History and Culture of Etsako and Afemai

ENGLISH AND ETSAKO NAMES OF THINGS

ENGLISH AND ETSAKO NAMES OF THINGS PROFESSIONS & TITLES English Etsako King Oba Queen Usomine Chief Oghie Chief’s wife Amhoghie Noble Enabo Juror Okhaemho Mister oduape Master Agene Pastor Odibosi Teacher Owole Doctor Obodano Nurse Odanor Police Kheada Soldier Afia Farmer Ogwime Hunter Agiode Trader Oduaki Mechanic Osiesikwi Driver Ogwoko Carpenter Okhaotha Fisherman Adogo Witchdoctor Obo/Oboidane Officer oowak anya Servant Odibo English Etsako Broom Utsatso Tooth Brush Ogbhe Ako Hair Brush Ogbe Eto Rake Okhanye Sponge Ishe Soap Ota Bucket Gavo Basket Okpha Dish Ukpade Comb Azoeto Vaseline Udemhi Perfume Atvali English Etsako Greet Rue Good Morning Naigbia Good Afternoon Mo’ota Good Evening Togi / Mo’ghode Good Night Le Ghue See You Tomorrow Okia’khue Welcome Mokhia How Are You? Agboo Fine Opunomhi / Osomhi Goodbye Okia How Eboyoo Thank Kphemi Thank You Obekha Thanks Khaa (to one’s elder after meal) Please Tsee Beg Vhi / Lama Well Done Moakanya Sorry Etse Congratulations Oboani (mostly used for safe delievery) General Greeting Mo (well done, good day, condolence etc.) English Etsako Come Here Vhare Ana I am Coming I bade Where Are You Coming From? E Bu Za Bhade? Where Are You Going To? E Bu Ye? I Am Going To The Market I yaki Please Go Tsee Thera Let Us Move Mha Khia I Am On The Move Okhia Li Ya Shift To The Other Side Chi Ke Oboi Let Us Shift This Table Mha Chi Oni Akpeh Na Where Are You Running To E Bu Na Ye He Ran Past His House O Na Node Ikho Ni Tsoi Where Did It Begin E Boza Gbare Wait For Me Khe Mhe Stop There Nwogba Elei Stand Up Kpaoto Mwuza Give It To me The Ya Mhe Go And Take La Thue Bring It Here Thore A Na Please Sit Down Tsee Gheto He Has Gone To Lie Down O Khe A Deghue He Is Sleeping E Mho Ghue Are You Talking To Me? Ughi Mhe Mme? What Did He Say? E Bo Gwe? Let Him Tel What Happened Zo Gwere E Ma Mie Come Let Us Discuss Bhare Mha Neta Don’t Listen To Our Discussion Kha Thewoo Yo Ma Ineta Did You Hear Me? U So Ebi Gwe He Was Asked To Shut Up Emha Yoi Vuno Close The Door Khuno No Ode Let Me Ask You A Question Mhe No E Ogbo Will You Give Me The Answer? Ua Tho Wanye Ya Mhe? What He Said Is True E Mio Gwere Ughiemho O There Is No Truth In Him Emhotso Oyio Uno I Am Hungry Osamhi Ogbe Mhe Will You Eat? Ua Le Ema? What Food Will You Eat? Ema Me Uale? English Etsako Head Usomhi Face Ao Forehead Unugbo Cheek Asa Nose Isue Mouth Uno Eye Ukpeo Ear Ewo Chin Agba Lip Itikpino Teeth Ako Tongue Olemhi GREETING (ORUE) English Etsako Greet Rue Good Morning Naigbia Good Afternoon Mo’ota Good Evening Togi / Mo’ghode Good Night Le Ghue See You Tomorrow Okia’khue Welcome Mokhia How Are You? Agboo Fine Opunomhi / Osomhi Goodbye Okia How Eboyoo Thank Kphemi Thank You Obekha Thanks Khaa (to one’s elder after meal) Please Tsee Beg Vhi / Lama Well Done Moakanya Sorry Etse Congratulations Oboani (mostly used for safe delievery) General Greeting Mo (well done, good day, condolence etc.) TIMES AND SEASONS DAYS OF THE WEEK English Etsako Sunday Eluka Monday Eluki Tuesday Okpeluki Wednesday Akhuelabodo Thursday Elabodo Friday Elijuma Saturday Akhueuka MONTHS OF THE YEAR January Ukiotsa February Ukierabito March Ukiobuibui April Ukiorhirhi May Ukiadaobi June Ukiukhumhi July Ukidoemhi August Ukiukpe September Ukikpovhe October Ukiede November Ukiorua December Ukigwegwe TIME Date Ukaukpele Day Ukpele Today Ele Yestareday Enode Tomorrow Akhue Week Ughieluka Month Uki Moon Uki Year Ukpe Century Uwoukpe Dawn Egbia Morning Ogbede Noon Ota / Uwamhi Dusk Enwa Evening Oghode Night Ida Dark Ebi PROFESSIONS & TITLES English Etsako King Oba Queen Usomine Chief Oghie Chief’s wife Amhoghie Noble Enabo Juror Okhaemho Mister oduape Master Agene Pastor Odibosi Teacher Owole Doctor Obodano Nurse Odanor Police Kheada Soldier Afia Farmer Ogwime Hunter Agiode Trader Oduaki Mechanic Osiesikwi Driver Ogwoko Carpenter Okhaotha Fisherman Adogo Witchdoctor Obo/Oboidane Officer oowak anya Servant Odibo ANIMALS Domestic English Etsako Ox Malu Cow Ena Horse Akachi Goat Eghue Ram Oke Sheep Omaa Pig Etsi Dog Aghua Cat Anogbo He-goat Uviuko Fowl Okhokho Hen Okho Cock Okpa Duck Adogwo Wild Elephant Ini Hippopotamus Okaku Rhinoceros Azukphakpha Lion Idu Leopard Ekpe Buffalo Aleghe Deer Ethue Antelope Uzo Monkey Ovhe Chimpanzee Eme Cane Rat Ivua Rat Evhio Mouse Ope FRUITS English Etsako Mango Umagho Guava Goba Pawpaw Okhibagi Coconut Uvioba Orange Agbopi Banana Oghede Star Apple Oche Pine Apple Ediobo Pear Olomi Obo ELECTRONIC DEVICES English Etsako Radio Ovome Television Amiefo Fridge Pozi Freezer Pozeze Fan Apepe Camera Nwatho Telephone Yemhifo Torch Light Tobifio Air-Conditioner Opoafofo TOILETRIES English Etsako Broom Utsatso Tooth Brush Ogbhe Ako Hair Brush Ogbe Eto Rake Okhanye Sponge Ishe Soap Ota Bucket Gavo Basket Okpha Dish Ukpade Comb Azoeto Vaseline Udemhi Perfume Atvali FASHION English Etsako Shirt Otogbo Trouser Otsaka Belt Ugbogbo Pants Akape Shoe Efia Wrist Watch Deoakpenyobo Clock Agogo Umbrella Akpakpa KITCHEN UTENSILS English Etsako Tumbler Akpaoba Cup Akpa Tea Cup Akpa Anyebe Spoon Uko Fork Ukawa Kitchen Knife Abemhi Table Knife Aghao Plate Ugbagbamhi China Plate Atasa Pot Ukhiomhi Kettle Kameto EDUCATION English Etsako Chalk Erue Pencil Vebike Pen Vebi Book Udobe Exercise Book Obezaza Sheet/Paper Utsemobe Black Board Fafabi Leaf Umhabe Bell Akaba Duster Akpie Ball Saghie Arithmetic Kaachi Mathematics Faghaza English Ibo Biology Wenegbe Physics Aofaza Chemistry Nyikhi Geography Gwanobadi Economics Nwunabo History Okhaojo Science Nzen FOOD STUFFS English Etsako Milk Amenye Tea Anyebe Bread Ukpeko Sugar Sugha Biscuit Ukpakeibo Butter Atakpo Yam Emhi Potatoe Elumhe Beans Efie Rice Sikapa Cassava Eko Maize Oka Garri Ghari FURNITURES English Etsako Table Akpeh Chair Aga Bench Igala Stool Gioko Sofa Utekwi Bed Upepe Foam Afuo Pillow Akpeusomhi Earth Bed Ikpese Door Ode Window Uloobe THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AND PLEDGE THE NATIONAL ANTHEM (ILOLO NAIJIRA AYAOTODU) English Etsako Arise o Compatriots Nigeria’s call

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Etsako Names and Meanings

Etsako Names and Meanings – October 20, 2020 There is something in a name that is why God changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Jacob to Israel. The meaning of one’s name depicts how the person’s life goes, so it is important to know the meaning of one’s name. The vernacular name of a person easily identifies the origin of the bearer or where he/she was born. The three big tribes in Nigeria proudly name their children in their local language as a symbol of their identity and their origin. When a child is born, he/she is normally given a name. This is sometimes done immediately or after a certain number of days depending on the culture, belief system, and traditions of the people. The baby’s name and the meaning of the name reflect the belief system of the people. This is the same for Etsako names. The good people of Etsako, like many other Nigerian tribes, commonly bear Islamic and Christian names. However, it is a very common practice among the Etsako people to bear names that are native to Etsako either as their main names or in combination with their religious or Western names. Minority tribes like Afemai and some others shy away from naming children in their mother tongue. Because these names are no longer popular, many do not know the meaning of names in our mother tongue. To motivate Afemai people to name their children/wards meaningfully in our mother tongue, these names are published. From this publication, many who wish to name their children/wards in our mother tongue now have a source. Male Names Meaning 1. Aanemhe None is greater than me 2. Abiabekha None reject success 3. Achakhobo Acha is a whiteman 4. Adenomo A child cannot be changed 5. Adoghie Chieftaincy is not purchased 6. Adonoghie A ruler should not be changed 7. Afegbua Family will not kill one 8. Agbaunosi No one goes against the wish of God 9. Azemoobo Let us leave each other 10. Aziku Leave me alone 11. Azimeye Let me live 12. Dokpesi (Idokpesi) Secretly close to my angel 13. Ebiade As I did not fall 14. Idaewo I do not listen to gossip 15. Ide I won’t fall 16. Idodo Flower 17. Idonije I will not err before rulers 18. Ife I am famous 19. Igbiti I am stoic 20. Oboareye Hand is used for living 21. Obofe Hand produces fame 22. Obozokha Hand creates success 23. Oduwa Carrier of wealth 24. Osiano From God we ask 25. Osikhuemhe God sanctified me 26. Osirenua God is the giver 27. Umodumhe Foreigners cannot move me 28. Unuevho Decision of the town 29. Uwaoghena Wealth of God 30. Vhazemeye You people should let me live Female Names Meaning 1. Abakhue How else could one be clean 2. Aghumeilei I only know my mind 3. Akhagboke If we ask the world to distribute 4. Ofe Grace5. Ojo Firstborn of twins 6. Omo Second born of twins 7. Omone Child is greater 1. Iguelaezo I do not Judge them 2. Ezolomhe They are not biased toward me 3. Obomeigie Is my hand I send – implies, I work and achieve with my hand 4. Anavherokha You can take refuge in the hand of a hero 5. Ayegbeni People do not wish each other to survive 6. Izelakhu I am beyond my enemies 7. Arugbele Foundation, what you achieve upon 8. Oshione God is the greatest 9. Ogiato Literally means thief but it’s given to children that are believed to have reincarnated 10. Anakhuagbo They do not run after life 11. Oshiomole God is the owner 12. Oshiorenua It is God who gives 13. Oshioke It is God who shares 14. Oyaoze it is because of somebody 15. Oyarebu Its somebody who makes people grow in number 16. Afebu For Family to grow 17. Okhuliaghue It is up (God) they look upon 18. Oyaighua It is sorrow I forbid 19. Oshiobugie It is God that creates way 20. Izuagbe They cannot kill me 21. Izuagie They cannot laugh at me 22. Ibinoze I checked very well before choosing 23. Ochuwa Somebody who brings wealth 24. Omuwa A child of wealth 25. Enaikele These are what I want26. Ekelebe I do not want enemies 27. Eleta They do not know how to talk 28. Emike What I want 29. Emake What people want 30. Otse Beauty 31. Orotseko Somebody that plants beauty 32. Onotse The good one 33. Osikhena It is God I am worried about 34. Osilama It is God I am begging 35. Etosteme They do not say good about me 36. Imoinegame I have those that worship me 37. Igezunia I have stopped complaining 38. Igenegbai Men are complete 39. Agbomeire It is my life I came to 40.Omokhomo A child is a child 41. Amanosi Nobody dictates to God 42. Amhanesi Nobody dictates to God 42. Amiosino You do not see God to ask 43. ALIMIKHENA It is heaven I am worried about 44. Amiemikhena I am not worried about anything 45. Efua Light 46. Imonikhe I have somebody I am waiting for 47. Imoagene I have a man 48. Anogbikpe They do not ask about insult 49. Iyokpa Oso Brother/Sister is good 50. Emeso Something good 51. Odufua Somebody who brings wealth 52. Imo-ochi I have a confidant 53. Onariame The one that is given to me54. Erhikhumi Father of medicine 55. Ethokhana I bear witness to your being a hero 56. Omokhefue It is a child that is wealth 57. Uki Moon 58. Oduaki Somebody that brings sales 59. Agbodebama Life does not always go according to plan 60.Aigbonoga You cannot kill somebody who worships 61. Udo Stone 62. Igiekhume Kings do not reject me 63. Igienekhume I am laughing at those who are after me. 64. Imoietseme I have those who wish me well 65. Urhekhia You are welcome 66.Emagede The next thing to be bought 67. Emikharu What I will have done 68. Emunorarura What

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How did the name “Etsako” come to be?

The Name Etsako How did the name “Etsako” come to be? The Etsako people derived their name from chiseling of teeth. The word ETSAKO mean those who chisel teeth. The tradition of the people living in this present day three Etsako local government areas of Edo North, exalt brides who when married were found to be virgins. In the past, when a man in the present day Etsako marries a girl and she is taken to bed and found to be a virgin, the husband will declare it to his family and that of the bride. Within Seven days a specialist teeth carver will be contacted to chisel the two down middle incisors of the woman’s teeth for a fee. The two teeth will be chiseled to a pointed shape which symbolizes she was a virgin when she got married. This is to identify women who were not defiled before marriage. The exercise is painful for the woman because it is done crudely. The woman endures it anyway because it carries the symbol of pride. After the carving, hot boiled yam will be placed on the gum portion of the teeth to heat it for some days so that the teeth will not have problem or decay. In some cases, the teeth change colour after some time because its foundation has been shaken and there was no proper medical treatment. The process is crude and unscientific. The carved teeth woman feels happy, because she carries a symbol that she was found to be a virgin. The man feels proud also that he was the one who made his wife a woman. Hence these people are known as the Etsako (Carved Teeth) people. This tradition has been abandoned since the 1970s. How can it be sustained? when less than ten percent of girls nowadays go to their husband’s home without their hymen. Civilization does not preach sanctity. Modernization mock girls who remain virgin even at the age of 18. Virginity is no longer celebrated, so no more carving of teeth for virgin wives but the name Etsako has come to stay. Dialects in Afemai THE LANGUAGE There are diverse dialects spoken in the six local government areas of Afemai, but the people had no central language before now. Four out of the six local government areas of the Edo North speak Etsako dialects, but there is no central Etsako language. ETSAKO LANGUAGE Etsako is one language fragmented into 15 dialects in the four local government areas of Edo North Senatorial district viz Etsako East, Etsako Central; Etsako West and Owan West. There is none of the 15 dialects that can claim to be the original because all are fragments of the main language. The Etsako language was spoken in Benin kingdom before the emigration to the present geographical area of the Etsako and Owan West local government area. Egocentrism could make some people claim that their dialect is the original Etsako language. This is not true. We have lost the knowledge of the original Etsako language as the people migrated from Benin many years ago. Harnessing all the dialects of Afemai into one basket now creates a new Afemai language that would stand the test of time. It is therefore important that all hands from Etsako, Owan and Akoko Edo people be joined together in this development of the general Afemai language: no other persons would do it better than ourselves. Etsako Language Research and Development Centre recently started the development of a central language from the dialects in the Senatorial District. The developed Etsako Language cuts across all the dialects of Afemai. You will notice this in the numeral and other books so far produced. This is to have a solid central Language for the people. There is need for it in this era as UNESCO is encouraging preservation of local languages. Why Etsako and Not Afemai Language Afemai is the North Senatorial District of Edo State. It is made up of six local governments areas viz: Etsako East Etsako West Etsako Central Akoko Edo Owan East Owan West The senatorial district of Afemai does not have common language. The name Afemai connotes “our people” and not “our language”. And since there is no common language for the people of Afemai, it is out of place to call Afemai a language. The Akoko Edo and the Owan people do not understand the Agbelos and the Yekhees. The Yekhee people do not understand the Owans and there is none that is central. Each of the clans in the Afemai District speak their different dialects, so there is none accepted as the Afemai language. The word Kukuruku is a derogatory name given to the Afemai people by the Nupe slave invaders during the slave trade era. Just as the Afemai is not a language, so also the word Kukuruku. We therefore have to pick the popular dialects or language which is Etsako, now developed as Afemai central or general language. Language Appropriate Etsako dialects spoken in the four local government areas is developed by Etsako Language Research and Development Centre for the purpose of having a central language for the Afemai people. The development of Etsako language is a synthesis and fusion of all the dialect in the six-local government of Afemai people using Yekhee as the main. The development of a new numeral, “Etsako New Numeral and Words” gave credence to this concept of a unified language. It made the counting broad and advanced that it broke the barrier that had limited the numeral prowess of our land. Some may criticize, attack or condemn the Centre for the bold step taken to reposition our mother tongue. We are not daunted by whatever attack against this patriotic idea but certainly we have left a legacy for generations to come. LikeShow more reactions Comment

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