Nupe elders warn: Teach children native language or risk extinction

Nupe elders in Kaduna have raised fresh concerns over the gradual decline of the Nupe language, urging parents to take immediate responsibility for teaching their children their native tongue to prevent it from fading away. The warning came during a gathering of Nupe leaders in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area, where community stakeholders met to […]

Nupe elders in Kaduna have raised fresh concerns over the gradual decline of the Nupe language, urging parents to take immediate responsibility for teaching their children their native tongue to prevent it from fading away.

The warning came during a gathering of Nupe leaders in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area, where community stakeholders met to mark the end of Ramadan and Sallah festivities.

The meeting, convened by Alhaji Sidi Aliyu Yahaya, Chairman Nupe Foundation for Peace and Unity Kaduna State Chapter brought together elders, scholars, and representatives of the Nupe people to reflect on cultural preservation and community development.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Sidi stressed that language is the foundation of identity, warning that failure to pass it on to younger generations could lead to cultural extinction.

He described it as a serious mistake for any child to grow up unable to speak their native language or understand their traditions.

“Our children must not lose their roots,” he said. “Parents have a duty to ensure that the Nupe language is spoken at home so that our heritage does not disappear.”

He noted that many Nupe families have migrated from other parts of Nigeria and settled in Kaduna, where they have built lives and raised children. This, he said, makes it even more important to intentionally preserve their linguistic and cultural identity.

He also used the occasion to call for peaceful coexistence among different ethnic and religious groups in the state. He emphasized that the Nupe people are historically known for their peaceful nature and should continue to live harmoniously with others, regardless of differences.

Beyond language, the elders highlighted the need for unity and collective progress within the community. The Chairman urged members to invest in initiatives that would improve the welfare of their children and future generations, adding that contributions made within the community should be transparently used for development purposes.

Religious scholar Sheikh Muhammad Sallah Agaie also addressed the gathering, echoing similar concerns. He praised the Nupe people for their contributions to both modern and Islamic education, noting that the community boasts many respected scholars.

However, he cautioned that education and personal success mean little if they do not translate into support for one’s community. He called on educated and successful individuals to give back and help uplift others.

Agaie further described the Nupe people as a united family, regardless of where they reside, and urged them to strengthen their bonds. He warned that neglecting their language could weaken that unity over time.

Several elders at the meeting reinforced the message, emphasizing that cultural heritage, particularly language, plays a crucial role in societal development. They agreed that preserving the Nupe language is not just about communication, but about maintaining identity, values, and continuity across generations.