Gowon tasks Nigerians to evolve national language

Former Head of State and elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon, has charged Nigerians to work towards evolving, in the soonest time possible, a common, indigenous language that will serve as a national language for Nigeria other than English Language.General Gowon gave the charge in a patriot's talk entitled: 'Respect for National Symbols as Imperative for National Development' during the maiden National Symbols Day organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to honour the various symbols that represent Nigeria's nationhood.The elder statesman was of the view that language remained the most important national symbol for any nation and serves as a propeller of national development.He further stated that without language, the realisation of most innovative thoughts would be impossible.'Nigeria has not evolved a truly national language to preserve its plans and strategy for national development from the multiplicity of languages and dialects in the country. With over 250 languages and dialects in Nigeria, the best we can do is to record our achievements in English Language, which is the country's official language. What this means is that we have to now, ever than before, accelerate the search for a national language, if we are to be competitive on the world stage,' he said.The chairman on the occasion and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, disclosed that efforts were being made to procure and distribute massive numbers of the Nigerian flag to Nigerians across the country in preparation for the nation's Independence Day celebration on October 1.He said the flag should make Nigerians proud even as they must all be committed to dignifying it so as to re-ignite the love for the country.The Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, who recalled the nostalgic feelings that used to be associated with Nigeria's national symbols in the past, called for a return to the patriotic habit of proudly wearing clothes that reflect national colours.
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