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.
Akweya Language Lesson Features an Educator And Words With H
An Akweya language lesson has highlighted words beginning with the letter “H (h)” while introducing educator Favour Egbadekwu, who was featured in the forthcoming book, The 100 Most Influential Akweya.
The lesson explained five Akweya words and their meanings. They included “Hieba“, meaning “say something”; “Hile“, meaning “to squeeze”; “Ihiogwyiji“, meaning “death”; “Ahilela“, meaning “coal of fire”; and “Ehie“, meaning “hunting.”
The lesson also featured Egbadekwu, an educator with more than 12 years of experience in mainstream and special education.
Egbadekwu worked in classroom, administrative and leadership positions and supported children with diverse needs, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and dyslexia.
She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education in English from Benue State University, Makurdi, and an Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Education from the University of Lagos.
She also received certifications in Cambridge IGCSE teaching for English, Mathematics and Science, as well as an advanced certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Beyond classroom teaching, Egbadekwu participated in volunteer activities involving children with special needs, literacy programmes and community empowerment initiatives.
She served as the Chief Executive Officer of 10X Education Consult Limited, where she provided educational consultancy, teacher training and interventions for underprivileged students in rural communities.
She also convened the Akweya Teachers Assembly and Akweya Rural Schools Connect, initiatives focused on educational development.
The forthcoming 100 Most Influential Akweya was expected to feature more personalities whose contributions had made an impact within the Akweya community and beyond.
Link to watch the full video:
