Introduction
Olalekan maxwell fabilola Is a Nigerian cultural entrepreneur,a Yoruba and culture teacher,author,and advocate for the Yoruba language and heritage. He is best known as the creator and host of masoyinbo, an innovative Yoruba language game show that educates and entertains audiences while promoting Yoruba culture.
Education and Early Career
Born in oba-Ile,akure,Nigeria,fabilola grew up in a predominantly Yoruba-speaking environment. His mother taught him to write and pronounce Yoruba words with tonal marks (ami), instilling in him a deep appreciation for his native language. Conversely, his schooling discouraged the use of Yoruba,penalizing students for speaking it , which led to challenges in his academy journey.
Fabilola’s educational path took a significant turn when he enrolled at covenant university. Initially struggling with English, he found solace and identity in Yoruba cultural expressions. He joined the university theatre group, where he performed Yoruba chants during an international conference. This experience led to a weekly opportunity to chat Yoruba praises during Sunday services, marking the beginning of his cultural advocacy.
In his second year, fabilola developed a Yoruba keyboard using QBASIC, and for his final year project, he created a software that translated 5,000 Yoruba proverbs into English and vice versa. This project was recognized as one of the best in his department and was showcased during the 2008 convocation.
Fabilola’s passion for Yoruba culture led him to establish Masoyinbo (Don’t Speak English), a captivating Yoruba language game show where guests must answer all ten questions in Yoruba without the use of English. The use of English results in gradual deductions from the 1 million naira prize. Fabilola has hosted various celebrities, including Eniola Ajao, Femi Adebayo, Adedimeji Abdul Lateef, Cute Abiola, Falz, and many more. The show’s unique format challenges guests to win 1 million naira and a brand new car without co-mixing English language with Yoruba language when answering the questions. Only two people have answered the ten questions correctly; Saheed Osupa, a Fuji artist, and Baba Ajobiewe, a veteran yoruba actor, yoruba oral poet and chanter . Masoyinbo is a captivating show that teaches Yoruba language and culture through engaging formats, aiming to preserve Yoruba heritage and serving as a platform for cultural education and entertainment.
Beyond television, fabilola is a Yoruba language and culture teacher. He is the CEO of eayoruba.com, an online platform dedicated to Yoruba language instruction and cultural preservation. He conducts live Yoruba classes via zoom and shares educational content on social media platforms like instagram and Facebook.
As an author, fabilola penned The Ancient Wisdom- òwe yorùbá, a compilation of 500 Yoruba proverbs,reflecting his commitment to documenting and sharing Yoruba wisdom.
Professional Acheivements
His professional achievements reflects a deep commitment to revitalizing indigenous African languages through innovative media,technology and education. Through his multifaceted efforts in media,education and technology, Olalekan fabilola has significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of the Yoruba language and culture. His work serves as a model for cultural preservation and has inspired many to reconnect with their roots and embrace their linguistic heritage.
Personal Life
Beyond his professional endeavors, Fabilola’s dedication to Yoruba culture extends to his family life. While specific details about his family are not publicly disclosed, his commitment to cultural preservation suggests that he instills the same values in his personal relationships. His work serves as a model for cultural preservation
Legacy and Impact
Olalekan Fabilola’s work bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, using technology and media to revitalize interest in Yoruba language and culture. His initiatives have inspired many to reconnect with their roots and have provided resources for Yoruba language learners worldwide.
Through his dedication, fabilola continues to ensure that the Yoruba heritage is celebrated,taught,and preserved for future generations.
Conclusion
Olalekan Maxwell Fabilola stands as a passionate cultural innovator whose life’s work centers on the revival,preservation and promotion of the Yoruba language and heritage. From his early struggles with language in school to becoming a celebrated advocate for indigenous African identity,fabilola has used creativity,technology and media to build platforms platforms that inspire pride in Yoruba culture. His contributions through masoyinbo,eayoruba.com and educational materials have not only elevated Yoruba language education but also fostered a renewed cultural consciousness in Nigeria and beyond . Fabilola’s story is a validation to the power of cultural pride,vision,and resilience.
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