Whether or not you have been closely following Ejagham Tradition’s work on the Ejagham Language Curriculum Development (ELCD), that is no longer the central concern. What matters now is simple and urgent: if you have ever envisioned the true safeguarding and advancement of Ejagham linguistic heritage, then your attention is required — and here is why.

The path toward this vision begins with an Ejagham Language Orthography accepted across all Ejagham clusters. From there, it progresses to a unified Ejagham Language Curriculum capable of formal adoption within the school system. Only then do we arrive at the long‑desired destination: A Sustainable Safeguard and Advancement of Ejagham Linguistic Heritage. The journey may appear simple or complex, depending on the lens through which one views it.

Ntufam of Mbarakom Community – HRH Ntufam Sylvester Itagbor Nnum-mgbe executing libation to our ancestors

Now that your attention is fully engaged, let us recall that through the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment of dedicated Ejagham sons and daughters, we successfully achieved the Revised Ejagham Language Orthography (RELO). We are currently advancing through the next critical phase, the Ejagham Language Curriculum Development (ELCD), a prerequisite for achieving true linguistic preservation and growth.

Click on the link to watch the video: Revised Ejagham Language Orthography Workshop – Part 1

Throughout this journey, we have received remarkable support from individuals and groups alike: material, intellectual, moral, and especially financial support.

During the RELO phase, a few groups contributed financially. They include the Ejagham Bakor Traditional Rulers Council, Ejagham Njemaya Development Association (ENDA), and the Mbarakom Community. Their collective synergy made a significant difference, both conceptually and financially.

Chairman, Ejagham Bakor Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Ntol Atol Julius Ayate (Center) and members of his Council during proposed RELO validation process

I have often wondered whether the group synergy, although small, that characterised the RELO phase would reappear during the ELCD journey. Fortunately, a socio‑cultural group within Mbarakom Community has answered that question unequivocally. The recent donation from the Mbarakom Unity Forum in Mbarakom Community has lifted what seemed like a moratorium on group support, proving that collective commitment is still very much alive.

This gesture is particularly important because, in the face of growing apathy among Ejagham sons and daughters toward donating, group support can make a substantial difference. Considering the numerous groups within every community (towns and villages) across the Ejagham nation, addressing minor, and even major, collective financial needs should not be an overwhelming challenge. These groups include, but are not limited to: Traditional Rulers Councils and Associations, cluster leaderships, clans and community development associations, age grades, churches, and others.

As I have stated previously, “Esn oka, na oka ka biji, na mbuta atima-ano” — only the raffia palm, with all the raffia upon it, is drenched by rain.

Nsin Oka – Is Ejagham Esin Oka?

Once again, the Mbarakom Community has demonstrated that we possess the raffia palm, we have the skill to turn it into “oka” to roof our house, and shield ourselves from being drenched. I earnestly hope that the gesture from Mbarakom Community serves as a clear message to other communities across the Ejagham nation that:

• We have the resources.
• We have the capacity.
• We can support the journey toward the True Safeguard and Advancement of Ejagham Linguistic Heritage.

On my part, I pray for the “will.” Hence the question, “Which Community Follows Next.”

Kindly donate to:

• Account name: Ejagham Tradition Centre
• Account no.: 203 588 3685
• Bank name: First Bank Nigeria.

Ekumi! Ekumi!! Ekumi!!! Ofam.

Ntufam Engr. Chris Anom CEng, CMarEng, FIMarEST, FRINA

President, EjT