Deputy Speaker Decries Neglect Of Ogoni Language

The Deputy Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly and member representing Khana Constituency 11, Hon. Leyii Kwanee, has decried the neglect of Ogoni language over the years.

Speaking recently, when one of the top ten contestants in the on-going Nigerian Idol Competition, Miss Lynda Giami, paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, the Deputy Speaker condemned the attitude of the Ogoni youths who hardly could speak  their language,preferring English language at the expense of their native tongue.

Hon. Kwanee feared that if efforts were not made to develop, standardise and encourage the language that spans across more than three local government councils in Rivers State, the language might go extinct in the future.

He, however, said that efforts were being made to launch a scheme to develop and standardise the language.

He revealed that Ogoni language had been approved by the Federal Government and enjoined Ogoni sons and daughters to feel proud to speak their language as language was a medium of cultural identity.

In her reponse, Miss Giami commended the Deputy Speaker for showing much interest in the cultural revival of Ogoni land particularly the language.

She promised to carry the flag of Ogoni to higher heights.