Members of the Nigeria Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association (TAMPAN) have commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State for introducing compulsory teaching of Yoruba language in institutions of learning in the Centre of Excellence.
TAMPAN, which has been championing the compulsory teaching of Yoruba language in South-West schools, described Ambode’s action as “commendable and worthy of emulation by other South-West governors”.
President of the association, Prince Dele Odule, said:“With this pronouncement, Governor Ambode has shown that he is a listening governor by taking a right step in the right direction. Motion picture practitioners have been championing the enforcement of the teaching of undiluted Yoruba language in our schools. That is why we resolved that Yoruba language will solely be the medium of communication in our productions. We know the compulsory teaching of the language in schools will also project the image of our people which we have been doing in our movies for decades. Today, our prayers have been answered through the action of the governor.
“We strongly believe that the governor’s pronouncement will bring back lost glories and cultural values which have been lost due to massive cultural and language erosion through Western influence. We thank the governor for this innovation.
“As we commend Governor Ambode for this, we also urge him to look into the issue of piracy which is affecting intellectual property in films, music and novels. We strongly believe that if the state government is ready to wield the big stick by tackling piracy from the foundation, TAMPAN members will have cause to celebrate because their work will not be in vain.
“We also appeal to other South-West governors to ensure that piracy becomes history in their respective states. It is not in the best interest of anybody for intellectual property to be stolen at will by pirates”.
Odule also urged TAMPAN members to be of good characters in their respective states “by obeying the laws of the land”. “You must be upright at all times because as entertainers, you are the mirror of the society. You must also pay your tax where you live and work”.
