Lagos Yoruba broadcasters seek law mandating indigenous programmes

 

 

 

The Yoruba Broadcasters Association (YBA) has urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to pass a law requiring all broadcast stations in the state to air regular programmes in Yoruba.

 

Mr Adefunso Ademigbuji, Chairman of the association’s Implementation Committee and its first National President, made the call on Thursday at a news conference in Lagos.

 

The event had the theme, “Preserving Yoruba Language and Culture Through Broadcasting: A Call for Policy, Inclusion and National Responsibility”.

 

According to Ademigbuji, the proposed law will safeguard the Yoruba language against decline, reinforce cultural identity, and ensure that indigenous language broadcasting remains relevant in public discourse.

 

He said the association would submit a formal petition to the Lagos State House of Assembly, urging lawmakers to create a policy framework and minimum standards for Yoruba language programming on all broadcast stations.

 

He expressed concern over the declining presence of Yoruba language content on many radio and television stations operating in Lagos.

 

“The Yoruba language is more than a means of communication.

 

“It is the vehicle through which our history, values, philosophy, literature and identity are transmitted from one generation to another.

 

“It is therefore disturbing that many new broadcast stations operating in Lagos have no regular Yoruba language programmes.

 

“If our language disappears from the media space, we risk losing future generations to cultural disconnection,” he said.

 

Ademigbuji emphasised that while broadcasting remained a commercial venture, broadcasters still had a duty to promote cultural heritage and contribute to national development.

 

“Broadcasting is not only about ratings and advertising revenue. It is a public trust that shapes society, influences values and strengthens national identity.

 

“We are not asking stations to abandon English or other Nigerian languages.

 

“We are asking for balance, inclusion and meaningful representation of Yoruba, the indigenous language of the host environment,” he said.

 

He said that Yoruba language broadcasting should go beyond entertainment to include programmes on governance, the economy, health, agriculture, education, technology, security, entrepreneurship and youth development.

 

He said indigenous language broadcasting was also critical for economic inclusion, as millions of Nigerians in the informal sector understood government policies better when they were communicated in their native languages.

 

“Indigenous language broadcasting is therefore not only about cultural preservation but also about economic empowerment and inclusion,” he said.

 

Ademigbuji said the association would collaborate with cultural organisations, government agencies, broadcasters and language experts to develop modern, creative and commercially viable Yoruba content.

 

He noted that promoting Yoruba language was not intended to undermine English or other Nigerian languages.

 

“This is not a campaign against English or any other Nigerian language.

 

“It is a campaign for recognition, preservation, inclusion and responsibility.

 

“A language that is heard is a language that lives. A language that is used in public life is a language that has a future.

 

“We therefore call on the Lagos State Government, the House of Assembly, broadcast regulators, media organisations and all stakeholders to join us in ensuring that Yoruba language lives and thrives for generations to come,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)