The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the promotion and preservation of the Igbo language, culture and values, particularly among young people.
Governor Otti who was ably represented by his Deputy ,Engr Ikechukwu Emetu,stated this on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic College (CKC), Aba, while declaring open the second edition of Ekeremgba Akpauche, an Igbo language and cultural competition organised by the Catholic Diocese of Aba
The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE.
Speaking on behalf of theGovernor,commended the Catholic Diocese of Aba for sustaining the initiative, describing it as timely and critical to the preservation of Igbo identity in the face of growing cultural erosion.
He noted that education, culture and character development remain central pillars of the Abia State Government’s development agenda.
The Governor called on other Igbo-speaking states and institutions to emulate the initiative, stressing that the preservation of language and cultural heritage is a collective responsibility. He urged students to take pride in their language and culture and encouraged stakeholders to continue investing in programmes that promote indigenous values.
He also appreciated the organisers, teachers and parents for their dedication and assured the Catholic Diocese of Aba of the continued support of the Abia State Government before officially declaring the programme open.
In his opening remarks, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, Most Rev. Augustine Ndubueze Echema ,represented by Rev Fr Dr Anthony Chukwuma, thanked the convener of Ekeremgba Akpauche, Rev. Fr. Onyinyechi Anaeto, for successfully organising the programme for the second consecutive year. He noted that the event provides children with the opportunity to learn, speak and appreciate Igbo as their indigenous language.
Bishop Echemba also thanked the Deputy Governor for honouring the invitation and commended the Alex Otti-led administration for its consistent policies that prioritise education and meaningful development in Abia State.
In his address, the chief organiser of the programme, Rev. Fr. Onyinyechi Anaeto, explained that Ekeremgba Akpauche was designed to showcase the intellectual prowess of students through the Igbo language. He said the competition features activities such as Arumaru Uka (debate), Akpo Aza (question and answer) and Ikpo Uga (traditional game), with participation from 25 selected secondary schools, including Christ the King College.
Fr. Anaeto emphasised the need to integrate the Igbo language into formal education and daily productive activities, including the naming of inventions and projects originating from Igbo-speaking states. He appealed to the state government to consider providing Igbo translations alongside English names for major state projects and to improve allowances for Igbo language teachers to encourage more interest in the profession.
“Omenala bu ntọala—let us take pride in our language and make it known,” he said.
The event featured colourful Igbo choral renditions, debates, quizzes and traditional games. Dignitaries in attendance included Reverend Fathers, notable government officials and the Member representing Aba South State Constituency, Hon. Ucheonye Stephen Akachukwu, among others.
