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Story by Dili Utomi
Language has been described as the strongest medium of transmitting culture and social reality because it influences thought and conduct. Speaking last Sunday at the public presentation of a book for basic Igbo learners, Chief (Sir) Duke Iyke Ezeh, President of Ọgbakọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos, said that “language allows us to share our ideas, thoughts and feelings with others. It also has the power to build and tear down societies”. He said that Ọgbàkọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos, a non-profit organisation was formed to promote and preserve the Igbo language following the prediction of the United Nations’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) that the Igbo language faces the risk of a possible extinction by 2050. “It is against this background that we formed the body to avoid language death. We encourage parents to speak Igbo to their children at home and get private Igbo language teachers for their children. We also organize a five-week summer holiday Igbo language classes for our children in some designated centres in Lagos every year”, Chief Ezeh said. He further disclosed that in 2024 the association plans to increase the number of the centres for Igbo language study in Lagos.
The book launch.
Unveiling the 135-page book, Chief Uche Obi, SAN, (Omenuko), a notable corporate lawyer commended the association for the thoughtfulness and diligence in producing a book to help children to learn how to write and speak the Igbo language. Production of such a book, he said, is crucial in the revitalization of the Igbo language. He called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to support the efforts of Ọgbakọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos in promoting and preserving the language. Titled ‘Kà Ànyi Mu Asusu Igbọ’ (Let us Learn Igbo Language), the book was commissioned and sponsored by Ọgbakọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos. Written by Prof. Chigozie Nnabuihe of University of Lagos, the book covers basic numerals names of objects and animals, proverbs, culture and mores. Both Igbo and non-Igbo can read the book because it has English subtitles. According to Chief Ezeh, there are plans to sell the book on Amazon and other online platforms.
The occasion featured an Igbo news presentation, readings by the children and cultural dances by the Igbo Medical students of the University of Lagos. Chief Anayo Nwosu (Ikenga) gave an insightful and revealing talk on the concept of ‘Ezi na Ulo’ in Igbo cosmology. Prominent corporate individuals, notable business men, and culture enthusiasts attended the event. They included Dr. Tony Onyima (Ife Idemili), Chief Jude Obiakor (Owelle), Chief Uzo Ikonkwo (Ugonwanne), Chief Ifeanyi Ezehokolie, Chief Kelechi Nwuba, Chief (Engr) Jude Amadi, Chief Emmanuel Ezeh, Chief Michael Onuoha, Mazi Charles Obiora, Chief Emeka Okoye (Ezenwa),
and Chief Okey Nwosu (Okenwa). Other prominent personalities who attended are Chief Chinedu Okorie (Isimiri), Chief Tony Okoye (Chikwado), Chief Ifeanyi Ogbunude (Nnabuenyi), Chief Law Offodile (Udunabo), Dr. Patrick Uwakwe (Ugwumba), Chief Sebastian Okonkwo (NwaEzehfunamba), Chief Obinna Nwosu (Ochendo), and Chief Joe Ikeji (Akunwafor), Chief Joseph Agbasi (Nwachinemelu), Barr. ChinwEzeh Ukwuoma, Engr. Remi Oguamanam, and a host of others.
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