Nigeria Celebrates International Mother Language Day, Honors Linguistic Heritage
Oru Leonard
Abuja, Nigeria – February 21, 2025 – The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has issued a press statement commemorating International Mother Language Day, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages in Nigeria.
The Minister emphasized that language is a vital instrument for cultural identity, social inclusion, and sustainable development, serving as a lifeline that connects generations and fosters unity. The Minister also stressed that language inclusivity enhances access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, particularly for rural women and marginalized groups.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry remains committed to advancing policies and programs that safeguard cultural diversity, promote multilingual education, and support women’s active participation in nation-building.
The Minister called on stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners, to invest in initiatives that preserve indigenous languages and promote literacy among women and girls.
International Mother Language Day is observed annually on February 21 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 to commemorate the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for language rights in Bangladesh.
