Veteran Journalist and Publisher of Tunes Magazine, Comrade Ambassador Olatunde Oladunjoye has harped on the need to further entrench Yoruba into early lives of the children.
He described Yoruba language as Unique language that is meaningful in its entirety.
Oladunjoye stated this on Tuesday during the decoration and presentation of the OPOMULERO AKOROYIN honour on him by one of the leading Yoruba online community Newspaper BOSERI, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
“Yoruba is a very unique language and I use to pride myself as I don’t take excuse to speak this my mother tongue at any occasion.
” There is no expression you can make or introduce in English language, that we won’t have its Yoruba expression that is more meaningful.
He, therefore , called on Journalists in this genre to work and publish unique publications that would further enhance the projection, positioning and promotion of Yoruba language among youth who are no longer in sync with the mother’s tongue.
” We need Publications like this to promote Yoruba language, most of our children have switched to foreign ways of life, they don’t know anything about Yoruba History.
“Whether on Tv, Radio or at any occasion,I have never taken an apology to speak Yoruba, it is my language. There is no children born now at early speak that speaks English, I am not talking of those ones in overseas. Those born here, that can first speak English as his or her first language; he would first say; Baba, Mama.
” I am using this medium to chanllenge you on the need to improve and do more for our language, let us look those who have contributed a lot to Yoruba language.
We have many professors that have done a lot of work on Yoruba language. Those in the past, like D. O fagunwa, J.F Odunjo, we must remember them, Project them, focus on them and look for their families, I am ready available to be part of such laudable projects”. He stated.
Speaking about the media industry, Oladunjoye bemoaned the lack of partnership in the media industry, citing circulation of newspapers as an example,as most of the popular national dailies do transportation of the products to various destinations across Nigeria separately.
” Our media are not even benefitting from shared opportunities,of course, this dovetailed into welfare of workers.
” We should all be each other’s backer, and allow the profession to be our strong bond so that we can be treated well in all spheres.
While delving on his part initiatives to support
Veteran Journalists, families of deceased Journalists in Ogun state,He announced that a Medical Revolving loans is in the pipeline as the scheme will be in partnership with professionals in pharmaceuticals and medical lines.
” I am not doing anything special, I am only giving back to the profession that has made me, if I come back to this world again, I want to be a Journalist”. He concluded.
Earlier, the Publisher of Boseri, Arakunrin Johnson Akinpelu described the recipient as a selfless, reliable personality who always extend his hand of fellowship not only to Journalists but to whoever his path crosses with.
Akinpelu said that the awardee is worthy of the Honour and many that had been conferred on him going by impactful contributions and indelible marks he has made and still making in the profession and to humanity.
In their separate remarks Barrister Babatunde Ogunnubiand Chief Johnson Onifade, commended the astute Politician,and veteran Journalist for his notable contributions to journalism, Politics, advocacy, human rights and people’s welfare at the grassroots, National and at international levels
**Oladunjoye Advocates for Integration of Yoruba Language in Early Childhood Education**
…As He Receives “Opomulero Akoroyin” Honour
Veteran journalist and publisher of *Tunes Magazine*, Comrade Ambassador Olatunde Oladunjoye, has emphasized the need to integrate and strengthen the Yoruba language in the early development of children. Oladunjoye described Yoruba as a unique language, rich in meaning and expression, during his decoration and presentation of the “Opomulero Akoroyin” honour by BOSERI, a leading Yoruba online community newspaper. The event took place in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
“Yoruba is a very unique language, and I take pride in speaking my mother tongue at any occasion without offering any excuses,” Oladunjoye said. “There is no expression in English that we cannot find a more meaningful equivalent for in Yoruba.”
He called on journalists in the Yoruba media genre to focus on publishing content that promotes the language, particularly for the youth who are increasingly detached from their cultural roots.
“We need publications like this to promote the Yoruba language. Many of our children have adopted foreign ways of life and know little about Yoruba history,” he noted. “Whether on TV, radio, or at any event, I have never apologized for speaking Yoruba. It is my language, and it should be a source of pride. Even children born here, who first learn to speak, say ‘Baba’ and ‘Mama’ before anything else.”
Oladunjoye also challenged journalists to honor those who have significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of the Yoruba language, citing past literary giants such as D.O. Fagunwa and J.F. Odunjo. He expressed his willingness to support any project that highlights their legacies and promotes Yoruba culture.
Turning his attention to the media industry, Oladunjoye lamented the lack of collaboration, particularly in newspaper distribution, where each media house handles its logistics independently. He argued that such inefficiency affects the welfare of media workers and called for a more cooperative approach.
“Our media houses are missing out on shared opportunities, which directly impacts the welfare of workers. We need to support each other and strengthen the bonds within the profession to ensure we are treated fairly in all aspects.”
In his ongoing efforts to support veteran journalists and the families of deceased media professionals in Ogun State, Oladunjoye announced the upcoming launch of a medical revolving loan scheme in partnership with professionals in the pharmaceutical and medical fields.
“I am not doing anything special; I am simply giving back to the profession that made me. If I were to come back to this world, I would still choose to be a journalist,” Oladunjoye concluded.
Earlier, the publisher of BOSERI, Arakunrin Johnson Akinpelu, praised Oladunjoye for his selfless and reliable nature, highlighting his contributions not only to journalism but also to anyone he encounters. Akinpelu noted that Oladunjoye is deserving of the many honours he has received for his impact on the profession and society at large.
In their remarks, Barrister Babatunde Ogunnubi and Chief Johnson Onifade commended Oladunjoye for his notable contributions to journalism, politics, advocacy, human rights, and grassroots welfare, both nationally and internationally.
