Razaq Bamidele
A former Minister of Sports and Special Duties , Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, has advised Nigerian parents to utilise the lockdown period arising from the COVID-19 pandemic to inculcate Nigerian culture in their children.
He asserted that, “It is most desirable to encourage our children to speak our Nigerian languages at home especially at this period rather than the unnecessary over-emphasise on the speaking of English Language with a view to protecting our cultural heritage and values.”
Speaking further, Adedoja stated that “current happenings worldwide have clearly demonstrated that Africa in general and Nigeria in particular should be less dependent on foreign culture, language and values in our quest for the development of Education relevant to the needs and aspirations of Africa”.
These views were expressed by Prof. Adedoja in a release made available to reporters in Ibadan on the occasion of his 69th birthday which also coincides with the celebration of Children’s Day, May 27′ established universally in 1954 to celebrate Children.
The former Provost of Federal College of Education Special Oyo also enjoined Nigerians to extend their assistance to the children who have lost their parents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a related development, the Nigerian Youth Frontiers(NYF), an umbrella body of beneficiaries of Prof Adedoja’s schorlarship Scheme since 2002 in a release signed by its national coordinator, Mr. Julius Adegoke, has congratulated Prof. Adedoja on his birthday and commended him for his concern in the recognition of the role of proper parental upbringing and education in the development of Nigerian children and youths.
