LAGOS STATE,TO MAKE TEACHING OF YORUBA LANGUAGE COMPULSORY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

                       As part of efforts to restore lost Yoruba cultural value as well as preserve the custom,language and heritage of the people,the Lagos State Government has expressed its readiness to make the teaching of Yoruba language compulsory in all public schools in the state.The government equally noted that the imposition of western culture and language on Nigerian children has done a lot of damage to the rich local cultural heritage of the people,adding that Yoruba sons and daughter are daily losing the cultural values inherent in their language.Speaking at a stakeholder's forum organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly at Academy Hall,Agidingbi,Ikeja Lagos,Governor Akinwunmi Ambode stated that the teaching of Yoruba Language as a subject in all public schools in the state,from primary to junior secondary schools,would be made compulsory so as to enable the region regain its lost cultural value and enable children to be in tune with the norms and cultural values embedded in their language.He said it is important for growing up children not only to learn the language of their environment,but also the culture and way of life of their people,adding that it is very important for every yoruba child to be able to speak the language fluently as well as acquire adequate knowledge on custom and tradition of the tribe.Governor Ambode,who was represented at the event by his Deputy,Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule,commended members of the State House of Assembly for their efforts at ensuring that the language is not relegated to the background,streeing that their endeavour would further help the state government in the implementation of its policy on the teaching of Yoruba language. According to him ''We expect that the House would help to make appropriate legislations that would back up government effort at making Yoruba language a compulsory subject in all public schools in the state''.