Welcome Address by the Global Coordinator, Nekpen Obasogie, on the Occasion of the Third Annual Edo Language Day Worldwide, August 9th, 2025 in Benin City
Esteemed Guests, Distinguished Edo Indigenes, and Lovers of Our Rich Cultural Heritage,
It is with immense joy and pride that I welcome you to the third Annual Edo Language Day Worldwide. This year’s theme, “The Voices of Our Ancestors: Preserving the Edo Linguistic Heritage,” resonates deeply within each of us as we come together to celebrate and preserve the cultural legacy of the Edo people.
Through the collective efforts of dedicated Edo indigenes both at home and in the diaspora, we have reached a significant milestone by organizing this event in four key locations: Okpella, Auchi, Toronto, and right here in our beloved Benin City. This global outreach is a testament to our commitment to revitalizing our languages and dialects, ensuring their vibrancy and relevance in today’s world.
As we embark on today’s celebration, may the Almighty God and our ancestors inspire and strengthen us. May they grant us the wisdom to uphold and enhance the legacy left by our forebears, so that the Edo linguistic heritage continues to thrive for generations to come. Together, through initiatives like this, we will promote the use and prominence of Edo languages, amplifying the greatness of Edo State and its people worldwide.
Let us make today a tribute to our past, a gift to the present, and a promise to the future.
Thank you all for being a part of this significant journey.
*Oba gha to kpere, Isee!*