By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, has commended the Southeast Zonal Management of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) for launching a campaign aimed at ensuring the Igbo language is preserved, spoken, and maintained across the Southeast. “The Igbo language conveys our core values, lifestyle, and norms, which define us as vibrant, industrious, friendly, hospitable, and positive,” he remarked.
He made this statement during a courtesy visit from the management of NTA Channel 5, Awka, at his office in the Jerome Udorji Secretariat, Awka.
He noted that since the predictions in 2012 suggested that the Igbo language might become extinct, various groups have emerged with initiatives to safeguard it. “Under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, efforts have not only focused on preserving the language but also on eradicating traditional practices like ‘Oki ite’ used for crimes, and sanitising the traditional religion.”
Mr. Onyenji urged parents to teach their children the Igbo language first. “It is better for children to learn our language before other languages. I support this programme as a valuable effort to promote our language, culture, and identity,” he affirmed.
Mrs. Franca Uzoma-Olua, General Manager of NTA Channel 5, Awka, expressed gratitude for the warm reception. She explained that their visit was to inform the Commissioner about the “Igbo Efuna” programme, initiated by their Southeast Zonal Director, aimed at preventing the extinction of the Igbo language.
“Many families do not teach their children Igbo, and even students in primary and secondary schools struggle to speak, read, or write it. That’s why we are advocating for this initiative, which will be held across the Southeast. Enugu hosted the first event last year, and this year, it is our turn in Anambra State to host it on March 27,” she said.
The Programme Coordinator of Igbo Efuna, Mr. Jude Echewodo, also mentioned that the programme will feature competitions of various types which include the recitation of Igbo proverbs, idioms, poems, folklores, and translation from English to Igbo, among other engaging activities.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
