The Literary Significance Of Akile Bende'S Poetry Among The Tiv In Nigeria

Abstract

The present-day African society is already falling prey to the dictates of
westernisation. As a result, Oral literature is viewed by some people as
anachronistic and moribund. There is no aggressive effort towardsr its
encouragement, recognition, let alone preservation. Oral poets like
doctors, pilots, engineers, journalists, teachers among others play very
important roles through their various talents in society. Nevertheless, the
society gives very little recognition to these great roles to nation building.
The Tiv Oral poet, like his fellow poets in other nationalities is very much
interested in chronicling the contemporary issues of Tiv society. This is
achieved through a marriage of the traditional and modern values. The
choice of Akile Bende: a quintessential first generation Tiv traditional
artist from Benue State is aimed at highlighting the place and relevance of
Tiv Oral poetry in the nation, Africa and indeed the humanity.