Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has urged Nigerians to preserve indigenous languages by insisting that children speak the languages.

Lalong gave the advice on Friday in Shendam at an annual Gamai cultural festival known as Bit-Gamai, celebrated every end of the year.

The governor expressed worry that Gamai language might go extinct, because most people would not speak the dialects to their children due to modernisation.

He said that the younger generation was finding it more and more difficult to speak or write their languages.

“If nothing is done urgently, the Gamai language will face the threat of extinction in not too distant future

“The annual Bit-Gamai is significant, because it is a forum to foster unity of purpose, preserve cultural heritage and harmonious living among citizens.

“It is not a responsibility for the traditional institution alone but for all stakeholders, including the Gamai Unity and Development Organisation, parents, schools, churches, mosques to preserve the culture.

“I urge other ethnic nationalities to also take the revival and sustenance of their cultures and languages very important,” he said.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who was Chairman of the festival, described the event as unique.

Represented by his deputy Dr Emmanuel Akabs, Sule urged Gamai people to preserve the legacy of their forefathers through promotion of cultural activities.

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Idris Maje Wase, in an address at the occasion, described the Gamai as hospitable.

The National President, Gamai Cultural and Development Organisation, Mr Theodore Maiyaki, said that the occasion was organised to promote peaceful coexistence in Gamai land.

Maiyaki thanked Lalong for his support and guidance for the orgnaisation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highpoint the festival was N250 million fund raising to build a befitting secretariat for the organisation to promote cultural values.