Tor Tiv partners college to revive dying language

The Paramount ruler-elect of the Tiv nation, Tor Tiv the 5th, His Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, has pledged to partner College of Education, Katsina Ala, to revive Tiv language and other cultural values that have distinguished Tiv people from other ethnic nationalities.

The Tor Tiv-elect gave the indication recently while receiving the Provost of the College of Education, Katsina Ala, Prof. Mathias Nder and the management team of the institution in his Makurdi residence. He expressed disgust over the gradual extinction of Tiv cultural dances, folk songs and important festivals that hitherto used to unite the people even at community levels and bring economic gains to them but which have been abandoned.

As he put it, “A people without a language are tantamount to an extinction of the entire race. So, there is every need for us to join hands and resuscitate our language and other cultural values in order to restore our dignity as Tiv people. Unfortunately, our people have deviated and there is no respect for elders and leaders again. However, I’m determined to do our best with my council of chiefs to address this challenge because the same God who elevated me to this throne will guide me to lead Tiv people back to him.”

Accordingly, the paramount ruler has ordered the Sankera axis, which is the major area that produces yams in large quantities, to organise a yearly yam festival to celebrate the importance of yams to the community, which is also a major source of cash and food for Benue people and beyond.

Earlier, Prof. Nder had pointed out that God has a purpose for enthroning Prof. Ayatse Tor Tiv-elect the fifth at this critical moment, noting that the Tiv nation is, indeed, in need of a visionary leader.

Nder further implored the Tor Tiv to champion the cause of teaching Tiv language in institutions of learning and ensure that such vices like pull-down-syndrome, envy, hatred, which have become the order of the day in Tiv society, are eliminated so as to usher in development to the Tiv nation.