By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi Central Forum for Peace and Development Initiative (Kogi Central Think Tank Forum), recently held it’s 2025 annual get together with renewed emphasises on the need for revival, propagation and promotion of Ebira history and language.
Various speakers at the event, lamented the declining interest among the younger generation and as such, called for proactive measures to inculcate in them the culture of promoting their mother tongue.
The event which was held in Lokoja, attracted prominent Ebira sons and dignitaries including retired Permanent Secretaries, Directors, business men, captains of industries and members of the political class among others.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, the state chairman of the forum, Honourable Haroun Opotu, disclosed that the forum was established in 2008 with the main focus of guiding and advising the government for sustainance of peace and development in Kogi Central and state at large.
He described the forum as a highly formidable one with people of outstanding qualities who have put in their best during their active years; just as he pointed out that these people are out to contribute to their quota to the development of Kogi using their wealth of experience.
Speaking on how to maintain peace and development in Kogi State, he advocated for a halt in the practice of handing out palliative or food items to the people and rather urged government to focus more on equipping youths with skills and vocational training that would make them self reliant in future.
In his address, the Guest Speaker, Dr Yakubu Saidu of Jato FM, who spoke on the topic “Reincarnation”, disclosed that Ebira is known for her rich cultural heritage with vibrant history of art, music, cultural dance and traditional festivals, stressing that if properly harnessed, it would not only serve as a tool for social cohesion but also provide significant economic benefits to Ebira land.
Dr Saidu also called for the reintroduction of history studies in the school curriculum. This he explained will help in a long way in preventing the extinction of Ebira language among others.
In his remarks, the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly Rt.Honourable, Aliyu Umar Yusuf , advised the forum to in addition to supporting the government not hesitate to speak truth to the authorities, saying that it was the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure the government succeeds.
The Speaker used the forum to charge the group which he described as “as a noble organization from the central with men of integrity” to rally round the governor to ensure he succeeds in the interest of generations to come.
In its part, he assured that the current leadership of the assembly was committed to making laws that would help to bring about the much needed peace and enabling environment for rapid transformation of the state.
He urged government to identify with the forum in order to tap from their vast experiences ; just as he pointed out that the forum is made up of men of integrity who have made remarkable contributions to the growth of the state.
In his part, the Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr Yusuf Itopa called on stakeholders to harness the cultural potentials of the area to promote peace and encourage brotherhood among the various people of the area.
He equally called for the preservation and promotion of the history of the area to ensure generations yet unborn would benefit and remain connected to their roots.
