The Anambra State Library has called for the sustenance of the Igbo Language through effective teaching, learning, and speaking of the Language.
The Director, of Anambra State Library Services, Dr. Nkechi Udeze, made this call at this year’s celebration organised by the Anambra State library at Prof Kenneth Dike State Central e-library, Awka.
“This annual programme is geared towards promoting the Igbo language and culture in our society.
“The Igbos should be proud of their identity wherever they find themselves by speaking the language and wearing their cultural attire,” Dr. Udeze admonished.
The Director charged the State Government and other South Eastern Libraries in Nigeria to emulate Anambra State Library and map out a day to celebrate nationwide.
In their separate remarks, the traditional ruler of Nibo, Eze Michael Ngene, and the traditional ruler of Umuawulu, Igwe Juhel Egwuonwu blamed parents who do not speak the Igbo language to their children at home urging them to retrace their steps.
In the same vein the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka commended the effort of the organisers and promised a prize for next year’s competition on essay writing in the Igbo language.
The Chairman of the occasion and Vice President Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide implored the Igbos to showcase their culture to the world.
“People’s attires speak volumes of their identity; we should stop looking down on their culture and flaunt it.” He also advised Ndigbo to desist from unnecessary killings and crimes as Igbos are not known for such.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Nkechineyere Nwokoye charged students to develop an interest in the Igbo language, saying that language is the people’s identity. She listed the benefits of speaking the Igbo language and how to project it through dressing and conversation among others.
Prof. Nwokoye advised the participants to be their brother’s keepers and to avoid anything that would maim others.
The event attracted schoolchildren, scholars of the Igbo Language, librarians, and traditional rulers.
The highlights of the event were a competition on Igbo speaking and writing, cultural dance, and the presentation of prizes.
Dominica Nwabufo
