Eyewuoma, Akperi call for institution to preserve Itsekiri Language, as Ugbajo Itsekiri UK launches scheme of work to enhance study of the language

President of Ugbajo Itsekiri UK, Mr. Mejebi Eyewuoma, has called on Itsekiri Language scholars to harness the resources of Ugbajo Itsekiri UK to build an Itsekiri Linguistics Centre, just as Engr. Gbesimi Akperi, called for the establishment of educational institution for the development, study and teaching of Itsekiri language and culture. 

Mr. Mejebi Eyewuoma, reading his address                              

Our Senior Roving Correspondent, reports that the duo made the call in Warri, Delta State, Tuesday June 25, when Ugbajo Itsekiri UK launched the scheme of work and development of a curriculum for the study of Itsekiri language in primary and junior secondary schools across all Itsekiri communities, as approved by the Delta State government.

Engr. Gbesimi Akperi, who was chairman of the event, expressed concern over the decline of the use of indigenous languages in the society.

“Many local languages are becoming extinct, with generations not being able to understand or even speak their native languages,” he said.

He pointed out 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 UK, Senator Daisy Danjuma, for their contribution to the scheme. He also praised Officials of the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, the tenacity of the team of Ugbarajo Okwoneko Itsekiri, for their technical support towards the project's completion, urging all Itsekiri sons and daughters to establish an institution for the development, study, and teaching of the Itsekiri Language.

Engr. Gbesimi Akperi, speaking

Earlier in his remark, the President of Ugbajo Itsekiri UK, Mr. Mejebi Eyewuoma, disclosed that the project was spurred by the visit of the Olu of Warri ,Ogiame Atuwaste III 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.

Mejebi called on all 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.

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.

Copies of the Itsekiri Scheme of work for primary and Junior secondary schools

Mejebi, stressed the need to support teachers in rural areas, by providing relevant Itsekiri language textbooks and workbooks to them, so as to facilitate learning and fast - track the ongoing development of the Itsekiri language.

High point of the event, was when the chief launcher, Senator Daisy Danjuma, represented by Chief Misan Okotieboh, launched the scheme of work with the sum of five million naira.

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