Group calls for inclusion of indigenous language into school curriculum

 

Members of indigenous language and culture promoters

A pan-Nigeria organization promoting the teaching and usage of indigenous languages in the country called Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters has demanded the development of indigenous languages and to be taught in both primary and secondary schools.

The group made the assertion during its maiden Congress held in Bori, to ascertain the current challenges impeding the official adoption and teaching of Ogoni languages in schools. The leadership of the organization, headed by it Executive Director, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, reinstated the vital role played by indigenous languages in the preservation of culture, value and history.

In the words of the Executive Director, “years ago, Latin was a language with even global relevance. But today, Latin has gone extinct. We don't want the Ogoni languages to die in any way. As a people, we can't afford to lost our identity with the death of our languages”.

The Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters is an organization desirous to work with language stakeholders to ensure children and the younger generation keep tap on the use of their mother tongues. The group further appeals to the governments at all levels and other concerned organizations and individuals to take strategic intervention and actions that would promote the use of Nigeria's indigenous languages.

The newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, queried the rational behind government refusal to give indigenous languages their rightful place in the scheme of things. According to Prince David Gbarato, “the people with their well developed language are people with a well developed state of indigenous affairs”. The Congress was attended by representatives and other indigenous languages and language stakeholders.