News
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
Troops Ambush Terrorist Logistics Suppliers, Recover Items in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled an attempt by suspected terrorist logistics suppliers along the Ngoshe–Ashigashiya road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion, deployed at Ngoshe, laid an ambush at a known crossing point along the route at about 2:20 a.m. on April 24.
The sources said the troops made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics suppliers conveying items to terrorist elements and engaged them with disciplined fire.
The suspects were forced to abandon the items and fled in disarray.
Items recovered during exploitation of the area include 10 pairs of women’s slippers, 28 sachets of 500g salt, 39 sachets of powdered milk, a motorcycle tube, a pair of joggers, two pieces of clothing materials measuring 10 yards each, two one-litre containers of engine oil and a black shirt.
The sources said no casualty was recorded on the side of the troops, while casualties on the part of the fleeing suspects could not be immediately ascertained.
They added that the troops returned to base at about 6:00 a.m. after completing the operation.
According to the sources, the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high.
Troops Ambush Terrorist Logistics Suppliers, Recover Items in Borno
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Neutralise ISWAP Shura Member Abu Jirir in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised a prominent member of the ISWAP Shura Council during an operation in Yobe State.
Security sources said the development was confirmed at about 6:12 p.m. on April 22 following intelligence reports that the senior terrorist figure, identified as Abu Jarir, was eliminated by troops in the Babangida area.
According to the sources, the neutralisation is considered a significant blow to the terrorist leadership structure in the Lake Chad region.
The sources further disclosed that the overall ISWAP commander in the Lake Chad axis, identified as Ba Shuwa, reportedly dispatched a team to recover the body of the slain commander on the same day.
The search party was said to have been sighted moving on about 12 motorcycles around the Aljanna Jaule area.
Further details on the operation are expected as exploitation continues.
Troops Neutralise ISWAP Shura Member Abu Jirir in Yobe
Troops Ambush Terrorist Logistics Suppliers, Recover Items in Borno
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Neutralise ISWAP Shura Member Abu Jirir in Yobe
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
