6TH ADA ANAOCHA UNVEILS ASUSU IGBO NA EGWU ODINANA AS 2023 PET PROJECT

By Chioma Abigail Mbah, Awka

“Igbo language has taken me to different places of the world. It made me what I am today”, so stated Professor Nkechinyere Nwokoye,

Director Center For Arts, Culture And Humanities, Nnamdi Azikiwe University , Unizik Awka. She illustrated feats Unizik has recorded under Prof Esimone across the globe via Igbo language and her Directorate.

Prof Nwokoye represented the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone at the unveiling ceremony of Asusu Igbo na Egwu Odinana ,the Pet Project of 6th Ada Anaocha 2023

Prof Esimone spoke on the salient nature of Igbo language and it’s characteristics, encouraging the participants drawn from Schools in Anaocha to learn Igbo language because language is the greatest asset of a nation.

Contributing, the Anambra state Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, spoke against the policy of schools depriving students the joy of speaking their language by making them pay fines or serving punishment if they speak in classroom. He enumerated three ways of learning a language viz speaking it at home, speaking it in school and reading texts on the language.

Comrade Odogwu pledged to partner with 6th Ada Anaocha 2023 in her PET PROJECT titled Asusu Igbo na Egwu Odinana, if approached in that regards.

The Anambra State Council Chairman if NUJ, Comrade Odogwu spoke on the need to encourage other aspects of our culture aside language like etiquette, delicacy, dress code and good moral to mention but a few.

In her remarks earlier, the 6th Ada Anaocha 2023, Queen Chinagozim Eziuzo insisted that
“The Igbo language is a characteristic of the Igbo tribe. We should learn and know it so that it won’t go into extinction”.

Queen Chinagozim spoke passionately about her project of enhancing Igbo language and culture,even as she asked for the assistance of all on projecting the igbo language and culture.

In addition, she proposed an Igbo language and culture competition among all secondary schools in Anaocha LGA, of which she would issue mouth watering prizes to the first three winners.

She appealed for support from everyone to ensure she carries out her project to fruition before the end of her tenure.

According to the General Manager Ada Anaocha Organization, Cosmas Okwudili, the project was founded in 2018 and has completed so many projects till this year and feels happy when the 6th Ada Anaocha 2023 made her project a unique one by focusing on Igbo language and culture.

Speaking further, Okwudili said: ” I acknowledge the keynote speaker and Anambra state Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD for his lecture and others for honouring the event.

According to www.odogwublog.com reporter, a popular nollywood actor Nze Stephen Anajemba aka Uwaezuoke, who stole the show was in company of the Senatorial candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), for Anambra Central Senatorial zone, Princess Barr Helen Mbakwe. Mbakwe wants the students to always abide by rules and regulations for a better Nigeria.

Uwaezuoke caused an uproar as the students were astonished and excited as well to see him. He encouraged the project and advised everyone to cherish Igbo language and culture.

Other schools aside the host school, Lorreto Secondary school were in attendance including Flora Azikiwe Secondary school, Burbendoff Secondary School Obeledu, Community secondary schools Obeledu, Akwaeze, Adazi-Enu, Adazi-Ani, Ichida, Neni and others.

www.odogwublog.com reports that dignitaries at the event included but not limited to Senator Uche Ekwunife representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone in the senate who came 10 am event by 5 pm;
Mrs Gloria Nkiru Obeleagu, Principal Obeledu Community Secondary School & Chairperson All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) Anaocha Chapter;
Chief Ben Onugbolu
Ichie Okenwa
Chairman Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anaocha Chapter.

Others were HOS Quality Assurance Anaocha,
Mrs Ikejiofor Emelda and
Officer In Charge Anaocha Education Authority,l who insisted teachers and school administratora should guide the students to ensure they enter for Igbo language in the external exams as many do not include the subject in external exams.
Mrs Obunadike MaryRose as well as Principal
Loretto Special Science School, Adazi Nnukwu,
Lady Eugenia Okafor