*****SPEAKING LOCAL DIALECT PRESERVES OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE, VALUES AND HISTORY, SAYS OGIDI-GBEGBAJE
By Patrick Omagbemi
Deltans at home and diaspora have been urged to speak their local dialect to promote the heritage and values of their culture in order to preserve their common identity.
Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje (KSM) said this in his remarks as Special Guest of Honour while attending the Sensitisation Ceremony put together by the Palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom in conjunction with Uvwie Dialect Restoration Initiative (UDRI).
He commended the initiative to teach Uvwie dialect in Primary Schools located in Uvwie Local Government stating “I want to commend HRM Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewan Sideso Abe1 JP, OON, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom for convening this gathering to advocate for the teaching and learning of Uvwie dialect in Primary Schools located in Uvwie”, adding that”the pervading factor of subtractive bilingualism, which made english language as a language of instruction in our schools to the detriment of our dialect, has not only culminated in the loss of fluency in its usage, but also the ability to speak our dialect”.
Ogidi-Gbegbaje who is the Chairman Bureau for Pensions Delta State, described the approval given by the Delta State Government to teach Uvwie dialect and other dialect in Primary Schools as a “cause to save our dialect and preserve our cultural heritage and a clarion call, to which all Deltans must heed”, he pointed out.
HRM Emmanuel Sideso Abe1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, while speaking earlier at the event,
said “I am passionate about upholding the customs and traditions of the Uvwie people.
“It is important for us to uphold our identity by speaking our dialect wherever we are. We must not be shy about this”, the king added.
Also speaking, Hon Edafe Emakpor, Member representing Uvwie Constituency, DTHA, highlighted the importance of speaking the mother tongue. He cited instances where as a student his ability to speak the Uvwie dialect earned him recognition from his kinsmen.
Hon. Emakpor said “Your dialect is a thing of pride, speak it always. Don’t allow western education prevent you from learning your dialect”, the lawmaker advised.
The Guest Speaker, Dr. Mrs Christy Okerie disclosed that “Uvwie is a unique dialect. The ability of Uvwie indigenes to speak and understand other Urhobo dialects other than Uvwie, is remarkable’, she said.
Speaking further, Dr. Okerie called on parents to teach their dialect to their children. ‘’ In order to sustain the speaking of Uvwie dialect, parents must ensure that the dialect is used to communicate with their children. This helps to build their cultural identity and sense of belonging”, she stated.
The event climaxed with the rendition of Nigeria Anthem in Uvwie dialect, cultural dance by students of selected Primary Schools in Uvwie and paying homage to the king.