The chairman of Okrika local Government council, Hon. Williams Tamuno, says the council will soon construct an ultra modern museum and a language centre in PortHarcourt for Okrikans.
The chairman of the council dropped the hint at the World Mother Tongue Day marked by the United Nations at the National Museum Centre, Harley street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, on February 21, 2012.
Hon. Tamuno Williams explained to journalists during an interview that the council has commenced the process of putting in place a Wakereke Heritage centre, a gathering point, that would have a library, an ICT, a Language and Heritage Hall, a place for cultural display, with a restaurant for traditional delicacies and will also include everything about culture.
Acknowledging the shortness of time due for his tenure, the chairman told media men that such a project will attract all stakeholders and well-meaning individuals who will contribute through the launching of the laudable project to raise funds from Okrika people worldwide, as it will cost of N120m.
The chairman explained the importance of language as the fear of the extinction of Okrika language also led him into the dream project.
He said the world all over people protect their language with jealousy but noticed that Okrika language is gradually going extinct, while noting that out of his family of seven, only one of them can barely speak Okrika which does not augur well, saying, the importance of language cannot be downplayed as critical information are communicated through language.
He promised that the council will fund the study of Okrika language to ensure proper usage while awareness will be created.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion who is also the ODCC chairman, Chief N. W. Adoki, expressed thanks to the people of Okrika for attending the event, especially with the high profile personalities at the event, while commending the museum for the collaboration with the council to celebrate the world Mother tongue day 2012, a programme of United Nations.
Highlights of the event were language competition by various secondary schools in Okrika, cultural displays, lecture and the presentation of trophies to the winners by the chairman of council and the Royal father of the day, the Amanyanabo of Ogoloma. ###
Pius Dukor
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