Anambra State Library Board Celebrates ‘Asusu Igbo Ga Adigide’ In Awka

Anambra State Library Board has called for sustenance of Igbo language through effective teaching, learning and speaking of Igbo language.

The Director Anambra State Library Services, Dr. Nkechi Udeze made the call while speaking at this year’s celebration of ‘Asusu Igbo Ga Adigide’, organized by the Board at Prof. Kenneth Dike Central E-Library Awka with the theme “Our Language, Our Identity, Our Cultural Heritage”.

Staff reporter Njideka Okoye reports that Dr. Udeze said that the annual programme was aimed at promoting Igbo language and culture in the society, urging Ndi Igbo to be proud of their identity wherever they find themselves by speaking it and wearing of Igbo attire.

She urged people to put more effort in writing of Igbo books and literature to encourage reading and learning of Igbo language.

The Anambra state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba represented by the Director of Information in the ministry, Mr Anthony Nweke, commended the organizers, saying it is in line with state government’s effort in promoting Igbo language and called on the National University Commission and Education management to also design education Curriculum in Igbo language to promote teaching of all courses and subjects with Igbo language as well.

Mr. Adinuba urged parents to start teaching and speaking Igbo language to their children at home for them to be conversant with the language.

The chairman on the occasion and the Vice President Ohaneze Ndigbo World-wide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, said that people’s attire speaks more of their identity, urging them to stop looking down on Igbo tradition and attire, noting that tradition is different from idolatry.

A keynote speaker at the event, Prof. Nkechinyere Nwokoye who charged students to develop interest in Igbo language as language is people’s identity, listed benefits of Igbo language and how to project it through dressing, conversation among others.

On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to governor Willie Obiano on Social Re-orientation Dr. Mitchel Onugbolu who commended the initiative, called on Ndi Igbo to be proud of their language as other tribes through speaking it, answering their Igbo names and wearing of Igbo attire.

In their remarks, the traditional ruler of Nibo, Eze Michael Ngene and a Principal Senior Lecturer Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe, Reverend Father Fidelis Onwudufor, blamed parents who do not speak Igbo language to their children at home, urging them to retrace their step to save Igbo language.

Other speakers  at the event suggested ways to revive Igbo language and culture.

Competition on speaking, writing and usage of Igbo language, cultural dances and other displays by students and presentation of prizes featured at the event.