Bayelsa Governor Backs Ijaw Language App, Orders School Quizzes and Debates

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has pledged government support for the newly developed Ijaw Language App, Dayama Demo, as part of efforts to preserve and revive the Ijaw language.

Diri made the commitment on Monday at the Ijaw Language Awareness Summit held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

The summit was organised as part of activities marking Bayelsa State’s 30th anniversary and was themed, “Reviving the Izon Language: Heritage, Our Identity, Our Future.”

The governor expressed concern over the declining use of Ijaw, particularly among younger generations, warning that continued neglect could threaten the survival of the language.

He urged parents to take greater responsibility for teaching their children by making the mother tongue the primary language of communication at home.

“The responsibility of teaching our children our language lies squarely with parents. So every family should strive to communicate always in their mother tongue,” Diri said.

Diri also directed the state Commissioner for Education to organise Ijaw language quizzes and debates in primary and secondary schools across Bayelsa.

He announced that the language awareness programme would be institutionalised and held annually under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs. He added that next year’s edition would be expanded to involve more families and stakeholders.

The governor said preserving Ijaw identity must go beyond language to include traditional dressing, cuisine, customs and other aspects of the people’s cultural heritage.

He also called on the Ijaw National Congress to partner with the state government on the revival initiative and work towards reactivating the Prof. Kay Williamson Centre at Kaiama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

Diri commended the summit convener and Ijaw musician, Asu Ekiye, Dr Felix Tuodolo, Ijaw language presenter Erema Yanga and others for their contributions to promoting the language and preserving Ijaw heritage.

Tuodolo, in his keynote address, identified the declining use of Ijaw in homes as one of the major threats to its survival. He also said the preference for other indigenous languages and the removal of Izon from the country’s list of official languages had affected its status.

He urged Ijaw people to consciously use the language during family interactions, ceremonies and other social engagements.

Ekiye said the language was at a critical stage because everyday usage was declining, particularly among younger people. He called for formal recognition of the Ijaw Language Resuscitation Initiative and the creation of a focal unit to coordinate its activities.

He also proposed systematic audio-visual documentation of Ijaw oral histories, songs, proverbs and stories, alongside language champions’ networks and language clubs in schools.

The summit 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 their contributions through music, while veteran journalist Asu Beks was honoured for promoting Ijaw values and traditions through journalism.

Diri also appealed to private organisations and individuals to support creative talents and initiatives focused on promoting the Ijaw language.