The Association of Gospel African Languages Interpreters (A.G.A.L.I.) has held a landmark three-in-one event featuring the African Mother Tongue Praise Celebration, the official launch of its new book, ACT-YOUNG, and an Awards of Commendation ceremony.
The event was organised as part of the association’s response to concerns over the declining use of indigenous African languages, particularly among younger generations, amid warnings about the vulnerability of several languages to extinction.
The association specifically said the initiative was also motivated by concerns attributed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) regarding the vulnerability of Yoruba and several other African languages, particularly as increasing numbers of parents discourage children from speaking their mother tongues.
The newly launched book, ACT-YOUNG — Advancing Christ Through Indigenous Language for the Young Generation, was produced by members of the Board of Trustees of A.G.A.L.I.
The author, Rev. Dr. Olu Otunuga, a doctoral awardee in Theology and member of the Board of Trustees, said his passion for writing and indigenous-language ministry dated back to his undergraduate years, when he served as a departmental journal editor.
He explained that the idea for the book, which had been nurtured from his childhood and teenage years, initially appeared to be “child’s play” but eventually developed into a documented work inspired by international publications and discussions around the preservation of indigenous languages.
According to him, the A.G.A.L.I. Board of Trustees subsequently developed a strong interest in intentional parenting and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Following the preparation of the initial chapters, wider consultations helped transform the material into a textbook intended to serve generations of young people.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the team and contributors in bringing the project to completion.
The Chief Host and Founder/Rector of Abraham Bible College, Prophet Dr. Oyekunle Oyetayo, described the interpreter as an integral part of the Gospel, stressing that effective interpretation was not merely a product of academic qualifications or intellectual ability but also required special grace from God.
The Chairman of the occasion, Deacon Lola Odumosu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Hosmedic Nigeria Ltd., Lagos, emphasised the importance of institutionalising Gospel interpretation in indigenous languages as a means of promoting nation-building and preserving cultural heritage.
The Chief Launcher, Chief Lawrence Owoyemi, also charged parents to stop discouraging their children from speaking their mother tongue.
Owoyemi, an indigene of Oyo State and a respected traditional title holder who is himself a recipient of the Adimula High Chieftaincy title, was represented at the event by Dr. Oladiji of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Osun State.
The book reviewer, Evang. Dolapo Adenuga, a school proprietor and educationist, described ACT-YOUNG as a sound educational manual and curriculum-compliant discipleship resource.
Adenuga highlighted Chapter Three, which focuses on intellectual development and mental capacity, saying its approach aligns with modern educational principles that recognise children as active learners from birth.
He noted that learning develops continuously through experience, interaction, observation, practice and discovery, adding that no single teaching method is suitable for every child because learners differ in their abilities, pace and preferred approaches to learning.
According to him, learning is most effective in a safe and supportive environment where children feel valued and are encouraged to participate actively rather than merely receive information passively.
From the perspective of a school proprietor, Adenuga said the book also had practical applications for bilingual literacy, particularly through its use of the King James Version of the Bible and Bibeli Mimo.
He described ACT-YOUNG as a documented textbook suitable for school libraries and a generational record that reinforces the importance of reaching and developing children early.
Contributors and Programme Anchors
Among those acknowledged for their contributions to the project were Comrade J.W. Areo, State Chairperson, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (Women Wing), and Dr. (Mrs.) Sangosanya, a seasoned librarian.
The organisers said their intellectual and professional contributions helped transform the manuscript into a work intended to serve as a lasting resource for future generations.
The programme was anchored by Pastor Muyiwa Otunuga, Evang. Titilayo Cole, Hon. Yinka Sobande, Comrade Abiodun Ogedengbe and Evangelist Dare Bisi.
…Honours Traffic Warden Icon, Anifat Bello
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Gospel Interpreters Meritorious Service Award to DST Anifat Abiodun Bello (Retired), a former traffic officer who served at the busy NNPC Junction near the entrance of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abeokuta.
The association said Bello was honoured for demonstrating what it described as the practical representation of Christ in public service.
Although she did not formally bear the title “Ambassador of Christ”, the association said her conduct in public service reflected the values associated with the description.
According to A.G.A.L.I., Bello distinguished herself through punctuality, discipline, integrity, cheerfulness, incorruptibility and strong interpersonal relations.
Working under difficult weather conditions, including intense heat and heavy rainfall, she was described as motherly yet firm, courteous to motorists, respectful to members of the public and committed to her duties.
The association said Bello effectively turned her traffic post into a platform for demonstrating Christian character through honesty, selfless service, integrity and compassion.
Her retirement, it added, was widely celebrated by members of the TRACE Corps, motorists in Abeokuta and other members of the public.
A.G.A.L.I. further noted that Bello’s service attracted recognition beyond the local community, including commendation from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The association said honouring Bello was intended to reinforce its message that Christian values should be demonstrated not only within the church but also in workplaces, public offices, traffic points and other spheres of society.
Pastor Dr. Oyedeji was also among those honoured at the event.
Programme Promotes Bilingual Discipleship
The organisers said the programme provided an opportunity for participants to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural roots through Bibeli Mimo while reinforcing the role of indigenous-language interpreters in Christian ministry.
A major attraction was the youth pilot Bible quiz, tagged “AGALI CATCH THEM YOUNG ACT-YOUNG QUIZ,” which the association said demonstrated the need for stronger bilingual discipleship programmes targeted at children and teenagers.
The organisers also pointed to the example of DST Bello as evidence that the Christian message could be demonstrated through conduct and service beyond the walls of the church.
The programme received accolades from participants who also commended the anchor person, Mr. Oluwafemi Ogundare popularly called (MC LALA).
He performed the task impressively alongside Evang. Wale Ejidele, Pastor Odenike, Evang. Hephzibah, Pastor Bolu Oyetayo, Pastor Muyiwa Otunuga, Evang. Titilayo Cole, Hon. Yinka Sobande, Comrade Abiodun Ogedengbe and Evangelist Dare Bisi.
A.G.A.L.I. Plans Wider Expansion
Looking ahead, the association said it planned to expand the initiative beyond Abeokuta.
According to A.G.A.L.I., the Abeokuta programme served as a proof of concept involving a small group of teenagers, with plans to replicate the association’s philosophy on a wider platform in ECOWAS subregion.
The ultimate objective, it said, is to promote indigenous-language use among younger generations, strengthen bilingual discipleship and help preserve African languages and cultural heritage.
The association expressed its determination to ensure that “no tongue is left behind” while contributing to efforts to address concerns surrounding the declining use of indigenous languages.
