The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on parents to ensure that their children learn and speak indigenous languages.
Governor Oborevwori made the call on Friday during the Second Founder’s Day Celebration and Fund Raising for Ika Language and Cultural Research Centre of the University of Delta, UNIDEL, Agbor, Delta State.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, expressed fears that various indigenous languages are facing threats of extinction.
He commended UNIDEL for working to preserve Ika language with the establishment of Ika Language and Cultural Centre.
The Governor said, “It is my pleasure to address this gathering as we celebrate the 2nd Founder’s Day of this young and very promising university.
“In less than three years of existence, the University of Delta, Agbor, is steadily building a reputation for creativity and academic excellence.
“I am particularly impressed by the initiative to establish an Ika Language and Cultural Centre. This is highly commendable because nationally our various indigenous languages are facing the threat of extinction.
“With more and more of our children relocating abroad and many of our elite preferring to communicate in English rather than our indigenous languages in their daily interactions even at home, it will not be long before we lose our mother tongues unless urgent steps are taken to reverse the trend.
“The establishment of the lka Language and Cultural Research Centre is a wake-up call for us all to ensure that our children are made to learn and speak our indigenous dialects.
“This is a significant step towards preserving the heritage and culture of the lka people and I appeal for support in raising the money needed for this research centre, which will serve as a platform for the comprehensive study and documentation of lka history, culture, and traditions.
“This project will ensure that lka language and culture are preserved, and it is my pleasure to lay the foundation for this research centre today.
“Let me also say that the emphasis on youth development in today’s lecture is spot-on. There is an urgent need to unlock and unleash the creative and productive energy of our teeming youth population for sustainable national growth and prosperity. It is for this reason that eight members of the current Delta State Executive Council are less than 45 (forty-five) years old. So far, they have not disappointed.
“I wish to commend the Governing Council led by the erudite Professor Emeritus, Emmanuel Nwanze, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stella Chiemeke, for their clear vision, focus, sincerity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to put this university on a sound and sure footing. My appreciation also goes to the management and staff of this institution for their hard work and dedication to duty.
“Clearly, this university has justified the reason for its establishment with increased enrolment, expanding academic curricula, infrastructural upgrade and enhanced learning climate. But for the establishment of this university and two others in Ozoro and Asaba, many of our youths would have been denied university education, with all the implication that has for the peace and security of the state.”
He commended the immediate past governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for establishing UNIDEL and two other universities.
Governor Oborevwori also called on institutions of higher learning to produce graduates who are equipped with relevant skills to enable them meet the demands of 21st Century global market.
He said, “I urge the university to ensure that the products of this school possess the skill-set to easily adapt to the dynamics and demands of the 21st century global marketplace.
“The curricula must be enriched with modules that prioritise critical thinking, innovation, technological competence, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurial abilities. Your graduates must be armed with these vital attributes, in addition to possessing excellent communication skills and a firm grasp of global market trends, complemented by the know-how to solve complex problems in society.”
Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, expressed joy that UNIDEL is recording successes in its activities.
Dr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Group Manager Director, Zenith Bank Plc, spoke on the topic, “Transforming Potential Into Prosperity: Harnessing Nigerian’s Youthful Population For Economic Growth and National Renaissance,” observed that the foremost reality confronting Nigeria was the declining standard of educational system in the country.
He urged Nigeria youth to embrace agriculture and engaged in entrepreneurial activities that could transform their future.
The Chairman of the ceremony, Barr. Chiedu Ebie, Niger Delta Development Commission, emphasized the importance of education to the development of the nation.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIDEL, Prof. Stella Chinye Chiemeke, had in an address, thanked Governor Oborevwori for his “dedication to education and the overall development of Delta State is truly commendable and we can attest to the testament of the administration’s MORE Agenda.”
Foundation laying ceremony for the construction of Ika Cultural and Language Research Center was performed at the occasion.
