By Aiworo S. Osahon
Language in Edo State is a crucial aspect of its cultural heritage, as it carries the traditions, history and identity of each ethnic group. The linguistic diversity in the State reflects the rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities that coexist within Edo State, making it a unique and culturally vibrant region of Nigeria. Efforts have been made to preserve and promote these languages to ensure that they continue to be a source of pride and identity for the people of Edo State.
In a world where cultures are constantly evolving, and languages are at risk of fading into obscurity, the preservation of cultural heritage becomes an imperative task. Edo State, Nigeria, stands at the crossroads of history and modernity, and within its borders lies a treasure trove of traditions, including the Edo language. Recently, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, took a remarkable step towards preserving this linguistic heritage.
In a bid to help in preserving the heritage worldwide, Nekpen Obasogie, the Coordinator of Edo Language Day Worldwide, initiated an annual event to preserve Edo’s cultural heritage. She recognized the decline in Edo language usage, and took it upon herself to ensure its celebration and protection. Her dedication to this cause is an inspiration to all who value linguistic and cultural diversity.
Edo language, one of the world’s oldest languages, plays a pivotal role in African culture. It embodies traditional African norms, values and identity. The Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, recently highlighted how this language, though residing in Edo, transcends borders, traveling around the world through museums, libraries and art exhibitions, delivering a common message, despite its various dialects. During the just concluded Edo Language Day celebration at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, which marked a significant milestone in this endeavor to promote Edo language, Dr. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka hailed the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for his unwavering commitment to rejuvenate Edo’s cultural prominence in Africa.
Dr. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, in her tribute to Governor Obaseki’s visionary leadership, underlined the importance of reviving Edo’s cultural essence. Speaking about the Governor’s efforts, she said, “He has matchless commitment to ensure our values in the comity of humanity thrive in its true sense and pristine state.” She added that Governor Obaseki has reinvigorated the quest to revisit our roots as a template for Edo’s renaissance.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Commissioner pointed out the United Nations’ concerns about the potential extinction of nearly 50% of the world’s languages by year 2100, if they are not spoken. Edo language, one of the oldest in the world, holds a special place in African culture, embodying traditional norms, values and identity. Dr. Oduwa-Malaka emphasized that the language’s unexpressed depth resonates in the diverse Edo creative and artistic works, which speak of the ingenious spirit of the Edo people. The Commissioner disclosed that Edo language encapsulates the essence of the creative impulses and metaphysical adventures of the black race. It resonates not only in Edo, but also in museums, libraries and art exhibitions worldwide. Whether spoken in the hills of Somorika, the plains of Orhionmwon, or the deep sea of Gelegele, Edo language communicates a common message. Despite its many dialects, it remains a unifying force.
In a lecture during the event, Chief Osayowanbor Osemwengie Ero, a prominent chief in Benin kingdom, expressed concerns about parents communicating with their children in English language, instead of Edo language in their homes. He also identified disunity as a barrier to promoting local languages, as various ethnic groups are reluctant to sacrifice their languages for another to become the official language in the State. He called for collaboration between the Edo State Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to ensure that Edo languages do not go extinct.
