Nigeria seeks effective use of indigenous languages

LAGOS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government will promote the effective use of indigenous languages for communication, especially at the grassroots level, said a senior education official on Thursday.

The promotion was aimed at stimulating the child's interest in learning in order to avoid the loss of identity and also retain unique cultural values, David Adejo, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Education, said at a program in the Nigerian capital of Abuja on Thursday.

According to Adejo, the speakers of indigenous languages not only identify with their local communities, but also carry and promote the ethical values of their forebears.

"Thus, the indigenous language system unites them with the environment, and this is crucial to their survival as well as the hopes and aspirations of their children and youth," he said.

The official said the socio-economic development of an individual or community is usually closely related to the use of the language of such an indigenous community.

He called for the promotion and protection of indigenous languages through effective and efficient school curricula and existing policies.