MOTHER TONGUE DAY 2026: ONDO SECONDARY SCHOOLS LEAD RESURGENCE OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES, CULTURAL HERITAGE
It was a colourful and inspiring display of culture, indigenous languages, ethnic values, and traditional lifestyles across secondary schools in Ondo State as students and teachers joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 International Mother Tongue Day. The celebration, held on Monday, February 23, 2026, transformed many schools into vibrant arenas of cultural pride where traditional attires, local cuisines, native greetings, proverbs, and performances took centre stage.
In a special report by Democrat News Magazine, correspondents visited several schools in Akure and other parts of the state, where principals, teachers, parents, and education stakeholders spoke passionately about the significance of the global event and the urgent need to preserve indigenous languages for future generations.
Speaking with journalists, the President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Ondo State Chapter, Dr. Fadekemi Jogbodo, explained that the celebration was designed to instill cultural values and revive the traditional way of life among young people.
According to her, activities organized in schools included drama presentations, cultural exhibitions, and language-based learning sessions aimed at deepening students’ understanding of their heritage.
She recounted one of the dramatic performances staged during the event, noting that it highlighted the importance of speaking indigenous languages.
“There was a drama of two individuals captured by ritualists. One survived because he could speak the indigenous language, while the other could not and lost his life. The lesson was clear — our language is part of our identity and survival,” she said.
Dr. Jogbodo added that students were also taught how to prepare traditional foods and identify various cultural attires to broaden their knowledge of Nigerian heritage. She urged parents not to neglect speaking their dialects with their children at home, emphasizing that language preservation begins within the family.
At Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, the Principal, Mrs. Omobola Ojoge, said the day was aimed at rekindling awareness about the importance of mother tongues in shaping identity and preserving heritage.
She noted that the annual celebration helps students improve their fluency in indigenous languages while reinforcing moral values and cultural understanding.
“In our school today, students explained the meanings of traditional names and participated in quizzes conducted in Yoruba language, and winners were rewarded,” she said.
Mrs. Ojoge also encouraged parents to communicate with their children in their native languages, stressing that it can be confusing when parents who are not fluent in English insist on speaking only English at home.
She further emphasized the richness of Yoruba culture, urging families not to allow the traditions, values, dressing, greetings, and courtesy associated with it to fade away.
“I was once advised to adopt an English name because I was not given one at birth, but I refused because I love Yoruba culture and I am proud of it,” she added.
The celebration was equally grand at Oyemekun Grammar School where the Principal, Mr. Adeniyi Oluyide, led the event with exemplary leadership. Dressed in a distinguished traditional Aso-Oke attire of Ondo origin, complemented with beads and a walking stick symbolizing nobility, he reminded participants of the deep roots of Yoruba heritage.
Mr. Oluyide described the annual observance of Mother Tongue Day as a strong impetus for the revival and preservation of cultural identity. The multiple award-winning Akoni Odua used the opportunity to call on parents, teachers, and society at large to ensure that indigenous languages are not lost.
He stressed that it would be a disservice to the present generation if they inherited their mother tongues but failed to pass them on to their children.
At St. Michael Catholic High School, the Principal, Dr. (Mrs.) Dorcas Asamo, highlighted the inseparable relationship between education and culture in building a better society.
She emphasized that schools play a vital role in teaching children moral values, proverbs, and cultural wisdom that shape character and leadership. Quoting a Yoruba proverb, she said: “Kekere lati pe’ke iroko to ba dagba tan, a ma gba ebo lowo eni,” meaning that an iroko tree must be nurtured while tender, because when it grows, it demands greater sacrifice.
Similarly, the Principal of Adu Memorial Grammar School, Mrs. Olajumoke Ekpo-Jide, explained that education remains a powerful instrument for preserving Nigeria’s diverse cultures.
She said that when children are properly taught their mother tongues and cultural values, they become ambassadors of heritage who will pass the knowledge from generation to generation.
Sharing a proverb she cherishes, she noted: “Ile la n wo ka to so omo loruko,” meaning that one must consider family circumstances and background before naming a child.
Also speaking, Moradeyo Ajani, a member of the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), urged the government to further promote indigenous languages in official state functions and educational activities to enhance effective communication and cultural identity.
At Ijo-Mimo Oluwa High School, the Principal, Mrs. Adefiola Odumakinde, described language as a strong pillar of culture and heritage. She noted that anyone who loses their mother tongue loses a significant part of their identity.
She commended the government’s effort in reviving indigenous languages and called on parents to ensure that children learn their native languages before other languages.
In the same vein, the Principal of Muslim College, Mrs. Kuranga Abimbola, explained that long before modern education, African forefathers had systems of knowledge transfer through indigenous languages, culture, politics, and community service.
She encouraged students to take pride in their languages and prevent them from being eroded by modernization.
At St. Louis Grammar School, the Vice Principal (Administration), Mrs. J. O. Okunrinboye, observed that globalization has gradually threatened Nigeria’s cultural heritage. However, she noted that initiatives such as Mother Tongue Day and cultural celebrations in schools are helping to revive and sustain traditional values.
She called on government, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to work together in achieving the objectives of the commemorative day.
One of the parents, Timiade Owoeye, who spoke with Democrat News Magazine during the event at Ijo-Mimo Oluwa High School, described the celebration as remarkable and meaningful.
According to him, it is encouraging to see children reconnect with the foundational values of Yoruba land through language, cultural practices, arts, and traditional expressions.
The 2026 Mother Tongue Day celebration in Ondo State has once again demonstrated the important role schools play in safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural heritage. As educators continue to emphasize indigenous languages and traditions, many believe the initiative will ensure that the rich cultural identity of the people is preserved and passed on to generations yet unborn.