Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has pledged government support for the newly developed Ijaw Language App, known as Dayama Demo, as part of efforts to preserve and revive the Ijaw language. The governor made the commitment on Monday at the Ijaw Language Awareness Summit held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa. The summit was organised as part of activities marking Bayelsa State’s 30th anniversary.
The summit, themed “Reviving the Izon Language: Heritage, Our Identity, Our Future,” aimed to address the declining use of the Ijaw language, particularly among younger people. Governor Diri expressed concern that continued neglect could threaten the survival of the language. He urged parents to take responsibility for teaching their children the language by making the mother tongue the primary means of communication at home.
Diri directed the Commissioner for Education to organise Ijaw language quizzes and debates in primary and secondary schools across the state. He said the state government would institutionalise the language awareness programme, announcing that the celebration would henceforth be held annually. The annual event would be anchored by the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, with next year’s edition expanded to accommodate more families and stakeholders.
According to Diri, the preservation of the Ijaw language must go beyond speeches and celebrations to include the protection of the people’s dressing, cuisine, traditions, and other aspects of their cultural identity. He called on the Ijaw National Congress to partner with the state government on the language revival initiative and work towards reactivating the Prof. Kay Williamson Centre at Kaiama in the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
The governor commended the summit convener and Ijaw musician, Asu Ekiye, as well as Dr Felix Tuodolo, Ijaw language presenter Erema Yanga, and others for their efforts in promoting the language and preserving Ijaw heritage. He appealed to private organisations and individuals to support creative talents and initiatives dedicated to promoting the Ijaw language.
Earlier, Tuodolo identified the declining use of the Ijaw language in homes as one of the major threats to its survival. He said the preference for other indigenous languages and the removal of Izon from the list of official languages in the country had also affected its status. Tuodolo urged Ijaw people to consciously use the language during family interactions, ceremonies, and other social engagements.
The event featured cultural performances and recognition of individuals who have contributed to the promotion of Ijaw language and traditions. Ekiye and Barrister Smooth received awards for promoting Ijaw language and culture through music, while veteran journalist Asu Beks was honoured for his contribution to Ijaw values and traditions through journalism.
Key points
- Governor Diri pledges support for the Ijaw Language App, Dayama Demo.
- The state government will institutionalise the language awareness programme.
- The annual Ijaw Language Awareness Summit will be held to promote the Ijaw language.
