The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) has called for the revival of endangered African languages, indigenous traditions and cultural practices, to preserve the continent’s identity and heritage.

Director-General of CBAAC, Aisha Adamu-Augie, made the call in an interview on the sidelines of the CANEX WKND2026 in Lagos.

The CANEX 2026 was hosted by the federal government and organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) from November 5 to November 8.

The event’s theme was: “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World.”

She expressed concern over the gradual loss of indigenous knowledge and traditional systems of communication.

According to her, many African languages are endangered, with some surviving through only a handful of speakers, while traditional cultural expressions are increasingly disappearing.

Ms Adamu-Augie noted that even the symbolic meanings embedded in indigenous fabrics and traditional communication systems were gradually being forgotten.

She stressed the need for Africans to remember, revive and document their cultural heritage to ensure younger generations understand and benefit from its value.

“We have a lot that we have to lose, that we have lost. And now where we are, is to remember, revive, document and ensure that our younger generation can utilise that power,” she said.

The director general said the renewed global interest in African fashion and indigenous fabrics was helping to revive traditional production communities and create economic opportunities.

She cited the historic dye pits in Kano, where families have passed down traditional knowledge across generations, noting that the growing demand for authentic African fabrics was restoring livelihoods and cultural practices.

Speaking further, she said the revival of indigenous crafts and textiles would create jobs, while enabling communities to preserve their stories, rituals and traditions.

Ms Adamu-Augie also emphasised the importance of teaching children indigenous languages, describing language as a powerful tool for cultural identity, unity and mutual understanding.

The CBAAC boss then encouraged parents to expose children to different languages and cultures, stressing that cultural diversity should be appreciated, rather than viewed as a basis for superiority.

The director general further noted that learning another person’s language could foster kinship and strengthen relationships across cultural boundaries.

She urged Africans to embrace their cultural identity and recognise the value of their heritage without depending on external validation.

“Our hope is to remind Nigerians and Africans that what they have is enough. You don’t need external validation to realise that you are just as powerful as any other continent in the world,” she said.

Ms Adamu-Augie said CBAAC was also working toward promoting African history and culture, through international exchanges and activities planned around the 50th anniversary of the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77).

She said the initiative would involve existing festivals, cultural institutions, diaspora communities and international partners, to strengthen the global visibility of African heritage. 

(NAN)