Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has emphasized the importance of preserving the Yoruba language and culture, urging Nigerians to safeguard their heritage for future generations.
Hamzat made the remarks after appearing on Masoyinbo, a Yoruba-focused cultural programme, where he highlighted the role of language in shaping identity, history, and values.
Masoyinbo is a Yoruba-language cultural game show designed to promote and preserve Yoruba heritage through engaging quizzes and challenges that test participants’ fluency and knowledge.
In a post on his X account on Friday, accompanied by photographs from the show, Hamzat—who competed for prizes including ₦1 million, a car, and a parcel of land—described Yoruba as “more than a language,” calling it a vital part of community identity and shared values.
He wrote:“I had a great time on Masoyinbo, exploring the importance of Yoruba in our society and why we must preserve the language, celebrate our culture, and pass our rich heritage on to future generations. Yoruba is more than a language. It is part of our identity, history, values, and what connects us as a community.”
Hamzat further noted that Nigeria’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, stressing that preserving indigenous languages is a collective responsibility.
He added that building a greater Lagos requires investment not only in infrastructure and public services but also in people, culture, and values.He commended Masoyinbo for its contribution to cultural preservation while entertaining audiences locally and globally.
Hamzat appeared on the 364th episode of the show, hosted by Lekan Fabilola, which was also posted on the programme’s official YouTube channel on Friday. Despite answering all 10 questions, penalties for code-switching reduced his prize to ₦20,000.
Masoyinbo has previously featured prominent Nigerians such as Fuji musician Saheed Osupa, activist Yele Sowore, actresses Funke Akindele and Femi Adebayo, rapper Falz, comedian Ali Baba, skit maker Cute Abiola, and actor Lateef Adedimeji, as part of its mission to promote Yoruba language and culture.
