On September 26, 2026, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State pledged his administration's support for the Ijaw Language App project, code-named Dayama Demo. The governor made this commitment at the Ijaw Language Awareness Summit in Yenagoa, themed "Reviving The Izon Language: Heritage, Our Identity, Our Future." The event was part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Bayelsa State's creation. Governor Diri expressed concern that the Ijaw language was gradually becoming extinct and urged his people to make a conscious effort to revive it.
Governor Diri commended Asu Ekiye, a popular Ijaw music act, for convening the summit and being a true ambassador of the Ijaw nation. He also lauded Dr. Felix Tuodolo, a former Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, and Erema Yanga, an Ijaw language presenter, for their efforts in preserving the Ijaw heritage. The governor announced that the summit would henceforth be an annual event in the state. He called on private organizations and individuals to support the creative talents promoting the Ijaw language.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Education to organize quizzes and debates in Ijaw language in primary and secondary schools in the state. He explained that the move to resuscitate the Ijaw language was started by his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, in 2018. Kolokuma dialect was adopted as the official language in the state, and 200 teachers were recruited to teach the language in public schools. Governor Diri emphasized that parents should strive to communicate with their children in their mother tongue.
Dr. Felix Tuodolo, in his keynote address, identified challenges affecting the survival of the Ijaw language. He noted that parents no longer communicate with their children in their mother tongue, and there is a preference for other indigenous languages. Tuodolo also mentioned the removal of Izon language as one of the official languages in the country. He enjoined Ijaw people to express themselves more in their language at home, ceremonies, and other engagements to preserve their identity.
Asu Ekiye, the convener of the summit, stated that the survival of the Ijaw language rests on the choices and actions of the people. He noted that the language's everyday usage is declining at an alarming rate, particularly among the younger generation. Ekiye appealed to the state government to make immediate actionable interventions for the formal recognition of the Ijaw Language Resuscitation Initiative. He recommended systematic audio-visual documentation of oral histories, songs, proverbs, and stories.
The event featured performances by various artistes, including B2S Tare Oge Master, Trace Ailies, and Erema Yanga. Awards were also presented to individuals who have contributed to promoting the Ijaw language and tradition. Asu Ekiye and Barr. Smooth received awards for promoting the Ijaw language through music, while veteran journalist, Asu Beks, was honored for his contribution to Ijaw values and traditions through journalism.
Governor Diri's administration aims to preserve the Ijaw language and culture for future generations. The Ijaw Language Awareness Summit is a step towards achieving this goal. The annual event will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and implement initiatives to promote the Ijaw language. Key initiatives include the Ijaw Language App project, language champions network, and school language clubs.
Key points
- Governor Diri pledges support for Ijaw Language App project to preserve Ijaw language and culture.
- Ijaw Language Awareness Summit becomes an annual event in Bayelsa State.
- Initiatives to promote Ijaw language include language app, quizzes, debates, and school language clubs.
