Anambra Diaspora ministry canvasses revival of Igbo identities
Anambra State ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism has called for adequate promotion of Igbo identities in all gathering of Igbos.
This came up after UNESCO’s prediction that Igbo language would go into extinction by 2025.
Speaking in an event at Cana House, Awka, Commissioner for Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Barrister Sally Mbanefor, regretted that some parents have failled in their duties as part of machineries that would uphold Igbos identity.
Barrister Mbanefor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Tony Ezenwaka, said the essence of the programme was to properly educate the youths on the benefits of identifying with their language.
The the programme with the theme “Promoting Igbos Language and Culture” was well attended by the representatives of students (both secondary and Tertiary) of different schools in the state.
She said: “Igbo have reach cultural identities, which are seen in our language, dancing, and singing among others.
“We need to join hands in promoting our culture. Parents should teach their children our local Igbo language.
“It is because of this that Anambra State Government mapped out every Wednesday for Igbo speaking across the state. So Igbo language is everyone’s responsibility”.
In his remark, Chairman in the occasion, who also is the Deputy Chairman, Awka South, Mr. Chimdiebere Okah, stressed that Igbo names had symbolism with God, such as “Chukwunenye”.
Delivering his lecture, a lecturer from the Department of Philosophy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Dr. Arinze Agbanusi, said a dead language is a dead nation.
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Dr. Agbanusi, whose lecture was titiled “Inevitability in the Promotion of Igbo Language and Culture” traced the dying nature of Igbo identities from the emmergence of westernisation.
He, however, charged all and sundry to promote Igbo language in their gatherings and activities.
