In a bid to promote the use of Igbo language, Abia State Government has vowed to work towards making Igbo language a compulsory subject in it’s curriculum.
This statement was made by the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu who was a guest of honour in the final day of an Igbo themed competition “Ekere Mgba Akpauche” , organised by
Catholic Diocese of Aba, Abia State.
In his words “the new Abia is interested in reviving Igbo language by trying to see how we will make Igbo compulsory in the curriculum and should be given a priority by the South-East Governors while making it compulsory at all levels of education”.
He noted that it is unfortunate that Igbo language had been overtaken by the English language, thereby confirming a prediction of it’s extinction in a short while.
Emetu commended Catholic Diocese of Aba and other organisations for all their efforts towards the revitalization and revival of Igbo language. He however, regretted that most Igbo parents and guardians contribute to the loss of prestige and flavour of Igbo language because they do not like to use Igbo language in their homes.
“There is urgent need for attitudinal change towards the language by parents and young Igbo people, especially those born outside Igbo speaking states and in the Diaspora”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Bishop of Aba Diocese, Rev, Fr, Augustine Echema, commended the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu for making out time to be part of their Igbo themed programme and for being an ardent supporter of the revival of Igbo language which he pointed out seemed to be going into extinction.
Rev. Fr. Echema also commended the host of the programme, Rev. Fr. Onyinye Anaeto for coming up with the idea of an Igbo themed programme for students inorder to encourage the use of Igbo as an indigenous language in eastern Nigeria.
He advised that people should learn how to embrace their culture and also come up with ideas of things that will move the society forward .
In his speech, the host of the programme, Rev. Fr. Onyinye Anaeto revealed that the desire to show that speaking your indigenous language does not make you an unintelligent person, birthed the desire to organize an Igbo themed programme where school students come together and compete and showcase their intelligent quotient using Igbo language.
He urged parents to teach their children how to speak Igbo at home.
In his words, “the culture of transfer of knowledge through primary socialization should not be overlooked; the indebt igbo root and culture, especially proverbs, parables and folktales should be taught to the children. Our Igbo identity should be known even in Diaspora”.
These he emphasized will prevent Igbo language, culture and roots from going into extinction.
The highlight of the event was the display of Igbo debate competition on society values by two schools; St. Paul Secondary School, Aba ukwu and St. Mary College, Abayi Ariaria respectively, being the schools that survived the various competition among sixteen schools that participated in the programme.
