“Speak your African language to your children” – Soyinka tells parents
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called on Africans to speak their native languages to their children in order to preserve their culture and traditions.
Soyinka made the call on Monday, May 19, 2025, during a visit to the University of Ilorin as part of activities leading up to the school’s maiden Culture Week, organised by the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts.
The literary icon pledged his support to help implement the Centre’s cultural initiatives, saying his visit to the institution was not just ceremonial, but part of his mission to contribute meaningfully to the Centre’s plans.
“My mission in Ilorin is to implement all the plans of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts,” he said.
During the visit, Soyinka described Ilorin as a unique cultural hub, comparing its mix of traditions and values to the city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, where he currently teaches at New York University Abu Dhabi.
“Ilorin serves as a meeting point of cultures, making it a highly significant location for hosting an event that celebrates cultural diversity,” he stated.
He added that the work of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts extends beyond the university and the host community, saying it has the potential to foster global understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Drawing from his international experience, Soyinka praised the role of the University of Ilorin in promoting cultural unity and global cooperation through the arts.
Speaking with journalists after the courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, the playwright stressed the importance of language in cultural identity.
“Language is a repository of culture. Africans should allow their children to speak their language for the sustainability of their traditions,” he urged.
Soyinka reaffirmed his life-long dedication to promoting arts and culture and promised to support the University of Ilorin’s efforts in that direction.