NAN-H-41
Radio
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, Feb. 18, 2017 (NAN) Mr Pangmi Mantoss, Proprietor of Chapolmi Radio, an online station, said it was established to promote the Zaar language in Bauchi state that was going extinct.
Mantoss stated this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
He said that many local languages had been abandoned for popular, but lamented that the development was inimical to preservation of culture.
“Mother-tongue builds an inclusive knowledge society, preserves cultural heritage, mobilizes political will and applies the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development.
“It is with the vision of language preservation in mind that Chapolmi Radio was founded on Jan. 16, 2017.
“Chapolmi Radio is an internet radio station broadcasting in English and Zaar (Sayawa) language.
“Zaar speakers numbering close to 300, 000 are found in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro areas of Bauchi state.
“The online radio station seeks to promote the Zaar language through information and entertainment programmes,” Mantoss said.
According to him, research had shown that peoples’ cultural heritage and values are best transferred from generation to generation using the mother-tongue.
He maintained that people were more confident, fulfilled and creative when they thought and communicated in local language.
“As we prepare to celebrate this year’s International Mother Language Day this month, let us remember that our mother-tongue is a priceless divine gift worthy of preserving.
“It also remains the best means through which our cultural heritage and values can be passed down to subsequent generations,” Mantoss stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on Nov. 17, 1999, UNESCO announced Feb. 21 every year as International Mother Language Day to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people of the world.
The aim of the day is to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to support the rights of the people to use indigenous languages also known as mother-tongue.
This is as a way of encouraging integration in all aspects of public life, particularly education.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Towards Sustainable Future through Multilingual Education.”
UNESCO and other development partners believe that the use of mother-tongue strengthens cooperation among people and contributes to attaining quality education. (NAN)
CMY/KM/OPI
Edited by Kabir Muhammad and Olisa Ifeajika