Former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), has launched the Nupe Heritage Dictionary and purchased a copy of same with N20 million.
Gen. Danjuma, who was Chairman of the occasion, in his welcome address, described the dictionary as “an excellent idea,” noting that “language is the bedrock of culture which binds every society together.”
Stressing the importance of the project and how it can help preserve the Nupe Language, the renowned philanthropist said, “Anything else can go extinct but language will survive if we share it.”
Other donors at the colorful event held at Chelsea Hotel, Abuja included the Niger State government which launched 30 copies of the book with N5 million, the Niger State Executive Council contributed N200,000 while former Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) national Chairman, Senator (Dr) Ahmadu Ali launched it with N100,000.
Also, former Kano State governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, donated N50,000 while representatives of the minister of state for power, Mrs. Zainab Kuchi and the Nupe in Diaspora, pledged an undisclosed amount.
The dictionary, authored by Ambassador Solomon Adama Yisa, was reviewed by a former minister of information and national orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana.
Ambassador Yisa said he compiled the dictionary “to put things right as it concerns Nupe language and culture.”
The Nupe Heritage Dictionary project is a much welcomed idea & Gen Danjuma’s support of the project is splendid. We hope other Nigerians of means would initiate and or support similar ideas propagating Nigeria’s varied cultures. Kudos.