs. Damilola Oni, and Mr. Taiwo Ibikunle, among others.