First International Conference and roundtable TIV WORLDWIDE organized by Mdzough U Tiv in partnership with BSU Makurdi. [PHOTOS]

The Mzough u Tiv with generous support from Benue State University, Makurdi staged a three-day international conference on Tiv Language and Culture. The conference addressed aspects of Tiv language and culture that are dying and collectively seeking ways of reviving the Tiv culture while strengthening our existence and revisiting other issues that affect the Tiv nation.The conference was held at the auditorium of the National Secretariat of Mdzough u Tiv at Gboko, Benue State from 30th August- 1st September, 2016. The conference featured academics, historians, linguists, language experts, leaders of thought, publishers, textbook writers, teachers, politicians, students, concerned Tiv sons and daughters and the general public.

Numerous papers on issues affecting the Tiv people were presented by scholars just as other issues affecting the Tiv people were orally discussed. After thorough and conscientious deliberations, conferees observed that:

i. The Tiv people’s general endangerment is now self-evident
ii. Tiv unity and culture is more acutely needed now more than ever before
iii. The identity and survival of the Tiv is indispensable in the wholeness of both Nigeria and the Tiv people themselves
iv. The ugly trend of partisan politics is undermining the traditional ethos of the Tiv people
v. Both Tiv intra-ethnic and inter-ethnic partnership and cooperation is unfortunately limited
vi. The is a gradual decline in moral values and discipline

Owing to the above observations, the conferees resolved among others that:

i. Legislation from the House of Assembly should mandate the Tiv language and culture should be taught in schools maintaining the orthography upon which the Tiv Bible was written.
ii. Tiv sons and daughters should promote our attires just as they are encouraged to return to the farm irrespective of their status with strong encouragement to revive the Tiv philosophy “Yan na angbian” of “Ayatutu ka uno-Ka se”. Churches in Tivland were also encouraged to incorporate Tiv language in their worship services and gatherings.
iii. The ugly politics dividing and under developing Tiv nation should be checked by Mdzough u Tiv and all Tiv sons and daughters just as composers and performers of political songs are advised to be cautious with their creative liberties.
iv. Tiv marriage should be returned to the way it used to be
v. Tiv people should continue to be one just as friendship with other ethnic groups especially in the neighbourhood should be enhanced.

Awards of honour were presented to:

1. HE Dr Mrs Eunice Erdoo Ortom

2. Sen. Suemo Chia

3. Prof. Joseph T. Kpamor Orkaa

4. Tarker Golozo

5. Hon. Chief Mrs Theresa Ujege

The Chairman of the occasion, Wantaregh Paul Unongo was represented by Prof. Steven Torkuma Ugbah.

The occasion ended yesterday with a dinner at THE Banquet Hall, Winika Hotel, Gboko.

Special report by Amah Kater