Evolution of indigenous Language Press in Nigeria: Historical Overview of Yoruba Language Newspapers (1859-1990)

Abstract

This study examines the emergence and significant roles of Yoruba language newspapers and their publishers in pre- and post-independence Nigeria. Historical methods, utilising primary documents from archives and libraries and secondary source testimonies, were employed. The research was anchored on Democratic Participant, Social Responsibility, and Libertarian Media Theories. Findings reveal that over a dozen individually published Yoruba language newspapers (1859-1990) were deeply committed to local political, economic, cultural, and religious issues. Their commitment to localism, portrayal of Nigerian nationalists, and anti-colonial political reportage ensured their popularity among the Yoruba populace. The study concludes that indigenous languages are optimal for media communication with local populaces. It recommends that media communicate in indigenous languages to foster positive economic and political development in local and urban communities, ensure local news access, fulfil information delivery obligations, enable public opinion formation and democratic participation, thereby sustaining the traditions of indigenous language newspaper pioneers.