AWKA/Nigeria: Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo, has called on Nigerians to take pride in their native languages, describing them as priceless cultural treasures that must be preserved and celebrated.
In a message to mark the 2026 International Mother Language Day themed “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative stressed that indigenous languages remain vital to identity, cultural continuity, and social cohesion. The global observance, celebrated every February 21 since 2000, promotes linguistic diversity, cultural inclusion, and multilingualism worldwide.
Soludo emphasised that native speakers hold the primary responsibility for protecting their languages, urging citizens to speak their mother tongues confidently and without apology. “Mother language is a treasure that everyone should carry with pride. There is no shame in speaking your mother tongue and celebrating its beauty and uniqueness,” she said.
She warned that many indigenous languages are gradually fading because their speakers fail to promote and celebrate them, noting that culture cannot be complete without the language that binds a people together.
Describing language as a core element of identity and a symbol of socio-cultural participation, she encouraged Nigerians to cherish their linguistic heritage and ensure it is passed down to younger generations. “Let no one tell you that you cannot speak it. Speak it. Cherish it. Be proud of it,” she added.
