General Theophilus Danjuma (retd.) has inaugurated a Jukun Bible Institute in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba.
The move will see to the translation of the Bible into Jukun language.
“We cannot continue to teach our children foreign languages, I always found myself guilty of speaking English with my children,” he said. “Let us imbibe the spirit of speaking our languages with the children; that is our identity.”
According to Danjuma, an American woman Margrete Dykestra birthed the idea in 1956 and was assisted by a Nigerian, Joel Omiri.
Danjuma added that before leaving Nigeria for America, Dykestra handed a complete translation of the New Testament to him and pleaded with him to continue with the translation project.
He urged the Jukun to endeavour to use the translated version of the Bible to spread the gospel in Jukun language so as to promote peace and unity in the land.
“Translating the Bible into Jukun language does not mean we are in competition with any church,” said Danjuma.
“We are only consolidating the efforts of Christianity to spread the gospel in local languages.
“My advice is to you, Jukun worldwide; do not keep the Jukun translated Bible on bookshelves; get it and use it to teach your children the gospel and the need to speak their language.”
In his remarks, secretary to Taraba State Government, Anthony Jelason, who represented Governor Darius Ishaku, commended Danjuma for always bringing developmental projects to the state.
