Language, a potent tool to eradicate illiteracy in Nigeria – Author.

Dr Wale Okediran, former President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), has stressed the need to encourage teaching of indigenous languages as potent tool for eradication of illiteracy in Nigeria. Okediran said this during an online Nupe interactive session organised by Indigenous Languages Learning Centre (ILLEC), Minna, according to a statement signed by the Director of the centre, Adamu Idris. Okediran, a former member of the House of Representatives, is the founder of Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State.

He said that language was a catalyst in educational development, describing it as an important index to national development. He advised parents to encourage their children to speak their native languages at home in order to improve their skills in such languages. The former lawmaker promised to encourage writers in indigenous literature to avail themselves of the facilities at the Ebedi Writers Residency to horn their skills. Okediran applauded Idris for his tireless effort in sensitising and standardising the national and global development of Nupe Language through teaching it both online and at classroom levels.

In her remarks, Dr Aishatu Mohammed, appreciated Okediran, the guest discussant, for interacting with ILLEC. She said that indigenous languages contributed immensely to national development, saying China and India were able to develop in science as well as technology by teaching in their indigenous languages.