Yoruba More Than a Language, Says Hamzat After ‘Masoyinbo’ Appearance

Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has called for greater efforts to preserve the Yoruba language and culture, describing them as essential parts of the people’s identity, history and shared values.

Hamzat made the call following his appearance on Masoyinbo, a Yoruba-language television game show dedicated to promoting indigenous language and cultural heritage through quizzes and challenges.

In a post on his X account on Friday, October 9, 2026, the deputy governor said he enjoyed participating in the programme and discussing the importance of keeping Yoruba alive for future generations.

“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,” he wrote.

“Yoruba is more than a language. It is part of our identity, history, values and what connects us as a community,” Hamzat added.

He noted that Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic diversity was one of its greatest strengths, stressing that preserving indigenous languages required collective responsibility.

Hamzat also linked cultural preservation to his vision for Lagos, saying development should go beyond infrastructure and public services to include investment in people, cultural identity and shared values.

He commended the creators of Masoyinbo for using entertainment to educate audiences and promote Yoruba heritage in Lagos and beyond.

The programme, hosted by Lekan Fabilola, tests contestants’ knowledge of Yoruba vocabulary, expressions and cultural traditions. It has featured several prominent Nigerians, including entertainers, actors, musicians and public figures, as part of its efforts to make the language more engaging for younger audiences.

Hamzat appeared on the show’s 364th episode, where he answered all 10 questions. However, penalties for switching between Yoruba and English reduced his final prize to ₦20,000, despite the programme’s advertised grand prizes of ₦1 million, a car and a parcel of land.

His appearance has brought fresh attention to conversations about the use of indigenous languages amid changing cultural and social trends.

Hamzat’s message emphasises that preserving Yoruba requires more than speaking it. It also involves passing down its expressions, traditions and cultural knowledge to younger generations.