The member representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Henry Nwawuba has hailed the efforts of Mrs. Nnenna Ihebom in the production of a monolingual Igbo language dictionary titled ‘Okowata Oba Mpkurukwu Igbo’.
Hon. Nwawuba who was present at the public presentation of the dictionary at the Pastoral Center Whederal Road Owerri, Imo State on Thursday March 31, 2016, said it was an honour to have her as a constituent, and will do everything possible to push the book to a national level through his office.
The dictionary which is above 900 pages; with more than 12,600 entries, explained in more than 180,000 original Igbo words touched all dialects of the language and also throwing more light on words that religious sanctity has sent on extinction.
Having a dictionary which explains Igbo words in Igbo language has been seen as a unique fit for Nnenna Ihebom and an associate of Hon. Nwawuba, Mr. Emeka Eziakonwa described the work as a masterpiece that should be celebrated globally by Igbos, promising to introduce it to Igbos in the diaspora especially in the United States if America.
Hon. Henry Nwawuba further pledged his support to other authors working on the revitalization of Igbo language especially in his constituency. He encouraged parents to embrace the language and make sure they teach their children because it the only way to keep it alive.
On the lingering national budget, the lawmaker said it is not the first time the National Assembly is passing the summary of a budget, adding that it has happened in the regime of other presidents. He said they are aware of the hardship Nigerians are facing because of the delays, urging everyone to be patient as they are working round the clock to sort it out.
