| The Colanut, a constant in Igbo celebrations and ceremonies |
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra on Tuesday said he would float a
radio station that would broadcast its programmes in Igbo language.
He made this known during a public event organised by an Igbo
cultural society known as “Otu suwakwa Igbo’’ headed by former
Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Pita Ejioforon.
The governor said “this is my contribution toward preventing the Igbo language from going into extinction.”
Mr. Obiano expressed dismay at the failure of parents to teach their children the Igbo language and culture.
He added that henceforth, pupils in the state would wear Igbo traditional attire to school every Wednesday.
According to him, folklore will be taught to primary school children every Wednesday evening.
The governor said that the Igbo folklore he learnt while growing up
had helped in shaping his behaviour and guided his relationship with
other people till date.
“Igbo folklore is powerful in building morals and values. I can’t
forget my late primary school teacher and the way he used Igbo folklore
to teach us great lessons.
“Even as a governor, those stories about the tortoise and other animals still guide my life.”
He assured the Igbo cultural society that the state government would
strengthen the law that would make it mandatory for all to communicate
in Igbo language and wear traditional attire on Wednesdays.
Former National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Victor
Umeh, described language and religion as the true identities of a
people.
He said “we should not allow Igbo language to die as predicted. For
me, I have Igbo odour and I smell Igbo; my red cap is my joy as an Igbo
man.”
In her remarks, Stella Onuorah, the Commissioner for Diaspora
Affairs, Culture and Tourism, appealed to the Igbo in the Diaspora to
strive to teach their children the language and inculcate in them the
cultural values.
(NAN)
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