Warri South-West: Concerned Itsekiris reject Bill seeking inclusion of Ijaw language in primary school curriculum

Some concerned Itsekiri indigenes in Warri South-West Local Government Area, have rejected proposed Bill for the teaching of Ijaw language in primary schools across Warri South-West Local Government Area, saying the proposal seeks to dilute the cultural and political identity of the Itsekiri people in their ancestral homeland.

The concerned Itsekiris, Messrs; Tuale Aderojo, Author, Leadership Challenge to the Development of Itsekiri Nation, Warri Kingdom, Neye Golly, Deghele Community and Ogbite Aburu, Orere Community, raised their concern in a petition addressed to Councillors of Itsekiri extraction in Warri South-West Local Government Council Legislative Arm and Political Leaders of the Itsekiri Nation.

Our Principal Correspondent, reports that they called for an emergency summit of Itsekiri leaders and stakeholders, to strategize and come out with a unified response to the Bill.

The petition, which was made available to Fresh Angle International, Friday November 21, stated inter-alia: “We write to you today not only as a concerned Itsekiri indigene, but as a voice echoing the growing frustration and disillusionment of our people in Warri South-West and the other Warri LGAs.

“The recent push to introduce both Ijaw and Itsekiri languages into the primary school curriculum within our LGA in Warri South-West is deeply troubling and must be unequivocally condemned.

“While the promotion of indigenous languages is commendable in principle, this bill under the guise of inclusivity threatens to dilute the cultural and political identity of the Itsekiri people in our ancestral homeland. It is a calculated move that undermines our historical ownership, marginalizes our voice, and sets a dangerous precedent for future generations and if this not condemned other tribes in the other Warri LGAs will move the same motion for their language to be included in the curriculum.

“We ask: where were our councillors when this bill was been proposed? Why was there no prior consultation with the Itsekiri stakeholders and political leaders? Why do we continue to witness a pattern of silence, inaction, and political docility from those elected to defend our interests?

“Are there no Itsekiri in Delta Central and other states? Is this pattern of give and take we exhibit in our homeland of Warris applicable out there? Why do we keep doing things to our own detriment and not considering the future generations of Itsekiri? Are we the only tribe that loves money and power?

“Dear Itsekiris, year-in year-out our hearts cannot be panting each time we ask our Political reps and Community Reps to represent us on the table of negotiation. It is an error, and we must do everything within our power to stop this menace. We need quality representation and the time to act is now.

“This moment demands more than passive observation. It demands courage, clarity, and commitment. We call on all Itsekiri councillors, the Palace, political stakeholders and all Itsekiri at home and in diaspora to:

“Publicly reject and challenge this bill in all legislative and legal forums.

“Convene an emergency summit of Itsekiri leaders and stakeholders to strategize a unified response.

“Invest in grooming the next generation of Itsekiri leaders—young men and women who are politically astute, culturally grounded, and unafraid to defend our heritage.

“Establish a permanent Itsekiri Political Action Committee to monitor, influence, and shape policies affecting our people.

“The time for silence is over. The time for strategic, visionary leadership is now. Our children deserve to inherit a future where their identity is not negotiated away for political convenience.”

×