Empowering Nigeria’s Next Generation Through Art, Culture, Creativity, And Innovation

— A Call To Action For Nigerian Government

By Oluwasegun David (OD)

Earlier this year, I had the distinct honor of meeting with the Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, alongside the CEO of Kuumba Community Housing Canada—a Pan-African non-governmental organization—to address a growing concern shared by many in the diaspora: the rapid erosion of Nigerian languages and culture among our children, especially as global migration trends continue to rise.

During this conversation, one fact became painfully clear: younger generations, both at home and abroad, are becoming increasingly disconnected from their native languages, cultural heritage, and traditional identities. The consequences of this cultural drift are profound.

Our children, who should proudly carry the torch of our heritage, are at risk of growing up without a deep understanding of who they are and where they come from. This is not just a cultural concern—it is a national crisis that demands immediate and sustained attention.

In response, I have taken a step toward addressing this challenge by developing a Yoruba-language educational resource ( Ipinle Èdè Yorùbá fún Ọmọdé (Part 1) -Yoruba learning foundation for children ( Part 1 ) , with plans to expand into other Nigerian languages. This project leverages the power of art and storytelling to make language learning engaging, accessible, and culturally relevant for children in Nigerian families across the world.

Through interactive, visually rich materials, the initiative seeks to reconnect children with their roots—making heritage a living part of their everyday learning.

However, individual efforts alone are not enough. What we need is a nationwide movement—a coordinated response that brings together public institutions, private sector stakeholders, artists, educators, and technology innovators.

I therefore urge the Nigerian government to place urgent emphasis on transforming our education system by embedding art, culture, creativity, and innovation at its core. Immediate action is needed in the following areas:

1. Integrating digital tools and creative methods into early childhood education to promote indigenous language and cultural learning.

2. Developing and distributing culturally relevant educational content in Nigerian languages for children, both within the country and in the diaspora.

3. Fostering collaboration between artists, technologists, and educators to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.

We must understand that our children are more than just students—they are the architects of Nigeria’s future. If we fail to instill cultural literacy and creative confidence early on, we risk nurturing a generation detached not only from its heritage but also from its full potential.

The tools to bring this vision to life already exist. The urgency cannot be overstated. Now is the time to act—before we lose our languages, and with them, the stories, values, and identity that define us as a people.

Let us be bold. Let us act. The time is now.