Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Nuhu Yakubu and the current Provost of the National Defence College, Abuja, Professor Adam Ahmed Abere Okene are among the first class scholars of Egbira extract that are expected to participate in a lecture being hosted by De Club 10 Kogi Central on December 26.
According to the President of De Club 10, Alhaji Abdulrazak O. Leramoh, Professor Nuhu Yakubu will lead as keynote speaker on the topic: “Salvaging Egbira language from extinction: what must be done.”
The President, in a chat with our Editor, said that other scholars expected to brainstorm on the topic at Afims Hotel in Okene are Professor Mariam Tenuche, Professor Abdulhameed Onsachi; President of the umbrella body of Egbira nation, Ebira People’s Association (EPA), Dr. Godwin Oyibo; Dr. Habiba Suleiman and
Dr. Kabiru Abarkaka, as well as the chairman of Egbira Development Scheme, Alhaji S.S Salami (PEN).
He said that the Ohinoyi of Egbiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Anaje will be the father of the day, while the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo will be Special Guest of Honour, adding that the governor will also be honoured with an award of good governance.
Also to receive award of recognition are Professor M S. Audu, Chief J. O Omuya, Chief Edward Jatto, and Alhaji Hamza Lawal.
De Club 10 President said that for a long time, government had neglected the development and teaching of Egbira language at the elementary education level as against what happened during and immediately after the colonial rule in Nigeria.
He lamented that the efforts of a few authors who have written books on Ebira language to educate the younger ones across the world, have never seem to be yielding good result because of lack of encouragement from relevant authorities.
