Akwa Ibom speaker canvasses preservation, promotion of local languages

Speakerof Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Aniekan Bassey has advocated the promotion and preservation of local languages, as doing so would help preserve the state’s cultural heritage.

He made the call when members of the BringBackOurLanguage Foundation visited him in his office yesterday.

His words: “Our language is the cultural vehicle that drives development, unity, progress and harmony. It must be preserved and revered. As a man that respects Akwa Ibom culture and values, I will continue to support this Foundation.

“Our language is our identity and I am yet to see any developed country with a borrowed language. So, we must strive to restore the consciousness of our language in the minds of our people.”

Bassey commended the Foundation for their sacrifice in the propagation of the Akwa Ibom language and for registering over 26,000 members within the short period, urging the group not to relent in its quest to keep Akwa Ibom language and heritage alive.

Responding, President of the Foundation, Akparawa Mike Umoh, appealed to the House of Assembly to enact laws that would support its work.

He informed the Speaker that the Foundation started in 2007 and applauded him for his support, encouragement and concerns, after which he (Bassey) was decorated as a member of the Foundation.

Meanwhile, representative of Eket Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Patrick Ifon, has presented 16 appointment letters to youths and women in the constituency.

During the ceremony, which took place at Eket Council Area of the state, he said engaging the youths and women was in fulfillment of his campaign promises.

“Today is the realisation of some of my campaign promises during the electioneering period. During my campaign, I promised my people empowerment, through human and skills development, provision of loans and financial benefits to my constituents,” he said.

Ifon, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Elsie Ifon, explained that the exercise was not the first time, saying that similar letters had earlier been presented to other beneficiaries.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the opportunity judiciously and be diligent in the discharge of their duties and cautioned them against misrepresenting the constituency when they start the job.

Speaking, a former Vice Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Ekanem Willie, said the gesture was a demonstration of Ifon’s sincerity and determination to address the economic well being of the people.

He added that Ifon has made members of his constituents proud by aligning with Governor Udom Emmanuel’s mandate of providing empowerment for the people.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Uwemedimoh Edet, expressed satisfaction at Ifon’s gesture and commended him for empowering them, adding that the empowerment would impact their lives and promised that the recipients would not abuse the privilege.