By Baba Muhammed
In a significant move to preserve Nigeria’s rich linguistic diversity, the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), in collaboration with UNESCO, held an Advocacy and Technical Meeting on Documenting Disappearing Indigenous Languages in Taraba State. The event, which took place on the 4th and 5th of February 2025, brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, academics, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and media personnel.
A Courtesy Visit to the Taraba State Government
The two-day event commenced with a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and the Executive Governor of Taraba State, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin. Led by the National Librarian/CEO, Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, and UNESCO Representative Dr. Stephen Onyekwelu, the delegation sought the state's support in documenting and preserving endangered indigenous languages. The Taraba State Government expressed strong commitment to the initiative and pledged its cooperation.
High-Level Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement
The Advocacy and Technical Meeting, held in Jalingo, featured remarks from top government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives from UNESCO. Key dignitaries present included:
Afana Ibrahim, representing the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Taraba State
Theophilus Baajon, representing the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Taraba State
His Royal Highness, Augustine Njenmang Vengkani II, Kuru Kona, representing the Chairman of Taraba State Council of Traditional Leaders
Prof. Isa Adamu of the Department of Linguistics, Taraba State University
Mrs. Nihaad Isa Umar, General Manager of NTA Taraba
During the event, the National Librarian, Prof. Anunobi, delivered a thought-provoking paper titled “Preserving Our Linguistic Heritage: A Strategic Initiative for Endangered Languages in Nigeria.” She emphasized the importance of documenting indigenous languages as part of her eight-point agenda, particularly in enhancing literacy and preserving cultural heritage.
The advocacy session was complemented by cultural performances by students, reflecting the vibrancy of Taraba State’s indigenous traditions.
Technical Session: A Strategic Approach to Language Documentation
The technical session, attended by linguistic experts, librarians, and community representatives, focused on identifying and assessing endangered languages in Taraba State. Presentations highlighted the critical status of local languages, the sociolinguistic factors leading to language extinction, and the need for immediate documentation efforts.
Following rigorous discussions and validation processes, three languages—KAKA, KUNINI, and GBAYA—were selected as priority languages for documentation. The decision was based on their critical endangerment status and socio-cultural significance.
Key resolutions from the session included:
Official adoption of KAKA, KUNINI, and GBAYA for documentation.
Formation of a working group comprising linguists, librarians, and community representatives to oversee the documentation process.
Strengthening advocacy for policy support from the state government to promote indigenous language education and usage.
Commitment from stakeholders to work towards preserving and revitalizing other indigenous languages in the state.
A Call to Action: Protecting Our Linguistic Heritage
The meeting reinforced the National Library of Nigeria’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic diversity. As part of its broader initiative, the NLN is developing a Compilation of Nigerian Languages Map to track and document endangered languages nationwide.
With the active collaboration of UNESCO, Taraba State Government, academia, and local communities, this project aims to prevent language extinction and sustain Nigeria’s indigenous heritage for future generations.
The time to act is now! Together, we can preserve our indigenous languages and strengthen our cultural identity.
Stay updated on this initiative and other literacy advocacy projects by following the National Library of Nigeria’s official blog and social media platforms.