Nigeria’s National Librarian, Anunobi, leads world indigenous language introduction
Prof Anunobi, National Library
BY ADA DIKE
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, was recently appointed Co-Chair of the Global Task Force for 2026.
The appointment was formally announced during the Task Force’s 18th meeting, held virtually on May 12, 2026.
It was gathered that Professor Anunobi who serves on the Steering Committee for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022–2032, will lead the Task Force alongside Sera Martinez of Colombia. They are joined by Heather Souter and Bintou Camara, representing Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations, in a collaborative effort to steer the decade-long initiative. Observers said it’s a significant milestone for global linguistic preservation.
As Co-Chair, Professor Anunobi steps into a pivotal role that will shape the trajectory of indigenous language revitalization worldwide. Her responsibilities will include: providing a roadmap for the Global Task Force to meet the ambitious goals of IDIL 2022–2032; bridging gaps between Member States, indigenous communities, and international heritage organizations; and driving policies that promote multilingualism and the integration of mother-tongue education into national frameworks.
It was revealed that Professor Anunobi’s selection reflects her distinguished career in Library and Information Science. At the helm of Nigeria’s National Library, she has been a vocal advocate for documenting the country’s diverse linguistic landscape. Her expertise in cultural heritage preservation makes her a natural fit for an initiative focused on safeguarding endangered languages from extinction.
Her leadership represents a major win for Nigeria and the African continent. It underscores Nigeria’s proactive role in international heritage efforts and ensures that African linguistic perspectives are central to global development.
The Global Task Force serves as the primary driver of the International Decade, working to ensure that indigenous languages are not only preserved as relics of the past but promoted as living tools for inclusive education and sustainable development.
