GOV KEFAS RECEIVES UNESCO AND NATIONAL LIBRARY OF NIGERIA; HARPS ON REVITALIZATION OF LOCAL LANGUAGES

The Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas received the delegation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) in Jalingo, Taraba State.

Speaking during the meeting, the Governor who was ably and capably represented by the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Augustina Godwin expressed gratitude to UNESCO and National Library for choosing Taraba for the pilot testing. He emphasized that the free education in the basic and secondary public schools has come to stay and the state will always welcome individuals, groups and organizations that will contribute meaningfully to the development of the education sector.

The team arrived Taraba for a technical meeting on how to revitalize and sustain indigenous languages of Taraba state.

The National Library of Nigeria being the custodian of Nigeria’s intellectual and cultural heritage in compliance with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) is implementing a project on preservation of disappearing languages in Taraba State.

The United Nations General Assembly (Resolution A/RES/74/135) proclaimed the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032) to draw global attention to the critical situation of many Indigenous Languages and mobilize stakcholders and resources for their preservation, revitalization and promotion.

The National Library has been a foremost stakeholder in promoting the declaration through various programs and activities.

Considering the endangered state of several languages in Nigeria, UNESCO is supporting the National Library of Nigeria to carry out a preservation project for at least 3 endangered languages in Taraba State as a pilot project.

The leaders of the delegation, Dr Stephen Onyekwelu and Professor C.V Anunobi of UNESCO and NLN applauded the working Governor for putting the state on a global map and called on all stakeholders and experts in the areas of culture to support in the revitalization and revamping of our proudly indigenous languages.

In the meeting were the Directors from the Ministry, supporting staff of UNESCO and the staff of the National Library of Nigeria.