The Eze-elect of Ogwuaga Abba Autonomous Community in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State, His Royal Highness, Eze Okezie Chikere Akwiwu has stressed the need to institutionalize Igbo language in schools to avoid its likely extinction.
The monarch stated this shortly after his emergence as the traditional ruler of the community on Sunday, 30th of August 2020, through an election in which Ogwuaga indigenes voted to select their Eze.
According to the monarch, Igbo language as well as other norms which have formed the identity of the Igbos should be held in high esteem.
He regretted that students are no longer taught Igbo language in schools, expressing fear of its extinction.
“One of my cardinal duties as the new traditional ruler of Abba community is to ensure that our tradition is reinvigorated and the people are empowered economically through skill acquisition programs.
“Our people should add value to our tradition because it is our only identity. Look at the Yorubas and Hausas, they don’t joke with their language.
“Igbo is rich in tradition. Let us all join hands together to save our tradition from collapse,” he said.
Eze Ohazurumee and Ohamadik the second further advised his subjects to join the campaign of projecting the Igbo culture and tradition to reclaiming its enviable position in the international community.
He reaffirmed his commitment in revitalizing those aspects of Igbo culture and tradition, which are in consonant with Christian faith, but had been neglected over the years.
