Ugbajo Itsekiri UK Inaugurates Itsekiri Language Teachers in Primary, Secondary Schools across Warri Federal Constituency

As a result of the huge decline in teaching of indigenous languages in schools, due to inadequate teachers, Itsekiri UK based group, Ugbajo Itsekiri United Kingdom, has inaugurated Itsekiri Language Teachers with immediate employment into 74 public Primary and Secondary Schools in Warri South, Warri North and Warri South- West Local Government Areas of Delta State.

The ceremony which witnessed key government officials from the Education Board, was held on Friday June 27, 2025 at the famous Eyewuoma Hall, Esisi Road, Warri.

The Itsekiri Teachers were employed on temporary basis and posted to public Primary and Secondary Schools in Warri Federal Constituency pending when the State Government would take up responsibility.

In her address, representative of Ugbajo Itsekiri UK, Joan Popo, averred: “This induction ceremony symbolizes our collective commitment to preserving our linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. I urge all the newly employed Teachers here today to embrace this responsibility with enthusiasm and dedication as we work together to promote the Itsekiri language, celebrate our cultural heritage and empower our children with the gift of linguistic diversity.”

Giving his keynote speech, Guest Speaker of the event, Engr. Gbesimi Akperi who is also the Chairman of Itsekiri Education Trust paid a glowing tribute to Ugbajo Itsekiri United Kingdom for their immense support for the project, saying that the government has okayed the teaching of Nigeria languages in schools as a way of preserving the cultural heritage of its citizens. 

“What we are doing in Warri Federal Constituency today is also done in other local government areas in Delta State. Ugbajo Itsekiri UK came in to partner with the State Government to facilitate the development of the teaching curriculum of the language, production of teaching materials and now, they have come in a very powerful way to employ Teachers in the interim to teach the language in schools, pending when the government will be able to employ Teachers to take over. So, I want to commend Ugbajo Itsekiri UK. I have been following this project and I know how much they have spent, and it is not just the financial aspect, their doggedness with wish they have used in pursuing this project has been tremendous,” he stated.

Speaking further, Chairman of Itsekiri Education Trust opined: “The issue of Nigeria languages have become epidemic, the children who grew up in our communities today cannot speak their language. Our languages are dying and everyone has a role to play in reviving the language from extinction.”

Engr. Akperi charged the new employed Itsekiri Teachers to be diligent and passionate with their work as to whom much is given, much is expected.

“To the new Teachers, this is a rare opportunity that has been presented to you, the least you could do is to do this work with dedication. Those of you who are not proficient in your language, do everything you can to improve your proficiency in the language, both written and oral so that you can easily teach your students. You must have a good knowledge of the culture because the language and the culture are intertwined,” Engr. Akperi added.

Speaking in the same vein, HOD, Itsekiri Department of College of Education, Warri, Emerhor Bawo Nanna, appreciated the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR for his immense support in refurbishing the Itsekiri department with funds, grant-in-aids thereby rescuing the department from being closed down by the School, even as She thanked Ugbajo Itsekiri Uk for the employment opportunities given to the Itsekiri Language Teachers in collaboration with the Palace of the Olu of Warri.

Admonishing the Teachers, She declared: “Our Itsekiri language is more than the words we speak, for it carries the memory of our people, our stories, songs, values and ways of life. So, when we lose the language, we just do not lose vocabulary, we lose: identity, wisdom and belonging. So, our new teachers, please be guided. As Teachers, we are expected to know the language deeply, not only the linguistic structure but the cultural aspects as well.

Recall that the President of Ugbajo Itsekiri United Kingdom, Mejebi Eyewuoma in a virtual media briefing recently noted that the teachers had been engaged under the initiative’s employment scheme aimed at awakening interest in the Itsekiri language among young learners.

He credited the success of the programme to the strong support from the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Atuwatse III, and his wife, Olori Atuwatse III, and cautioned against sidelining traditional institutions in the promotion of indigenous languages.

Eyewuoma lamented the growing trend of prioritizing English over native languages in many homes. “This issue is not peculiar to the Itsekiri people; it affects the Yoruba and Igbo as well. Everyone wants their child to speak fluent English, often at the expense of their mother tongue,” he said.

He pointed to the undervaluing of indigenous language education and the lack of viable career prospects as key reasons for the decline.

“Many people do not see language teaching as a sustainable profession. That perception must change,” he said.

Eyewuoma expressed hope that the presence of Itsekiri language teachers in schools will inspire a new generation of scholars. 

“We believe this initiative will spark interest. In five to ten years, we hope to build an army of Itsekiri language scholars,” he added.

Eyewuoma noted that the initiative has received the approval of relevant government authorities, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expressing support for the programme, even as he urged communities to welcome and assist the teachers when they begin work.

While the project is starting in public schools, he disclosed that some private schools have also shown interest, saying that teaching materials, including textbooks and curriculum guides, are ready for immediate deployment.

Speaking to newsmen, one of the newly employed teachers, Oritsetsolayemi Okoro thanked the Olu of Warri, Ugbajo Itsekiri Uk, and Itsekiri language Management Board for the opportunity given to them, saying that Ugbajo Itsekiri Uk has reduced joblessness from Itsekiri Nation and has put smile on the faces of the teachers. 

High point of the event was the induction and oath taking of the newly employed Itsekiri language teachers done by CIE Warri South LGA, Dr. Ugbejeh .S.O. ably represented by Mrs. Akpieyi Oritsegbubemi.

Other Government Officials present at the event includes; Okoro Princewill, representing Warri South West CIE, Mrs. Yemi Mafe representing Warri South Education Secretary, Mrs. Iseru Love, Warri South West Education Secretary, Oburoh Alex, Post Primary Education Board, Warri Zonal Office, Mrs. Jenny Akinshola, Director, PPEB, Warri Zonal Office, Mrs. Tetsola Onome, HOD, Itsekiri, Warri South and Mrs. Atsiangbe Juliet Ekpeju.

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