THE IMPERATIVE OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES, LEADERSHIP AND TRANSFORMATION AGENDA IN AFRICA: NIGERIA IN FOCUS

Abstract

This paper examines the imperatives of indigenous languages in the multi-lingual, muilti-ethnic socio-linguistic milieu of Nigeria against the backdrop of the threats of their imminent extinction. It presupposes that laudable government programmes such as the anit-graft, anti-corruption campaign, the re-branding Nigeria project, deregulation, security, peaceful co-existence, etc, can only succeed if the grassroots are sensitized and carried along speaking their own languages. It interrogates the role of indigenous languages vis-a-vis the sustenance of democratic values, conflict prevention and resolution, peace building, national re-orientation and electioneering campaign leadership. It concluded with a number of recommendations that if taken beyond merely as academic exercises, can catalyze an indigino-lingual renaissance of sorts in Nigeria.