{
  "id": 12887908,
  "title": "Group warns against declining use of Yoruba among youths",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/group-warns-against-declining-use-of-yoruba-among-youths-12887908",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T14:46:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/group-warns-against-declining-use-of-yoruba-among-youths/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Association of Gospel African Languages Interpreters has expressed concern over the decreasing use of Yoruba and other African languages among younger generations. At the launch of ACT-YOUNG, an indigenous-language discipleship initiative, Rev Olu Otunuga, a trustee of the association, noted that the project aims to counter the declining use of Yoruba and other African languages among young people. Otunuga, a theologian, writer, and author of the ACT-YOUNG book, highlighted that the concern was particularly relevant as an increasing number of parents discourage children from speaking their mother tongues. He urged parents to encourage their children to speak Yoruba, sharing that his interest in indigenous-language ministry was nurtured from childhood. The initiative was accompanied by an African Mother Tongue Praise Celebration and an award ceremony. Prophet Dr Oyekunle Oyetayo, the Founder/Rector of Abraham Bible College and Chief Host, emphasized that interpreters play an essential role in gospel ministry, stating that effective interpretation should not be viewed solely through academic qualifications but as a special grace for communicating the gospel across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Deacon Lola Odumosu, the Chairman, advocated for the institutionalisation of mother-tongue gospel interpretation, stating that strengthening indigenous-language ministry can contribute to nation-building and cultural preservation. Chief Lawrence Owoyemi, the Chief Launcher, urged parents to stop discouraging their children from speaking their mother tongue, emphasizing that the preservation of indigenous languages begins in the home. The ACT-YOUNG book, reviewed by Dolapo Adenuga, is described as an educational manual with potential applications beyond religious settings, reflecting contemporary learning approaches. Otunuga revealed that the book evolved from his concern over the decline of African languages after exposure to literature and discussions on the topic. The Gospel Interpreters Meritorious Service Award was presented to DST Anifat Abiodun Bello, a retired traffic officer, for her practical Christian witness outside the church. The programme also featured a youth Bible quiz, with the winners advancing to a state finale.",
  "summary": "An association has raised concerns over the declining use of Yoruba among youths, launching an initiative in Abeokuta to promote indigenous languages. Read More: https://punchng.com/group-warns-against-declining-use-of-yoruba-among-youths/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Group warns against declining use of Yoruba among youths",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/group-warns-against-declining-use-of-yoruba-among-youths",
        "published": "2026-10-08T14:22:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}