Abia Reaffirms Commitment to Igbo Language, Culture

Abia Reaffirms Commitment to Igbo Language, Culture

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the promotion and preservation of the Igbo language, culture and values, particularly among the younger generation.

The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, spoke at the second edition of Ekeremgba Akpauche, an Igbo language and cultural competition. He emphasized the need for collective action to safeguard Igbo identity, noting that the survival of the language and culture depends on deliberate and sustained efforts.

Governor Otti commended the Catholic Diocese of Aba for sustaining the initiative, describing it as timely and critical in the face of growing cultural erosion.

He urged other Igbo-speaking states and institutions to emulate the programme, stressing that the preservation of language and cultural heritage is a shared responsibility.

In his remarks, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, Most Rev. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, expressed gratitude to the convener of the event, Rev. Fr. Onyinyechi Anaeto, for creating a platform that enables children to learn, appreciate and express themselves in the Igbo language. He also appreciated the Abia State Government for its support and representation at the event.

The convener, Rev. Fr. Onyinyechi Anaeto, called for the integration of the Igbo language into formal education and everyday life. He appealed for the use of Igbo translations in state projects and improved welfare for Igbo language teachers. According to him, Ekeremgba Akpauche is designed to showcase students’ intellectual abilities through the Igbo language and to encourage stakeholders to invest more in promoting indigenous values.

The competition featured activities such as Arumaru Uka (debate), Akpo Aza (question and answer) and Ikpo Uga (traditional game), with 25 secondary schools participating and displaying their linguistic skills and cultural knowledge.