NDI IGBO UNITE TO PRESERVE IGBO LANGUAGE, SAYS INFORMATION COMMISSIONER MEFOR

By Obianuju Umeh :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor has called on ndi Igbo to promote and sustain Igbo language

Dr Mefor gave this charge at the 2024 celebration of Asusu Igbo ga- adigide organised by Anambra State Library board,

He revealed that Igbo language is amongst the listed world endangered languages.

The information boss frowned at parents who rebuke their children that speak Igbo , urging them to be at the forefront in making sure that their children speak their mother tongue.

He mentioned Igbo audio visual tapes as one of the gadgets to help children learn Igbo language.

Dr Mefor advised state government to be intentional about promoting Igbo Language by giving scholarship to Igbo language scholars

He pledged the support of Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Information to help promote and preach the importance of sustaining Igbo language to a wider audience.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Director, Anambra State Library, Mrs Obioma Obalum said that the annual programme was aimed at promoting Igbo language and culture , noting that language is one’s identity.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof L.O Ezenweke of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, commended the efforts of the library for hosting such programme and advised the students to know their native mother tongue as well as central Igbo.

Speaking on the theme , ‘Umu ntorobia Igbo: Agwa bụ nma’ , Prof Nkechinyere Nwokoye of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka urged the youths to imbibe good behavioural traits. She listed truthfulness, kind heartdness, forgiveness amongst others as traits of good behaviour.

Prof Nwokoye advised the youths to shun drug abuse and avoid any form of misbehaviour

In his remark, the traditional ruler of Umuawulu, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, frowned at parents who do not speak Igbo language to their children, charging them to retrace their steps.

Competition on essay writing and spelling in Igbo language, cultural dances and presentation of gifts formed high point of the event.