NICO, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, is launching an initiative to introduce a unified language in Nigeria, aiming to reduce language barriers and foster national unity. NICO's Executive Secretary Otunba Biodun Ajiboye announced the initiative during a press briefing for the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
"We believe that establishing a common language will promote unity among us. We plan to seek guidance from language experts, outline a strategy, assess the expenses, and aim to incorporate it into the 2026 Budget," Ajiboye stated.
Ajiboye stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage through language, urging parents to teach their children their indigenous languages. He believes that a person who doesn't speak their mother tongue is "completely lost."
“It is important we decolonize our minds and see our cultural festivals, language, rituals, spirituality, and other rich intangible heritage as assets rather than diabolical as we were made to believe," he said.
Ajiboye pointed out Nigeria's leadership role in enacting the UNESCO convention on intangible cultural heritage.