*Eyewuoma, Akperi seek institutions to preserve Itsekiri Language
By; ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Warri
Warri Kingdom in collaboration with Ugbajo Itsekiri UK have launched the Itsekiri Scheme of Work and development of an Itsekiri Curriculum for the study of Itsekiri language in primary and junior secondary schools across all Itsekiri Communities, as approved by the Delta State Government.
Speaking at the epoch event held on Tuesday June 25, 2024 at Nana Model College, Warri South LG Area, the President of Ugbajo Itsekiri United Kingdom, Mr. Mejebi Eyewuoma called on Itsekiri Language Scholars to harness the resources of Ugbajo Itsekiri UK to build an Itsekiri Linguistics Centre to promote the learning of the Itsekiri language.
Mr. Eyewuoma, disclosed that the project was borne by the visit of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwaste III, CFR, and Olori Atuwatse III to London last year, where the monarch highlighted the roles Itsekiris in diaspora can play in the health and educational development of Warri Kingdom.
He appealed to the Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborewvori, and the State Commissioner for Education, to support the teaching and development of Itsekiri language, through the recruitment of Itsekiri language teachers and the posting of Itsekiri language teachers to areas where they are required to effectively utilize their skill set.
Mejebi, emphasized the need to support teachers in rural areas, by providing relevant Itsekiri language textbooks and workbooks for them, so as to facilitate learning and fast – track the ongoing development of the Itsekiri language
In the the same vein, chairman of the occasion, Engr. Gbesimi Akperi called for the establishment of educational institution for the development, study and teaching of Itsekiri language and culture, just as he expressed his concerns over the decline of the use of indigenous languages in the society.
He also averred that many local languages are becoming extinct, with generations not being able to understand or even speak their native languages, stressing that efforts of the government to revive the language in schools are marred with opposition from students, teachers and ministry officials.
Akperi commended the Ugbajo Itsekiri United Kingdom, Senator Daisy Danjuma, for their contribution to the scheme, even as he praised Officials of the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, the doggedness of the team of Ugbarajo Okwoneko Itsekiri, for their technical support towards the project’s completion, urging all Itsekiri sons and daughters to key into the project.
Chief Launcher of the occasion, Senator Daisy Danjuma, ably represented by Chief Misan Okotie-Eboh gave the project a support of Five Million Naira to the appreciation of all present.
AUTHENTIC NEWS DAILY 