GEORGE KAJO, MakurdiÂ
The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has reiterated his administration’s support for mother-tongue education.
The governor who spoke while declaring open the International Conference on Tiv Language at the Aminu Isah Kontagora Arts Theatre in Makurdi the state capital.
Represented by his Principal Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, the governor called on all citizens to support the Nigerian Education Policy that the language of the immediate environment be taught to the child in schools.
He urged relevant authorities in the state to commence the implementation of the policy with the teaching of Tiv, Idoma, Agatu and Igede assuring that they would receive the required support.
According to him, with the translation of the entire Bible in the listed languages he was sure that the required manpower was available for the commencement of the exercise.
He commended religious organizations, individuals and groups including the Tiv Language Studies and Development Association for their pioneering efforts in the development of indigenous languages and assured of his administration’s support.
In his opening address, President of the Association, Rev. Fr. Tagesa Akpagher, listed the development of a standard autography, teaching curricula, indigenization of months of the year, and writing of books in Tiv as part of efforts of the Association to develop the language.
Rev Fr Akpagher commended Governor Ortom for his directive that Tiv Language be taught in Benue schools and urged the government to back the proposal with a law.
The Guest Speaker, Professor Zacharys Gundu, urged members of the Association to sustain their determined efforts in the development of the Tiv Language.
Professor Gundu who is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Mkar, stated that the institution was evolving creative ways including the award of Professor of Practice to those who have done extensive work in the development of indigenous languages to enable the University raise lecturers for the teaching of the languages.
The Vice Chancellor of the Benue State University, Professor Joe Iorapuu, represented by Professor Cletus Ihom, Head of Department of Languages and Linguistics, stated that the institution was conscious of promoting local languages as part of its philosophy of community building strategy.