Speaker Uchenna Ugwu pledges continued support for promoting Igbo language and culture, emphasizing the importance of teaching future generations
The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, has reiterated his commitment to supporting and promoting the Igbo language and culture, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
He made the pledge during an event commemorating International Mother Language Day 2025 in Enugu, organised by Igbo Efula, an indigenous NGO focused on the promotion of Igbo language and culture.
In his address, Ugwu stressed the collective responsibility of every Igbo person to pass down the language and cultural heritage to the next generation. “We all have a duty to teach our children the Igbo language, culture, and our rich heritage as Ndigbo,” he said.
He also expressed his delight in seeing secondary school students actively participating in activities related to the promotion of Igbo culture.
Ugwu assured attendees that the Enugu State House of Assembly would continue to support initiatives aimed at preserving the Igbo language, ensuring that it does not go extinct.
Ugwu commended Igbo Efula for its national recognition and continuous efforts to advance Igbo language, culture, and heritage. His sentiments were echoed by Dame Ugochi Madueke, the Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, who praised Igbo Efula for its long-standing commitment to the cause.
She emphasised that while everyone has a role in promoting the Igbo language, parents have a particularly important responsibility in teaching their children to speak Igbo at home.
The event also saw contributions from Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu (Ogadagidi), Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, who pledged the support of traditional rulers in advancing the Igbo language and culture. He also extended his support to organisations like Igbo Efula that are working towards the same goal.
Prince Chukwuemeka Onyesoh (Oba Agbalanze), the Chairman of the event, urged Igbo Efula to explore partnerships with other organisations dedicated to promoting the Igbo language.
He expressed his admiration for Igbo Efula’s work and encouraged all participants to take active roles in supporting the language in their homes and communities.
Former Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Igbo Efula, called for continued support for the organisation’s efforts to revive and promote the Igbo language.
Agubuzu expressed his gratitude to the dignitaries who attended the event, acknowledging their role in fostering the growth of the Igbo language and culture.
In his opening address, Mazi Ikechukwu Oji, President of Igbo Efula, stressed the need for a stronger emphasis on making the younger generation realise the importance of speaking Igbo fluently without any sense of compulsion.
He also called for greater support from various levels of government and stakeholders in the Igbo film and music industry, which he identified as key to promoting the language on a global scale.
The event served as a reminder of the critical need for collective efforts to preserve the Igbo language and culture, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
Through collaboration between government, traditional leaders, and organisations like Igbo Efula, the promotion of Igbo language remains a top priority in Enugu State.
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