TDDr. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Governor of Anambra State, has urged Nigerians to preserve and promote their native languages, describing them as vital markers of identity and cultural continuity.
Dr. Soludo’s remarks came as part of activities marking the 2026 International Mother Language Day.
In her statement, Dr. Soludo stressed that mother tongues are cultural treasures that should be spoken with confidence and pride.
She warned that many indigenous languages are at risk of extinction due to neglect and lack of celebration.
“Mother language is a treasure that everyone should carry with pride.
“No one can protect it better than the person who owns it.
“There is no shame in speaking your mother tongue and celebrating its beauty and uniqueness.
“Speak it without fear, without limitation, and without apology,” she said.
International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day is observed annually every February 21.
It was first proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 and later recognised by the UN General Assembly in 2002.
The day promotes linguistic diversity and multilingualism worldwide.
Dr. Soludo, founder of the Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo initiative, emphasised that language is central to cultural identity and community life.
She noted that culture is incomplete without the distinctiveness of the language that binds a people together.
“Language is a genuine identity. Your mother tongue is your emblem of socio-cultural participation.
“Let no one tell you that you cannot speak it. Speak it. Cherish it. Be proud of it,” she declared.
She concluded her message with a passionate affirmation in Igbo: “Abụ m ezigbo onye Igbo hụrụ asụsụ ya n’anya nke ukwu”.
(It is transalated: “I am a true Igbo person who loves their language very much.”)
Her call resonates with growing global concerns about the erosion of indigenous languages.
It highlights the urgent need for communities to actively safeguard their linguistic heritage for future generations.
