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Preservation of languages, Nigeria asked to follow the footsteps of China
Preservation of languages, Nigeria asked to follow the footsteps of China
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has been asked to follow in the footsteps of China in language preservation to avert indigenous languages in the country from going into extinction.
The advice was given by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. James Sule during an interview with journalists by the sideline of the International Chinese Language Day organized by the China Cultural Center celebrated in Abuja.
interview with journalists on Saturday in Abuja during
Sule said there are about 250 ethnic groups and approximately 512 languages spoken in Nigeria, the urgency to protect and revitalize these languages has never been more pressing.
He added that China’s proactive steps, including the establishment of language schools, cultural centres, and the integration of indigenous languages into educational curricula, serve as a blueprint for Nigerian policymakers.
Sule said: “Nigeria indigenous language is fast dying and we need to join all hands on deck to prevent it through sensitization.
“We realize that the younger generation are no longer familiar with their indigenous languages so we have to have a curriculum where we teach every geopolitical zone the languages that are there.
“We must not be ashamed of our language, not just the three major languages but others too.
“Teachers can learn and teach our indigenous language to ensure that they are preserved and passed onto the next generation,”he said.
In his remarks, the Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr Li Xuda, said that language is a great creation of mankind, It witnesses the evolution and development of human civilization.
He added that language is not just a means of communication but also a vital component of cultural identity and heritage.
He said: “For example, the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria have been teaching Chinese over 10 years since its establishment in 2013.
“Many friends living or working in Abuja find their chances to learn Chinese here in our cultural centre.
“In my eyes, Nigeria is the cradle of African Civilization with about 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages, including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba.
“While we celebrate “International Chinese Language Day'”, never forget to celebrate Nigeria’s amazing languages, which are definitely important parts of world culture.
“By investing in language preservation efforts and encouraging bilingual education, Nigeria can create a more inclusive society that values and celebrates its linguistic diversity,”Li said.
On his part, Director General National Gallery of Art, Mr Ahmed Sodangi,, commended the Chinese government’s resilience in preserving its language towards UN acknowledgement by making it an International Day worth celebrating.
He added that to prevent the looming threat of indigenous language extinction, the Nigerian government must adopt measures similar to China’s successful language preservation efforts.
“China’s proactive approach in safeguarding its linguistic heritage has set a precedent worth emulating,especially in a country as linguistically diverse as Nigeria.
“We can urge the Federal Government to set aside days we can celebrate the various language across all the cultures in Nigeria.
“We should also embed it in our homes. Every parent should take responsibility in teaching children their indigenous languages and the school systems too so that our students can understand the basics.”
Preservation of languages, Nigeria asked to follow the footsteps of China
Buni commends Balarabe for his humanitarian contributions in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sologuru Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Abdullahi Balarabe DJ Nguru, for his extraordinary humanitarian contribution to the reconstruction and modernization of Rugar Balarabe in the Nguru local government area of Yobe State.
Governor Buni made the commendation in a letter of appreciation personally written by him to Balarabe DJ, saying, “Your selfless decision to transform the site of the burnt Fulani settlement into a state-of-the-art community is a landmark achievement in private philanthropy.”
According to Buni, the comprehensive nature of the facilities provided, including modern two-bedroom residences, a functional clinic, a community mosque, solar-powered boreholes, and full solar electrification for both houses and streets, is truly commendable.
“By donating these essential amenities entirely free of charge, you have not only restored the dignity of the displaced families but have also significantly advanced our administration’s rural revitalization agenda,” Buni said.
“Your forward-thinking approach to sustainable infrastructure sets a high standard for civic leadership in Yobe State, and I thank you for your unwavering patriotism and commitment to the welfare of our citizens.
He revealed that it is my hope that your generous spirit serves as an inspiration to others.
Buni commends Balarabe for his humanitarian contributions in Yobe
Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force North-East (JTF-NE) under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Desert Sanity V have neutralised 16 suspected terrorists during an ambush in Borno State.
Zagazola learnt that the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Hybrid Forces and local hunters.
According to the sources, the ambush was sprung at about 8:10 p.m. on Sunday at Komala Exchange Point, following a failed attack on Auno and credible intelligence on the movement of the same terrorist logistics elements.
“The troops, working with CJTF and other local components, successfully neutralised 16 terrorists and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and logistics items,” the source said.
Items recovered from the scene included 62 wrappers, 76 pairs of shoes and slippers, 18 bicycles, 275 sachets of detergent, 50 packs of sweets, assorted local fragrances, milk sachets, vaseline, washing soap, groundnuts, seasoning, fruit drinks, palm oil and groundnut oil, mats, spaghetti, thread, matches, cups and spoons, sieves, flour, salt, bicycle tyres and equipment, sugar, cosmetics, local herbs and a cooler, among other items.
The sources said the recovered items were believed to be logistics supplies meant to sustain terrorist elements operating in the area.
Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush
Bandits injure four in Maradun, Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Four people have been injured following an armed bandits’ attack on Kaya Faru Village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Feb. 10 at about 6:00 p.m.
According to the sources, the attackers shot and injured one Bello Yari and three others before fleeing to their hideouts.
“On receipt of the report, operatives visited the scene, and the injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Talata Mafara, for medical treatment,” the sources said.
Bandits injure four in Maradun, Zamfara
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Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush
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