A PLEA FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE TEACHING OF ESAN LANGUAGE IN SCHOOLS IN ESANLAND, EDO STATE, NIGERIA.

THIS IS AN ARDENT PLEA TO THE GOVERNMENT OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA AND TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, MR GODWIN OBASEKI, TO PLEASE RESTORE THE TEACHING OF ESAN LANGUAGE IN SCHOOLS IN ESANLAND, EDO STATE.

Several ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, have their indigenous languages being taught in schools in their respective domains - e.g, as it is with our brethren/neighbours, the Benin people, and Esan ethnic nationality was once among them as Esan language - the language of Esan people and the language in Esanland, was taught in their schools. However, the government, without just cause, put an abrupt end to the teaching, an action that has left the Esan people downcast, unhappy and forlorn.

I want to point out and reinterate these:
1. Esan language is a language that has come of age and of great historical importance, having cemented its place in history. Therefore, we cannot afford to relegate the language as well as deny the upcoming generation the opportunity to learn, know and speak the language, thereby endangering the language with extinction. Posterity will NOT be kind to us if we allow this.

2. Secondly, we must remember that Esanland, the homeland of Esan ethnic nationality, has 35 autonomous Kingdoms and clans and occupies an entire senatorial district in Edo State (which is called Edo Central senatorial district), that is made up of 5 local government areas, and that is a fairly large territory.

3. Thirdly, many great Esan people have played big roles in the story and history of Nigeria, and some of them include but not limited to:

(1) Chief Anthony Enahoro (late), who was the man that first moved the motion for Nigeria's independence in 1953.

(2) Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (late), former Vice President (the first ever such) to military President Ibrahim Babangida.

(3) Professor Ambrose Alli (late), who was the first executive Governor of the defunct Bendel State.

(4) Chief Tony Anenih (late) the enigmatic political gargantua whose name rang a bell nationally.

All these are in addition to several illustrious sons and daughters of Esanland, who have done or are doing great exploits in various fields.

Therefore, it is an anomaly, that Esan language should be so shabbily treated as is being done now, of which, we now earnestly plead, that His Excellency should correct the anomaly.

Therefore, on behalf of GREAT, ILLUSTRIOUS, LOVING, PATRIOTIC AND LAW-ABIDING INDIGENES OF ESANLAND, EDO STATE, NIGERIA, I EMMANUEL EBARE, HEREBY ARDENTLY PLEAD WITH THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, MR GODWIN OBASEKI; THE GOVERNMENT OF EDO STATE, AND THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES/GOVERNMENT BODIES, TO PLEASE RESTORE THE TEACHING OF ESAN LANGUAGE IN SCHOOLS IN ESANLAND.

Being that His Excellency is a man of goodwill, a discerning man with a good heart and one who is determined to Make Edo Great Again, I know that this request should not be difficult for him to grant.

God bless Esanland,
God bless Edo State,
God bless Nigeria.

By Emmanuel Ebare,
December 1st, 2021.