Kigala-Online introduces a novel Igala literacy course designed for beginners through the medium of English language and the Internet. It is a part of the holistic instructional package aimed at safeguarding the Igala language, which is currently mortally endangered, against the external and internal forces railroading it towards ultimate extinction. My dear compatriots, this may sound alarmist, but the truth is that the Igala mother tongue is hanging precariously at the cliff’s edge, having become increasingly […]
The Psychology of African Royal Cognomens
Merriam Webster Dictionary (1828) defines ‘cognomen’ as a “distinguishing nickname or epithet.” In several cultures of the world, boys that have just attained puberty are likely to seek attention, particularly from their female counterparts. Their innate AGM (Attention-Getting Mechanism) triggers the adolescence crushes that they exhibit, including taking ego-massaging nick-names. An excited teenage boy is wont to declare: “Òmi àkpòlì” (I, the tempest). Another may take the appellation of “Ọ̀kákwū” (Hippopotamus) or “Ọ̀nyẹ̀” (Crocodile). All […]
Free Igala Keyboard Layout For You
It is true that Igala writing has nose-dived precipitously since the subject, ‘Vernacular,’ was removed from the Nigerian school syllabus in the 1970s. But we do not have forever to wait for government to restore it for Igala language to resume being taught in schools. The curriculum to drive that will drive the process was ready for approval since August, 2019, courtesy of Mrs. Ọjọchẹnẹmi Rosemary Oshikọya, the then-Education/Science and Technology Commissioner in Kogi State […]
We Thank Thee for 2021, Good or Bad
James Travis Reeves, popularly known as ‘Jim Reeves,’ was a world-renowned country music hero and the singer of the epic song, “We Thank Thee,” which had remained top of the chart till he passed onto greater glory on July 31, 1964 in a plane crash. According to Wikipedia, “Gentleman Jim,” as he was fondly called, was immortalized in both “the Country Music and Texas Halls of Fame.” Jim Reeves, in that musical masterpiece, appreciated the […]
IGALA CROWNS NEW PRIEST-KING
For Prince Matthew Àlájì Ọ̀pàlúwa Ògwùchẹ́, Wednesday, November, 2021, a market day in the ancient town of Idah (Ídá), was an unforgettable milestone in his life, being the day he was installed the 27th Ata-Igala of the ruling Third Dynasty. A descendant of the Àámẹ-achọ Ruling House, Àlájì had, nine days earlier, commenced his pre-coronation rites at Ugwọlawo in Òfù LGA. On that day, he was conferred the preliminary Aidoko-anya title. In his signature post-installation […]