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Are Our Indigenous Dialects Going Extinct ?
Language is said to be complete when it has provisions for every object introduced to the society using the language for communication.
Therefore, almost every indigenous language in the country, known as a mother tongue of the respective native speaker, is complete and can pass as means of communication. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Language embodies culture and other values of the native speakers, and linguists advice that native speakers ought to communicate in their mother tongues to their children to save the languages from going extinct.
However, for reasons known to some individuals, many parents have left the use of mother tongue for foreign languages.
For instance, Mrs Mary Simon, a housewife, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that there was nothing wrong if a child cannot speak the native language.
Simon said that speaking English as a first language was good.
She, however, advised that parents should endeavor to teach their children their mother tongue.
Mrs Blessing Abdul, a hair stylist, children need to start learning their mother tongue from birth.
“As parents, if you speak your native language to your child from birth, they will understand and grow with it.
‘`As parents, as long as you can speak your language, inculcate that in your children because that is their identity and they deserve to speak and understand it.
‘`My husband and I agreed to speak our dialect to the children and now that they are grown up, they understand and speak the language very well.
‘`When I took them to the village, my people were surprised to see my children speaking the language very well and that made me proud.”
“Living in the city should not be an excuse for parents not to teach their children their language. One is identified by the language he or she speaks, so not teaching them their language is denying them their identity. `
’`Speaking English to your children at home will not help them to learn their language, so it is better to speak your language to them as they will be taught English in school,’’ she said.
Eko Waters, a student, said he couldn’t speak his language because it was not spoken to him by his parents. I don’t know how to speak my dialect, but I do understand. This is because my parents never taught me nor communicated with me in our mother tongue.
‘`My parents wanted me to learn English first, so they thought speaking English to me at home was the best, forgetting that I will learn it in school.
“Today I see some students like me that don’t speak their dialect and this is either that they were not taught or that they refused to learn.
“I think that parents should learn to communicate with their children in their dialect because it has some form of identification and it helps you to relate with your people,
”I am worried for our own children, if majority of us do not speak our languages, who will teach them ? .
“ Will our languages not go extinct ?, “ he said.
Glory Madukwe, also a student, said a situation where children grow up in a state outside his or her community of origin could affect them speaking their language.
He said that some children neglect their native language and have no interest to learn it because they don’t have people to communicate with in the language.
“I was born in Nasarawa State, my parents did not teach me my dialect (Igbo), but yet I know how to speak because I picked interest in the language and I learnt it,’’ he said.
Arome Drogba, a student of Nasarawa State University, said he speaks his dialect though not fluent, adding that he is a product of inter-tribal marriage.
“My father is Igala and my mother is Idoma, my mum spends more time with us at home and speaks Igala occasionally but she speaks her dialect to us more.
“And all this affected us, making us confused, not to be able to concentrate on one language to learn,’’ he said.
Drogba advised that parents should try and speak their dialects to their children and wards at home, adding that it’s good to communicate with children in their mother tongue.
Source: NAN
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One year in office anniversary: ICDA, AMAC Chairman Ebiojo Kebiru Felicitates with Idah LGA Chairman
By Abdulrahman Obaje
Comrade Ebiojo Kebiru Chairman, Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC congratulates Alhaji Alilu Alfa aka Alhaji-Alhaji, Executive Chairman, Idah Local Government Area, Kogi State on the ocassion of his one year in office.
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In a statement issued in Abuja Kebiru said the achievements of Alhaji Alilu within the short period of one year is astoudning.
Comrade Kebiru particularly highlights some of the achievements as the creation of access road in rural areas such as, idiede ward, Ankpa street, Sabon-gari; rural electrification, Ega market rehabilitation, empowerment programmes, etc
He said, As we celebrate this achievements, we pray for wisdom, good health and God guidance as you pilots the affairs of Idah LGA.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to the Executive Chairman as he marks one year of exemplary stewardhip e people of Idah LGA. May Allah continue to grant him wisdom, good health, and astounding success.
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Celebrating Excellence: The Outstanding Achievements of Deputy Governor Joel Salifu
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Lokoja, Nigeria
As the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu has been making waves with his outstanding achievements, which have endeared him to the people of the state.
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One of his notable achievements is his role as Chairman of the Committee on Flood, where he played a crucial part in managing the 2024 floods in the state. His proactive approach and leadership skills ensured that the state was well-prepared to mitigate the effects of the flood, thereby minimizing the impact on the people and their properties.
Furthermore, Comrade Salifu’s diplomatic prowess was on full display when he successfully brokered an amicable settlement to the boundary dispute between Kogi and Enugu State at Ette in Olamaboro Local Government Area. This landmark achievement is a testament to his ability to navigate complex issues and find mutually beneficial solutions. The resolution of this long-standing dispute has brought relief to the affected communities and has paved the way for increased cooperation and collaboration between the two states.
In addition to his achievements in flood management and conflict resolution, Comrade Salifu has also been representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo admirably in various capacities. His representation has been characterized by humility and an open-door policy, which has endeared him to the people. He has been a worthy ambassador of the governor and the state, and his actions have consistently reflected the values of the administration.
Comrade Salifu has also been a gracious host to traditional rulers in the state, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation among them. His doors have always been open to the monarchs, listening to their concerns and working tirelessly to address them. This gesture has not only strengthened the relationship between the government and traditional institutions but has also promoted peace and stability in the state.
More so, Comrade Salifu’s ability to carry traditional rulers along in the governance of the state has been a hallmark of his administration. He has consistently engaged with traditional rulers, seeking their counsel and input on matters affecting their domains. This collaborative approach has not only earned him the respect and admiration of the traditional rulers but has also ensured that the government’s policies and programs are tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of each community.
Comrade Salifu’s commitment to the welfare of the people has also been evident in his interactions with labor leaders. He has hailed Governor Ododo as a visionary leader and attributed the harmonious relationship between labor unions and the government to the governor’s exemplary leadership style.
Moreover, Comrade Salifu has been actively representing the governor at key events across the state. For instance, he represented Governor Ododo at the inauguration of the Nyamkpo Community Electrification Project in Bassa local government Area. During the event, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to rapid infrastructural development and emphasized the importance of electricity in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life.
In another show of compassion and commitment to the welfare of the people, Comrade Salifu played a key role in the payment of compensation to victims of the GSM Village fire disaster in Lokoja. His efforts ensured that the victims received the necessary support and assistance to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. This gesture was widely applauded by the people, who saw it as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to their welfare.
Remarkably, Comrade Joel Salifu’s achievements as Deputy Governor of Kogi State are a testament to his dedication, leadership skills, and commitment to the welfare of the people. His efforts in flood management, conflict resolution, representation, and hosting traditional rulers have been outstanding, and his actions have consistently reflected the values of the administration. As he continues to serve the people of Kogi State, it is clear that his legacy will be one of service, dedication, and commitment to the greater good.
Notably, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu’s outstanding achievements are a shining testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership skills, and unrelenting commitment to the welfare of the people of Kogi State. His impressive track record in flood management, conflict resolution, representation, and fostering harmonious relationships with traditional rulers and labor leaders has been truly remarkable.
These accomplishments are a direct result of the visionary leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who has been instrumental in driving progress in Kogi State. The governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people, his diplomatic prowess, and his ability to carry traditional rulers along in the governance of the state have been impressive.
Moreover, the wise decision made by Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to lay the foundation for the progress Kogi State is experiencing today has been instrumental in shaping the state’s success. As the state continues to thrive under Governor Ododo’s leadership, it is clear that his choice was indeed a good one, and one that will have a lasting impact on the state.
Conclusively, Deputy Governor Salifu’s legacy will be one of service, dedication, and commitment to the greater good. His selfless efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of the people of Kogi State, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
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ICDA FCT congratulate Kogi Gov Ododo on One year in office
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA Federal Capital Territory, FCT and Surrounding Towns congratulate the Executive Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on the ocassion of his one year in office.
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In a statement issued by the Director of Media, ICDA, FCT & Surrounding Towns, Prince AbdulRahman Obaje The Chairman ICDA FCT, Alhaji Ahmed Usman highlights Governor Ododo’s achievement within the short period of one year.
Alhaji Ahmed said Some of the achievements of Governor Ododo include committment to workers welfare, alleviating poverty and unemployment, transparency and good governance.
He said, As we celebrate this milestone, we pray for the Governor’s continued good health, wisdom and guidance as he leads the people of Kogi State to greater heights.”
“We extend our warmest congratulations and deepest respect to the Executive Governor as he marks one year of worthy service and exemplary leadership. May Allah continue to grant him wisdom, health, and enduring success.
The Governor’s invaluable role as a unifying force in Kogi State and beyond, and his enduring legacy will continue to inspire others.” He concludes.
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