Iteire pledges support for revitalization of Isoko language ~ Truth Reporters

In his determination in ensuring the survival of the indigenous language of the Isoko Ethnic Nationality, Isoko North Council Chairman, Hon Christian Iteire on Tuesday, assured of his administration's support for initiatives that would revitalise the Isoko Language for it not to go into extinction.

Iteire gave the assurance on August 31, 2021 at his office in the Council Secretariat, Ozoro, when he received the leadership of the National Union of Isoko Students (NUIS), Oleh campus chapter of the Delta State University (DELSU) on a familiarisation visit to him.

He asserted that, the major cultural identity of the Isoko ethnic nationality remains the mother tongue, which is the Isoko language.

According to him, an indigenous language is an important tool for unification, social integration and development in a society.

In his words, 'when a child doesn't understand the mother's tongue, he or she finds it difficult to go home because he or she can not freely communicate with the indigenous language"

While enjoining parents and guardians to be speaking more the Isoko language in their homes to ensure the entrenchment of the language, the Isoko North Council boss encouraged youths especially those in the urban cities to join Isoko affiliated associations and groups wherever they are in order to be learning and speaking the language fluently.

Commending the students' initiatives on the preservation and the promotion of the Isoko language through programmes, the Isoko North Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Iteire assured of his administration's support to initiatives such as the cultural days of students' groups that would greatly promote the Isoko language.

Speaking, the president of NUIS, Oleh chapter, Comrade Ajemuta Oghale Jr., a 400level law student said the purpose of their visit was to formally introduce themselves to the Council Chairman and to seek his support in their programmes that are geared towards promoting the Isoko language in order for it not to go into extinction.

Present during the students' visit were the Supervisor for Education, Prince Ogbo Enakeno Christopher, the Supervisor for Works, Hon. Ikrumale Jones Oghogho, the Supervisor for Finance, Surv Irori Samuel, the supervisor for Environment, Hon. Alebe Joshua Onos, the supervisor for Agriculture and Community Development, Hon Mark Ekakitie, Special Adviser to the Chairman, Hon Imogu Joseph, and the Administrative Assistant to the Chairman, Mr Eboh Onome.