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Are Our Indigenous Dialects Going Extinct ?
Language is said to be complete when it has provisions for every object introduced to the society using the language for communication.
Therefore, almost every indigenous language in the country, known as a mother tongue of the respective native speaker, is complete and can pass as means of communication. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Language embodies culture and other values of the native speakers, and linguists advice that native speakers ought to communicate in their mother tongues to their children to save the languages from going extinct.
However, for reasons known to some individuals, many parents have left the use of mother tongue for foreign languages.
For instance, Mrs Mary Simon, a housewife, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that there was nothing wrong if a child cannot speak the native language.
Simon said that speaking English as a first language was good.
She, however, advised that parents should endeavor to teach their children their mother tongue.
Mrs Blessing Abdul, a hair stylist, children need to start learning their mother tongue from birth.
“As parents, if you speak your native language to your child from birth, they will understand and grow with it.
‘`As parents, as long as you can speak your language, inculcate that in your children because that is their identity and they deserve to speak and understand it.
‘`My husband and I agreed to speak our dialect to the children and now that they are grown up, they understand and speak the language very well.
‘`When I took them to the village, my people were surprised to see my children speaking the language very well and that made me proud.”
“Living in the city should not be an excuse for parents not to teach their children their language. One is identified by the language he or she speaks, so not teaching them their language is denying them their identity. `
’`Speaking English to your children at home will not help them to learn their language, so it is better to speak your language to them as they will be taught English in school,’’ she said.
Eko Waters, a student, said he couldn’t speak his language because it was not spoken to him by his parents. I don’t know how to speak my dialect, but I do understand. This is because my parents never taught me nor communicated with me in our mother tongue.
‘`My parents wanted me to learn English first, so they thought speaking English to me at home was the best, forgetting that I will learn it in school.
“Today I see some students like me that don’t speak their dialect and this is either that they were not taught or that they refused to learn.
“I think that parents should learn to communicate with their children in their dialect because it has some form of identification and it helps you to relate with your people,
”I am worried for our own children, if majority of us do not speak our languages, who will teach them ? .
“ Will our languages not go extinct ?, “ he said.
Glory Madukwe, also a student, said a situation where children grow up in a state outside his or her community of origin could affect them speaking their language.
He said that some children neglect their native language and have no interest to learn it because they don’t have people to communicate with in the language.
“I was born in Nasarawa State, my parents did not teach me my dialect (Igbo), but yet I know how to speak because I picked interest in the language and I learnt it,’’ he said.
Arome Drogba, a student of Nasarawa State University, said he speaks his dialect though not fluent, adding that he is a product of inter-tribal marriage.
“My father is Igala and my mother is Idoma, my mum spends more time with us at home and speaks Igala occasionally but she speaks her dialect to us more.
“And all this affected us, making us confused, not to be able to concentrate on one language to learn,’’ he said.
Drogba advised that parents should try and speak their dialects to their children and wards at home, adding that it’s good to communicate with children in their mother tongue.
Source: NAN
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NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature Exoneration
NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationThe Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the unfolding scandal surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that the gravity of the allegations and the institutions reportedly involved make an ordinary investigation inadequate.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild faulted the Presidency’s swift public exoneration of the Chief of Staff to the President by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, describing it as premature and inconsistent with the principles of natural justice.
According to the Guild, declaring any public official innocent before the conclusion of an impartial investigation undermines public confidence in the process and creates the impression that the outcome has already been predetermined.
“The hasty exoneration of any public official before a comprehensive investigation has been concluded negates the principles of justice, fairness and good conscience.
Every Nigerian deserves to see that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to have been done,” the statement said.
NGIJ said the controversy surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has become one of the most significant governance scandals in recent years, alleging that the sequence of events surrounding the Council points to a level of official backing that requires a truly independent investigation.
The Guild argued that several developments associated with the Council have raised serious questions that cannot be ignored.
According to the statement, available information indicates that an account was reportedly opened for the Council at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the controversial PFIPC was reportedly captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, office accommodation was allocated to the Council within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, and more than 300 personnel, including eight directors, were reportedly recruited or sourced to work for the Council.
NGIJ noted that these developments, if established through investigation, suggest that the activities attributed to the Council went far beyond the actions of a few individuals and may have involved approvals or support from influential actors within government.
“The establishment of banking arrangements, budgetary provisions, office allocation, recruitment of hundreds of personnel and appointment of directors are not processes ordinarily executed without official authorisation and institutional support. These issues raise legitimate public interest questions that deserve thorough and independent scrutiny,” the Guild stated.
It added that the scale of the allegations has created widespread public concern and, if left unresolved, could erode confidence in Nigeria’s governance institutions and anti-corruption framework.
The Guild expressed reservations over allowing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to solely investigate the matter, arguing that given the alleged involvement of powerful figures and the institutional implications of the case, a broader and more independent mechanism would inspire greater public confidence.
According to NGIJ, the investigation should be handled by an independent judicial panel comprising retired judicial officers, forensic auditors, representatives of relevant anti-corruption institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations, with full powers to examine documents, invite witnesses and recommend appropriate actions based on its findings.
The Guild further urged the National Assembly to commence a public legislative inquiry into the establishment, funding, operations and legal status of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
It maintained that no public official, irrespective of rank or political influence, should be insulated from investigation where credible allegations exist.
NGIJ stressed that the circumstances surrounding the controversial PFIPC have made the matter unprecedented and deserving of the highest level of independent scrutiny.
The Guild said only a transparent, credible and independent investigation can establish the true facts, identify any wrongdoing where it exists, protect innocent persons where appropriate, and restore public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
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By AbdulRahman Obaje
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GCR Ratings affirmed MeCure Industries Plc’s long-term issuer rating at BBB(NG) and short-term issuer rating at A3(NG), with the company’s long-term outlook revised to Stable. The rating agency said the decision was supported by improvements in MeCure’s competitive position, sound earnings performance, ongoing expansion, product innovation, and wider market penetration. GCR also noted the company’s diversified portfolio of more than 140 formulations across five therapeutic classes, its extensive distribution network, and its relationships with suppliers and technical partners.
During the period, MeCure also received Halal certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and broader consumer accessibility. For the everyday consumer, Halal certification means that the certified products have been reviewed to ensure that their ingredients, sourcing, handling, and production processes comply with recognised Halal requirements. In practical terms, it gives Muslim consumers greater confidence that the medicines they use are permissible, while also providing an additional layer of assurance around transparency, product integrity, and manufacturing discipline.
The certification is expected to support trust among customers, healthcare professionals, distributors, and institutional partners, while strengthening MeCure’s positioning in markets where Halal-compliant products are an important consideration.
In June 2026, MeCure further expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of Fluconazole Capsules and EBU Suspension. Fluconazole Capsules add to the company’s antifungal offering, while EBU Suspension, an ibuprofen oral suspension, strengthens MeCure’s paediatric and family care range. The launches reflect the company’s continued focus on affordable, locally manufactured medicines across key therapeutic needs.
As MeCure enters the second half of 2026, the company said it remains focused on deepening local manufacturing, improving access to quality medicines, expanding its product pipeline, and delivering sustainable value to shareholders.
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NewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme BorderNewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development
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Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Border
Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Borde
By Usman Aliyu | June 27, 2026
Ajaka, Kogi State — The family of Sgt. Benjamin Etuh, a native of Ajaka in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has appealed to the public for information regarding his whereabouts following reports that he may have been involved in a drowning incident at the Seme Border area of Lagos State.
According to information available to the family, Sgt. Etuh, who was last known to be serving at the Seme Border Patrol, was reportedly involved in an incident on the water around the border community. However, relatives say they have not received any official confirmation regarding his condition or whereabouts.
The uncertainty surrounding the incident has left family members distressed and searching for answers. Efforts to contact the officer through his mobile phone numbers have also proved unsuccessful, as the lines have reportedly remained unreachable for several days.
Family sources expressed concern over the lack of verified information and appealed to the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the officer’s status. They also called on security agencies, colleagues, residents of the Seme Border area, and members of the public with any useful information to come forward.
Efforts by reporters to obtain official confirmation from the Ikeja Command were unsuccessful, as no response had been received at the time of filing this report.
As of the time of publication, there has been no official statement confirming Sgt. Benjamin Etuh’s whereabouts or condition. The family continues to appeal for credible information that may help establish the facts surrounding the incident.
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NewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme BorderNewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development