Danjuma commissions Jukun Bible Institute, wants language preserved

Former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Theophilus Y. Danjuma, has warned that Jukun language might go into extinction if urgent steps were not taken by the indigenes.

Danjuma gave the warning yesterday while commissioning the Jukun Bible Institute (JBI) in Takum local council of Taraba State.
The project came into fruition 66 years after the idea of translating the Holy Bible from English language into Jukun was conceived.

Speaking at the ceremony, Danjuma said the Institute would enhance the translation of the holy book into Jukun language.

He explained that the idea of the JBI was conceived in 1956 by an American lady, Margaret Dykestra, who was assisted by a Nigerian, Mallam Jeol Omiri, to translate the Bible into Jukun language.
“Translating the Bible in Jukun language does not mean we are competing with any church, we are only consolidating the efforts of Christendom to spread the gospel of God in local languages.

“My advice is to you the Jukuns Worldwide is do not let the Jukun translated Bible remain in the bookshelves; get it and use it by teaching your children the gospel of God and need to speak their language,” he said.

Citing the UNESCO prediction of the possibility of some Nigerian languages going into extinction in 2025, the former COAS urged religious leaders, educationists as well as parents to go extra miles in ensuring that the language (Jukun) continues to gain prominence in Nigeria and Africa at large.

—Charles Akpeji is a Journalist with MOC. He is a mass Communication graduate of Hassan Usman Polytechnic, Katsina state. He is a creative, driven, dedicated and dependable Journalists with over eighteen years’ experience in journalism profession.  He has excellent track record as a correspondent working with one of the most reputable media organization with a circulation all over Nigeria. He is skilled in writing, investigating, and writing pitches among others.  Charles worked as a staff writer with the defunct Smash Magazine and as a state correspondent with the defunct NewAge newspaper, etc