Warri Southwest Speaker urges parents to teach children their native dialect

Rt. Hon. Samuel Ekpemupolo, also known as Sampolo, leader of Warri Southwest Legislative Arm, has emphasized the importance of parents teaching their children their native dialect. 

Speaking on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, Ekpemupolo stressed that parents play a crucial role in passing on their cultural heritage to their children.

According to Ekpemupolo, children will inevitably learn the general language, English, through their teachers and friends outside the home. However, it is the parents' responsibility to teach them their native dialect, ensuring they remain connected to their cultural roots.

Ekpemupolo warned that failure to teach children their native dialect would result in them losing their cultural identity, saying "if you fail to teach them, it means they've lost their way home."

This call to action highlights the significance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting linguistic diversity, particularly in a country with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages.