Yoruba more than a language, says Hamzat after "Masoyinbo" appearance - Punch Newspapers

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat has called for the preservation of the Yoruba language and culture, urging Nigerians to pass their heritage on to future generations. Hamzat made the call after appearing on Masoyinbo, a Yoruba-focused cultural programme, where he discussed the importance of preserving the language and celebrating Yoruba heritage. Hamzat and Masoyinbo host PUNCH Online reports that Masoyinbo is a Yoruba-language cultural game show dedicated to promoting and preserving the language and heritage through entertaining quizzes and challenges that test participants’ fluency and knowledge of Yoruba. In a post on his X account on Friday, accompanied by photographs from the programme, Hamzat, who also “competed”  for the ultimate prize of N1m, a car and a parcel of land, described Yoruba as more than a language, saying it was an important part of the people’s identity, history and values. “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. Hamzat with the Masoyinbo host and co-host “Yoruba is more than a language. It is part of our identity, history, values and what connects us as a community,” he wrote. He said Nigeria’s diversity was one of its greatest strengths, adding that preserving indigenous languages was a shared responsibility. “Building a greater Lagos means investing not only in infrastructure and public services but also in our people, culture and values. We must work together to keep our heritage alive for generations to come,” he added. Reps order probe into illegal encroachment beneath Eko Bridge LASG enlists fathers to prevent child abuse Lagos tackling 3.3m housing deficit, says Sanwo-Olu Hamzat also commended Masoyinbo for its role in preserving Yoruba heritage while informing and entertaining audiences in Lagos and elsewhere in the world. The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State appeared on the 364th episode of Masoyinbo, an engaging game show dedicated to promoting and preserving the Yoruba language and culture, the host Lekan Fabilola also shared in a separate post/snippet on his X account also on Friday. A further check by our correspondent revealed that the 40 minute long show was also posted on Friday afternoon on the show’s official YouTube channel. Our correspondent reports that Hamzat answered all 10 questions – but penalties arising from code switching/mixing reduced his prize to N20,000. Masoyinbo host and co-host applauds Hamzat Masoyinbo has previously featured prominent Nigerians, including Fuji musician Saheed Osupa, political 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 efforts to promote Yoruba language and culture. All photos credit: Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat | X Tosin Oyediran Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.

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