Niger Delta
Chief Historian Canvasses Kolokuma As Central Ijaw Language
The Bayelsa State Chief Historian and Archivist, Professor Temegha Olali, has advocated the adoption of the Kolokuma dialect of the Izon language as central language for the Izon speaking clans and communities.
He made this position known, Tuesday, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, during the 3rd edition of a programme, tagged, “Bayelsa State and Izon nationality public lecture and symposium”, which held at the “Ijaw House”, headquarters of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
Olali, who doubled as Guest Lecturer in the programme, described the Ijaw ethnic nationality as “special entity” with distinct tradition, customs and culture before the incursion of European marchants and missionaries to the territories original to the Ijaws.
He noted that though the Ijaws speak different dialects of the Izon language, these dialects were mutually intelligible.
“When we were in the old Rivers State, you’ll agree with me that the Kolokuma dialect of the Ijaw language was adopted as the Izon dialect for news broadcast on television and radio.
“Here in Bayelsa State, the State Government is recommitted towards the adoption of the same Kolokuma dialect as a lingua franca for all Ijaw people. So, for me, I’m ready to learn this proposed common language.
“Nobody is forcing anybody from not speaking his native dialect in his community or clan. What Government is proposing was to unify us as Ijaws. There’s unity, love and greater understanding when an ethnic group or tribe speak a common language”, he said.
The Tide reports that the 3rd edition of the public lecture and symposium was themed: “The Ijaw Ethnic Nationality: The Land, the People, and the Culture (special emphasis on the original Socio-cultural, Political and Economic History)”.
The academic advised Ijaws, irrespective of clans and communities of origin, to see themselves as “brorhers” with a common destiny, noting also that the coastal origins of the Izon tribes was not accidental, but a divine arrangement for their socio-economic well-being.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the occasion and former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Chief Blessing Ipigansi Izagara, described the Ijaw ethnic group as one of the earliest tribes from the beginning of creation.
He called on Ijaws to cherish their culture, customs and traditions, stressing that on no account should the Ijaws allow their language go into extinction.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Niger Delta
Tai Agric Sector Gets Emergency Attention …As Chairman Distributes Farm Inputs, Inaugurates Technical Team

The Chairman of Tai Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon. Matthew Nenu Bari Dike has declared a state of emergency in the agriculture sector of Tai local government.
Speaking while distributing farm implements and other agricultural support packages to the farmers at the council’s headquarters in Saakpenwa, yesterday, Dike challenged farmers to show their farms before requesting for financial assistance.
The council boss stated that as a government, they were committed to putting smiles on the faces of the people and assured that his administration would ensure that every person in the local government is happy.
“As a government we want to assure you that, we will stop at nothing to ensure you all are empowered and living happily”.
According to him, “the gesture is aimed at enhancing food production and security through agriculture, and enjoined all lovers of agriculture in the local government area to identify with the quest to redefine development through agriculture in the local government.
He encouraged everyone to cultivate the passion and return to agriculture, to guarantee self-reliance, maximum food production and security in the area.
His administration, he said, would purchase more yam seedlings in order to get greater production to encourage exportation beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“A boost in yam production will also empower farmers in the Local Government Area”, the elated chairman said.
In a related development, the Chairman has inaugurated a five, member Agricultural Technical Committee for the Local Government Area.
The committee is made up of Pst. Anderson Wariboko, Barr. Paul Newman,, Smith Nyor-Ue, Gladys Jumbo and Dr Keke Rammyson
Also speaking, the Director of Agriculture, Tai Local Government Area, Mr Anderson Wariboko revealed that the event was part of activities to mark the chairman’s 100 days in office.
Wariboko who led the chairman, and other leaders of the council on the distribution of the farm inputs to the farmers, was full of praises for the chairman, Hon. Dike whom he said has the interest of the people at heart.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
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