An association of Tiv women on Tuesday paid a solidarity visit to former President of the Yoruba Community in Benue State, Asiwaju Isaac Akinkunmi, to honour him following the chieftaincy title recently conferred on him by the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse.
The visit was led by the Great 12 Consult Association, whose members gathered to celebrate the recognition of Akinkunmi’s contributions to the socio-economic development of Benue State.
Speaking during the visit, Akinkunmi used the occasion to caution against the gradual erosion of indigenous languages, warning that failure by parents to teach their children their mother tongues could lead to extinction.
“Our children should learn to speak their mother tongue. If they do not, our languages will die in the years to come,” he said.
He said his over four decades of living and doing business among the Tiv people had deepened his respect for their culture, noting that he and his wife intentionally gave their last child a Tiv name, Erdoo, 25 years ago, as a mark of appreciation.
Akinkunmi, founder of Tito Yoghurt and the Tito Group of Companies, recalled that his business grew from humble beginnings, stressing that economic success is achievable in any environment with a viable population.
He expressed gratitude to the Tor Tiv for the honour, describing the chieftaincy title as a reflection of his long-standing relationship with the Tiv people.
Akinkunmi was last month bestowed with the title Vanya-u-Dedoo-u-Tiv (Good Guest of the Tiv Nation), while his wife received the title Hwan Vanya-u-Dedoo-u-Tiv (Rib of the Good Guest of the Tiv Nation) at a ceremony held at the Tor Tiv’s palace.
Earlier, President of the Great 12 Consult Association, Mrs Erdoo Tsumba, said the group’s visit was to formally celebrate Akinkunmi and his wife over the chieftaincy honours, describing the titles as well deserved.
