Ozioma Odinani Lecture: Ndigbo Urged To Promote Language, Culture

The out-going Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Afam Mbanefo, has advised Ndigbo to join hands in promoting Igbo language, culture and tradition.

He gave the advice during Ozioma Odinani lecture series in Igbo language organized by the Anambra Broadcasting Service, Mirioma Communications and Ozioma Odinala Movement at the Professor Kenneth Dike E-library in Awka.

The programme which has three series including, Promoting Igbo culture, standardization of traditional marriage and understanding tradition; Igbo spirituality” was tagged Ka anyị tụọ Alo Asusu, Omenala na Odinala Igbo.

Commissioner Mbanefo who has been moved to the Ministry of Youth Entrepreneurship and Creative Economy in the recent cabinet reshuffle, underscored the need to enhance and revive Igbo language, culture and tradition so that it will not go into extinction adding that Governor Willie Obiano is pleased in seeing that youth activities in the state blossoms.

In a speech, the Director Anambra State Library Services, Dr. Nkechi Udeze who spoke on the importance of library in promoting Igbo language stated that library plays active role in cultural promotion and preservation through the acquisition of variety of information materials on the local culture and tradition of the people.

In their presentations, the Traditional ruler of Ifitedunu, Igwe Emeka Ilouno and the Crown Prince of Akwunubi kingdom, Dr. Mcginger Ibeneme, whose messages centred on promoting traditional marriage for it to be certified like other forms of marriage ,stressed that couples should be given certificate during their traditional marriage.

Earlier in their opening speeches, the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Chief Uche Nworah and initiator of Ozioma Odinani, Mr. Chukwubudike Ugboajah, who co-sponsored the events stressed that non-promotion of language is a common problem which is affecting both Igbo culture and tradition adding that every community in Igboland should embrace and promote Igbo language as it will help in the development of their culture.

Other speakers include the Managing Director and Editor in Chief of Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, publishers of National Light Sir Chuka Nnabuife, the Treasurer Ogbako Odinani worldwide, Chief Ikenna Nwachukwu, the founder Relief Pitch International Enugu,
Mrs. Chinemerem Anyị and Prince Ifeoma-Mmebe Ojiakor and many others .

The event featured a question and answer segment on effective ways of reviving Igbo culture.