A one day programme, “Nkwalite Asusu na Omenala Igbo”, has ended in Awka with a call on leaders at various levels to redouble efforts at saving Igbo language and culture from going extinct.
The event which held at the Cana House, Awka, attracted the presence of the Traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, as well as staff and students of Saint John of God Secondary school, Igwebuike Grammar School, Kenneth Dike Memorial Secondary School, Girls Secondary School all in Awka and Community Secondary School, Okpuno.
Correspondent, Joseph Egbeocha reports that some of the students, including Miss Chidera Emeka from Kenneth Dike Secondary School, Awka, Miss Nkemakonan Ekwunife from Saint John of God Secondary school, and Master Joshua Madubo from Igwebuike Grammar School, all in Awka, urged the state government to do more in promoting Igbo language and culture by giving motivations to Igbo teachers and those willing to study Igbo language in higher institutions..
Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Tony Ezenwaka, explained that language and culture are strong identities of a people, which must be promoted.
Mr. Ezenwaka, who noted that his ministry, through the support of Governor Willie Obiano, will continue promote Igbo language and culture , said efforts at saving Igbo identity should
go beyond Governor Obiano’s directive that made speaking and wearing Igbo attires official in schools and government affairs.
Earlier in a paper presentation, Doctor Arinze Agbanusi of Philosophy Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, explained that National Policy on Education stipulates that every child should be taught in their indigenous language at early school age, regretting that many parents discourage their wards from speaking Igbo language at home.
Drama, as well as different cultural presentations added glamour to the event.
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