Introduction
Akweya, also known as Akpa, is a rich Idomoid language spoken mainly in the Akpa District of Otukpo and parts of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.
With its unique 40-letter alphabet, including distinctive digraphs and trigraphs, Akweya reflects the identity, history and cultural richness of its people. It is also a tonal language, where changes in tone can give the same word different meanings.
The Akweya people proudly call themselves Akweya, meaning “sons of Akwu,” while Akpa is the name officially used by government since 1950. Both names are commonly used to refer to the people, their language and their land.
The latest Instalment of the Akweya Language Lesson explores another aspect of the language, focusing on its letters, words and meanings, alongside different profiles of a notable Akweya personality featured in the book The 100 Most Influential Akweya.
Words With The Letter F
Barrister Aba Ejembi was featured among the “100 Most Influential Akweya People”. An upcoming book highlighting prominent personalities from the Akweya community.
Ejembi, who studied Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was appointed National Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, succeeding Senator Dr. Shem Zagbayi, a former Deputy Governor of Niger State and member of the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
During his tenure as National President of the Akpa Community Development Association, ACDA, Ejembi established a committee comprising leaders from various clans in Akweya to address issues surrounding the prolonged dispute over the vacant throne of the District Head of Akpa, known as the Oche-Ogblega of Akweya.
The book, titled The 100 Most Influential Akweya People, was scheduled for launch as part of efforts to document and celebrate notable Akweya personalities and their contributions to the community.
The feature on Ejembi preceded a lesson on words from the Akweya alphabet “F/Fe,” including “Fi”, meaning “rest”; “Afaafa”, behind the “scene”; “Ifu”, “air”; “Efu”, “honey”; “Ofa”, “Harmattan”; and “Fumeny”, to “bathe”.
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