A Makurdi-based publishing house, Culture Media Nigeria, is set to partner with Radio Benue Corporation to promote reading and writing in indigenous languages across Benue State.
This development emerged during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Culture Media Nigeria, led by its Editorial Consultant, Tahav Agerzua, to the Director General of Radio Benue Corporation, Terseer Mnzuulgha, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Makurdi.
Mnzuulgha warned that many indigenous languages in the state risk extinction within the next decade if urgent preservation measures are not taken. He disclosed that the station has concluded plans to introduce Nyifon to its list of indigenous broadcast languages. He also noted that existing indigenous language programmes have been migrated to the FM channel due to operational challenges affecting the AM outlet.
The Director General expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts to revive literacy in indigenous languages and pledged the corporation’s readiness to collaborate in content development. He added that the donation of Tiv-language books by the visiting delegation would significantly enrich the station’s resources.
Speaking earlier, Agerzua stated that Culture Media Nigeria focuses on publishing in the Tiv language, particularly reprinting books that are becoming scarce or going out of circulation. He listed primary school primers such as Uhiihii, U Sha Uhar, U Sha Utar, Tar Homon u Botwev, and Adan-Wade Kohol Ga among the titles currently being republished.
While presenting the publications to the Director General, he emphasized the need for Radio Benue to establish a functional indigenous languages library stocked with landmark texts and reference materials to support presenters and enhance programme quality.
Members of the delegation included the Chairman of Culture Media Nigeria Limited, Fanen Tahav, and the Vice Chairman, Hennen Tahav.
Books donated to the station’s proposed library included Legends, Pevkyaa Zegi the Folksinger, Tiv language primary school primers (Books 1–3), Tar Homon u Botwev, Atule Hom, and Iortimbir Ajabu.
The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen efforts to preserve indigenous languages in Benue State through broadcasting, publishing, and educational initiatives.
