RismadarVoice Reporters
September 29, 2026
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has pledged government support for the newly developed Ijaw Language App, Dayama Demo, as part of efforts to preserve and promote the Ijaw language and cultural heritage.
Diri made the commitment on Monday at the Ijaw Language Awareness Summit held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa as part of activities marking Bayelsa State’s 30th anniversary.
The summit was themed, “Reviving the Izon Language: Heritage, Our Identity, Our Future.”
The governor expressed concern over the declining use of the Ijaw language, particularly among younger generations, and urged parents to make their mother tongue a regular means of communication at home.
“The responsibility of teaching our children our language lies squarely with parents. So every family should strive to communicate always in their mother tongue,” Diri said.
He directed the Commissioner for Education to organise Ijaw language quizzes and debates in primary and secondary schools across the state.
Diri also announced that the language awareness programme would become an annual event coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs.
The governor said preserving Ijaw identity should extend beyond language to traditional dressing, cuisine, customs and other aspects of the people’s cultural heritage.
He urged the Ijaw National Congress to collaborate with the state government on the language revival initiative and work towards reactivating the Prof. Kay Williamson Centre at Kaiama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
Diri also called on private organisations and individuals to support initiatives and creative talents promoting the Ijaw language.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Felix Tuodolo identified declining use of Ijaw in homes as a major threat to the language and urged families to deliberately use it during everyday interactions and social engagements.
Summit convener and musician Asu Ekiye said the language was at a critical stage due to declining use, particularly among young people.
Ekiye called for formal recognition of the Ijaw Language Resuscitation Initiative and proposed systematic audio-visual documentation of Ijaw oral histories, songs, proverbs and stories.
He also advocated language clubs in schools and networks of language champions to encourage greater use of Ijaw.
The summit featured cultural performances and awards recognising individuals who have contributed to promoting Ijaw language and traditions.
Ekiye and Barrister Smooth were honoured for promoting Ijaw language and culture through music, while veteran journalist Asu Beks received recognition for his contribution to Ijaw values and traditions through journalism.
