About us

Maji ke ye Joka

ABOUT US

Who we are and what
we stand for

Our Vission

To inspire a generation of youths that contribute to the development of ekpeye in every part of the world, through their ability to speak ekpeye fluently.

Our Mission

Speak ekpeye fluently language initiative is on a journey to provide virtual tutorials of the ekpeye language to stimulate cultural exchange and development through digital platforms.

Our Goals

To impact knowledge on how to speak ekpeye fluently using methods that stimulate interest in the culture and development of ekpeye land.

Objectives

  • To provide Ekpeye language tutorials on virtual platforms.
  • To maintain a support group for learner’s questions and feedback.
  • To create avenues for the harmonization of the Ekpeye language.
  • To contribute to the review and adoption of a standard Ekpeye language curriculum.
  • To organize forums for cultural exchange for interaction of Ekpeye people at home and abroad.
  • To advocate for the teaching of Ekpeye language in Ekpeye community schools.
  • To convene Ekpeye language conference at yearly intervals.

OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

New Project (32)

Robinson Robert Nweye

BOARD MEMBER AND SECRETARY

Robinson Robert Nweye is a Legal Practitioner with over 8 years of experience in legal practice.

He specializes in corporate, commercial law practice, legislative drafting, legal advisory, and regulatory compliance. He has advised on a number of international joint ventures and consortium agreements; mergers and acquisitions and has handled various top commercial transactions across different sectors.

He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Institute of Corporate Administration and serves as a Board Member and Secretary of the Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative.
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Dr. Igazeuma Okoroba

BOARD MEMBER

Igazeuma Okoroba is a sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience in the public sector, civil society, media, oil & gas, telecommunications and manufacturing.

She began her career in the media where she pursued her interest in society and sustainability. Presently, she is Head of Sustainability in one of Africa’s largest manufacturing industries, where she leads the integration of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) in operations.

Dr Okoroba’s work promotes social development, climate action and innovation for development. She is also an academic researcher with an M.Sc in Sustainable Development from the University of Exeter, UK and a PhD in Development Sociology, from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

She is a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Governance of Nigeria (ICGN), International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) and serves on the board of the Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative and several non-governmental organisations.
New Project (31)

Mr. Benjamin Oriokpa

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Mr. Benjamin Oriokpa hails Ahoada town of Ekpeye ethnic nationality. His field of expertise are environmental sustainability, community liaising, health and safety.

He has received several awards including Ahoada Diocesan Choir Council merit award for outstanding contributions towards the development in his church choir and the Diocesan choir. He has Msc in Engineering Project management and Environmental management.

He currently serves as the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative.
Franca Umasoye Igwe

Franca Umasoye Igwe

FOUNDER AND PROJECT MANAGER

Franca Umasoye Igwe is an award winning advocate for indigenous languages and cultural sustainability. She is the founder of the Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative.

Besides her commitment to language sustainability projects, she is a skilled Digital marketer and writer and has worked on multiple projects to increase the visibility of her clients on the digital landscape.

She is a member of the West African Alliance, for the United Nations International Decade for Indigenous Languages, and serves as a Board Member and the Project Manager of the  Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative.

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Exceeding expectations through passionate collaboration

Franca Umasoye Igwe

Franca Umasoye Igwe

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Franca Umasoye Igwe known as "Umasoye"  is an Indigenous languages and cultural heritage advocate committed to preserving and promoting Indigenous languages and cultures in digital spaces.
 
She is the founder of the Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative, a grassroot non-profit organization focused on promoting the Ekpeye language through education, technology, and community engagement.
 
Umasoye has collaborated and worked with global language initiatives including Wikitongues, 7000 Languages, Rising Voices and the Smithsonian Institution through it's center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
 
As a rapporteur of UNESCO'S IDIL Adhoc working group on Digital Equality and Domains for Indigenous Languages , Umasoye contributes to policies and projects that ensures all Indigenous languages thrive in digital domains.
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Justice Umauzutam Okedike

TRANSLATION MANAGER

Justice Umauzutam Okedike
Proudly of the Edhiwulu grand family, Odhiokwu in Ubie clan of Ekpeye ethnic nationality, Ahoada West LGA, Rivers State.
Umauzutam works in CNG operation and maintenance with the duty to operate CNG
compressors through control panels, dispense CNG, and ensure the running of the CNG compressors and their maintenance. He holds a bachelor of technology degree from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Umauzutam loves football, singing, writing and scoring songs mainly for choir consumption. Through song writing and scoring he has promoted the speaking and writing of Ekpeye language to a wider audience.

 

Izaza Izeowayi

Izaza Izeowayi

GENERAL SECRETARY

Izaza hails from Imaji kindred of Ubarama community in Ubie clan.
He is an award winning Nigerian Writer, Poet and Teacher based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Izaza is also the convener of the Advent Poetry Network.
 
Izazist has performed poetry, which he describes as his constant true love, in countless stages and in practically almost every kind of event you can think of, both within and outside Port Harcourt and in virtually almost all the radio stations in the city.
 
His creative works have appeared in both local and international publications.
Izazist writes, teaches and performs poetry with the goal of making poetry not only educative and didactic and but also entertaining and reactive.



He currently serves as the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative.

Godsside Benson

GODSSIDE BENSON

BRANDING AND PARTNERSHIP MANAGER

Benson Godsside is a seasoned freelance graphic designer with over 10 years of experience. He is passionate about empowering the next generation of African innovators through purposeful leadership and tech-driven solutions.

 

He is the co-founder of Simple Graphics Ltd, A brand that specializes in graphic design, branding, and mentorship, helping businesses and individuals build strong, impactful identities.

 

Benson is dedicated to talent development and community building. He founded the Ekpeye Tech Community to promote tech and digital skills among the Ekpeye people of Rivers State, Nigeria. He also plays a key role in preserving the Ekpeye language through the Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative.

 

Outside, he teaches purpose, shares ideas, and helps people discover themselves. His approach to personal branding is simple, clear, and actionable.

Godstime Ene

Godstime Ene

PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Mr. Godstime Ene Gosynto
Godstime Ene hails from the Uchi kindred of Ekpena community in Akoh Clan.
He is a detail-oriented quality control technician in the food industry, dedicated to ensuring product safety, consistency, and compliance with industry standards. He is skilled in monitoring production processes, conducting quality assessments, and implementing food safety protocols to maintain high standards.
Besides, being an indigenous language enthusiast with deep appreciation for linguistic dliversity, culture, and communication. He is also passionate about exploring language structures dialects, and etymology, he enjoys analyzing how
language shapes identity and human connection.
Whether through studying, teaching, or engaging in multilingual conversations he is
dedicated to preserving and promoting linguistic, and cultural heritage of the Ekpeye people.