The Imo State Government has called on the Igbo people to embrace their heritage, expressing concern over a lack of Igbo language pride among the younger generation

The Imo State Government has urged the Igbo people to take pride in their culture and language, expressing regret that many Igbo individuals appear ashamed of speaking their native tongue.

Also read: Enugu Speaker pledges continued support for Igbo language, culture

Speaking at the BYAN Black Month Celebration in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the state Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Jerry Egemba, observed that the current generation of Igbo youth does not exhibit sufficient pride in their cultural heritage, particularly their mother tongue, the Igbo language.

He stressed that parents must actively work to teach their children the language, which he described as their fundamental identity.

“This Black History Month celebration is not just about the past, it is about who we are and where we are going. It is about embracing our identity, telling our own stories and building a future, where our culture and values remain strong and respected globally,” Commissioner Egemba stated.

He commended the Blazing Youngsters and Achievers Network (BYAN) for their dedication to youth development and cultural preservation in organising the event in partnership with the Ministry.

“As a government, we will continue to support initiatives that uplift our youths, promote our cultural heritage and position Imo State as a hub for creativity, talent and tourism,” he affirmed.

However, Mr. Egemba expressed concern based on observations at the event. “What I have seen today shows that parents must do more to teach their children the Igbo language as majority of the students who participated in the question and answer on Igbo did not have a full grasp of the language, which shows that parents are not proud of speaking the language to their children, and if this trend continues, it means that the Igbo language is endangered,” he warned.

The Chairman of the event and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Modestus Osakwe, echoed these sentiments, commending the organisers. “It is difficult to talk about a people without history.

When history was removed from the secondary school curriculum, I was taken aback because it is through history that we learn who we are, which includes the culture, value and traditions of the people.

And cultural values, including our language, are transmitted from generation to generation,” Mr. Osakwe noted, expressing his satisfaction with the event organised by the “blazing youngsters.”

Earlier, the President of BYAN, Mrs Adanna Abatan, stated that the event was a “re-affirmation of our identity, tribute to the towering achievements of our icons and renewal of our collective commitment of preserving the legacies that define us as a people.”

Represented by Prince Chima Uchenna Okoro, Mrs. Abatan emphasised BYAN’s mission to empower youths, inspire future achievers, and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting the successful roles of figures like Onyeka Onwenu, Dr K O Mbadiwe, and Chioma Ajunwa.