Canada-based Nigerian writer, Lady Nekpen Obasogie has given reasons for the recent declaration of August 13 every year as Edo Language Day.
Lady Obasogie, the author of “Great Benin: The Alcazar of Post-Colonial Culture” explained that the initiative is a response to the warning over the potential extinction of Edo Language and many other languages across the globe. The writer who was recently conferred with the honorary Pen Award by the Edo State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) said that the declaration of the historic day was made at the first worldwide Edo Language Seminar organized by NEBO TV in collaboration with the University of Benin (UNIBEN). The award winning author explained that the participants who included eminent personalities from Benin Kingdom connected via Zoom to strategize on how to preserve, revitalize and harmonize Edo Language orthography worldwide.
She added: “The declaration was made by NEBO TV at their first worldwide Edo Language Seminar in August 13th, 2022. It was a historic event that featured many dignitaries from Benin Kingdom. “It was their response to the warning over the potential extinction of Edo Language and many other languages across the globe.”
Among the dignitaries who endorsed the declaration included former Edo State Governor Chief Lucky lgbinedion, High Priest Osemwegie Ebohon, Barrister Osagie Obayuwana, Lady Aghabiomon Ogbeiwi, Pa Felix Eghianruwa Omoruyi and Professor Victor Edosa Omozuwa. The long list of eminent personalities also included Chief Dr. Billy Osawaru, Dr. Patricia Fadaka-Igbinovia, Ambassador Joe Ehigiamusoe, Kingsley Omosigho, His Royal Highness Felix Omorodion (the Duke of Evbohuan) and Chief Val E. Samson Ezoba. Other participants at the historic event are Engr. Isaac Igbinosun, Professor Alex Igbineweka, Professor Esohe Mercy Omoregbe, Mrs. Mercy Osatohanmwen Edebiri-Kuku, Itohan Evbagharu, Osholene Oshobugie Upiomoh, Prince Jessy Osemwegie Isibor, Mrs. Adesuwa Obasohan, Steffy Uwaifo, and Professor Anthonia Adedevoh. Celebrated First Female Mechanic in Nigeria, Sandra Aguebor, Mrs. Adesuwa Joyce Osunde, Judith Fadaka-Roland, Pst (Mrs.) Margaret Oghosa Agbonifo amongst others eminent Benin sons and others participated at the seminar which was hosted by Mr. Tunde Obazee, Nekpen Obasogie, Queen Amina, Nicole Kats and Sandra Idubor.
By Hendrix Oliomogbe