The following article from the Lagos paper This Day was seen on AllAfrica.com at http://allafrica.com/stories/200505040672.html ... DZO
Monarch Calls for Igala Language Study This Day (Lagos) http://www.thisdayonline.com/ May 4, 2005 Posted to the web May 4, 2005 Yinka Kolawole Lokoja The Attah of Igala and the President of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Aliyu O. Obaje has called for the empowerment of the state university, Anyigba to introduce the study of Igala language as a course. In a message to the launching of a book entitled, "Communication Among Igala", written by Mr. Isaac Ainoko in Lokoja, the first class traditional ruler said that the call had become necessary because a language such as Itsekiri, which took it roots from Igala and other languages such as Edo, Urhobo and Kanuri were being studied in many Nigerian universities today. The Attah Igala, who commended the author for the initiative said the book would serve as a useful academic material in the study of Igala language in the university and other tertiary institutions. He said, "in order that we may remain relevant and project Igala cultural values and heritage more positively in contemporary Nigeria, there is the need for more of such books on our cultural value to place Igala people at the fore- front of socio-cultural and political development of Nigeria." The author, who is also the speech writer to Governor Ibrahim Idris, said the book was designed to educate non Igala ethnic groups on how the Igala people use traditional channel of communication to exchange ideas or as mechanism for preserving their society from moral decay. It is also intended to respond to the challenges and pressure confronting the modern Igala youths who grow outside Igala cultural setting. Ainoko called on parents to preserve their cultural values by encouraging their children and wards to learn their langauge rather than learning English Language as the sole medium of communication in their homes. He observed that the surge in crime, theft, corruption, greed and other social vices in the society are direct results "of our non appreciation of the relevance of traditional media of communication to the challenges of modern living." -- ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease? Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts! http://us.click.yahoo.com/rkgkPB/UOnJAA/Zx0JAA/TpIolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanLanguages/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
