Government Should Prioritize Indigenous Languages for National Development says Ilobanafor

The Founder CEOAFRICA, Mr. Cletus Ilobanafor, has called on the Nigerian government to implement policies which promote the use of indigenous languages in education, media and public administration to preserve Africa’s cultural heritage, foster economic growth and drive social development.

He made the submission while speaking at the African Languages Week (ALW) 2025, stating that prioritizing indigenous languages in governance, education, and technology would accelerate progress for the country.

The 2025 African Languages Week themed “African Languages: Voices for Reparations, Justice, and Dignity for the Africa We Want,” brought together African language enthusiasts in a dialogue on the role of African languages in social justice, digital transformation, and cultural empowerment of the continent.

“For Nigeria to witness unprecedented development, the use of our languages must be encouraged in all domains of life. We must work together to ensure that our languages thrive in the digital age, empowering future generations with their rich heritage,” Ilobanafor said

While commending key stakeholders including the African Union, President Bola Tinubu and officials from the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN), for their efforts in preserving Africa’s linguistic heritage, he prayed that African languages continue to unite the continent towards peace and prosperity.

The call for language-centered policies aligns with broader African Union objectives to integrate indigenous languages into governance and education systems, with proponents of the opinion that such measures would not only enhance literacy and communication but also drive economic inclusion and innovation.