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‘Who Naija language help?’ Peter P-Square asks critics questioning his children’s Igbo fluency
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

‘Who Naija language help?’ Peter P-Square asks critics questioning his children’s Igbo fluency

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Singer Peter Okoye, also known as Mr P, defended his children's fluency in French over indigenous Nigerian languages after facing online criticism.
  • He questioned the practical benefit of speaking Nigerian languages and emphasized parental choice in language education.
  • Okoye urged critics to focus on national issues and mind their own business, asserting his family's well-being.

Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, formerly of the P-Square group and now known as Mr P, has publicly defended his parenting decisions after facing backlash for his children's proficiency in French rather than a Nigerian language like Igbo.

And who naija language help? Make I hear word abeg.

— Mr PResponding to a user who asked if his children could speak Igbo.

The controversy ignited when Okoye shared his admiration for his children's effortless French on X (formerly Twitter) from Paris. A user questioned if they could also speak Igbo, to which Okoye responded, "And who naija language help? Make I hear word abeg." This remark sparked a debate online, with some arguing for the cultural importance of native languages and others supporting parental autonomy.

When it’s your turn, teach your own kids all the languages in Nigeria if that’s your choice.

— Mr PAsserting parental rights in language education.

Okoye firmly stated that language choices within families are personal. "When it’s your turn, teach your own kids all the languages in Nigeria if that’s your choice," he wrote. He later urged critics to "Mind Your Business" and find someone else to target with their frustrations. He questioned the tangible benefits others would gain if his children spoke Nigerian languages, emphasizing that English is Nigeria's official language.

I’ve got just three words for you: MYB, Mind Your Business.

— Mr PUrging critics to stop interfering in his family's affairs.

The singer accused some critics of hypocrisy, suggesting they would readily raise their children abroad if given the chance. He concluded by imploring Nigerians to shift their focus to more pressing national concerns instead of scrutinizing the language choices of other families.

Again, what exactly do you stand to gain if my children speak Nigerian languages? How does that improve your life?

— Mr PQuestioning the public's concern over his children's language choices.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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