By Paul Michael
The Ewheyae Isoko Association of Nigeria (EIAN), a sociocultural and non-governmental organisation of Isoko women worldwide, is leading campaign for the sustainability of family values, Isoko language, culture and traditions in the ever changing world of the 21st century.
EIAN made the disclosure while charging Isoko women to uphold the Isoko values at their respective homes, in a Joint Consultative Forum (JCF) held at Hotel De Horizon in Abuja on Saturday.
Speaking during the event, the guest speaker Barr. (Mrs) Josephine Miakpor-Emiaso said “the Isoko nation is losing everything which gives them the character of a people. Its language is vanishing, the very custom and traditions which distinguish them as a unique group of people is dangerously threatened, and our family values are fast disappearing.”
She expressed sadness over the conduct of some parents, who would rather imbibe foreign ways to the detriment of the Isoko custom. Adding that it was a great disservice for some Isoko people to prioritize other languages ahead of the Isoko land.
“Deliberate steps and efforts must be taken to stem this dangerous slide of our Isoko ways of life into extinction. There are no persons better placed to do what has to be done better than the Isoko woman,” she said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the EIAN Abuja President and host of the event, Chief (Mrs) Loretta Otuorimuo, said the association is always on the move to attend to the needs of the indigent and vulnerable in Isoko land. She appealed for support synergy and partnership for EIAN to achieve her set objectives.
On her part, the President General of EIAN, Chief (Mrs) Josephine Ovuorie, said this year’s JCF event aimed at “restoring broken families, curing the ugly trend of gross immorality that has overtaken our land and reward us all with remarkable results that will see Isoko taking its pride of place amongst comity ot ethnic nationalities.”
The event, which featured presentation of merit awards, was well attended by different prominent personality among whom are the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, who was represented by Williams Omoviro; AIG Felix Ogbaudu (Rtd), who was the chairman of the event; Sen. Chief Stella Umuezi Omu, who was also represented; MD/CEO of Sweet Spirit Hotels, Arc. Ambrose Okuhor, who was represented by MD of Elomaz Communications Ltd (Publisher of The Trumpet), Endurance Edafewotu and Chief Isaac Otuorimuo, former ED Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority.
Others include HRM Ogbogbo Ofejiro Elo, Queen of Ozoro Kingdom; HRM Betty Efekodha, Queen of Enwhe Kingdom; Chief Dr. Evelyn Aluta; Dr. Augustine Igbuku; Chief Greg Edor, Chairman/CEO of Question TV/FM; Chief Dr. Betty Okoroh; Chief (Mrs) Veronica Onoita; Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye; Mr. Jonathan Adigheji Agbadede; Mrs Irene Ufuoma; Chief Veronica Odogu, Director General of Elomaz Foundation; Chief Uyoyou Edhekpo, among others.
PIX TAG: Members of Ewheyae Isoko Association during the Joint Consultative Forum at Abuja on Saturday.
Photo: Paul Michael
