Nwifuru, Egwu, and other leaders push for Igbo cultural and linguistic resurgence

Governor Francis Nwifuru, former governor Sam Egwu, and the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Michael Awoke, have urged swift action to safeguard Igbo culture and language from extinction, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to preserve these vital aspects of their heritage.

This call to action was made during a cultural carnival and art exhibition held at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Hall, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, an event organized by the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation to showcase African and Nigerian culture, with a particular focus on Ebonyi State.

The event's primary objective was to foster partnerships with stakeholders to preserve Igbo heritage, according to the leader of the group and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba, who stated that the initiative aimed to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.

Prof. Ogba noted that the event was designed to highlight the significance of Ebonyi's history, which predates modern times, saying "We are showcasing African culture, Nigerian culture, but most importantly, Ebonyi people's culture, to tell the world that Ebonyi has a history that predates modern times."

The event also featured an art exhibition and the launch of a book titled Echoes of a Regal Throne, providing a platform for the celebration and preservation of Igbo culture.

Governor Nwifuru, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezuruike, expressed the state government's commitment to sustaining Igbo culture, particularly the language, while also condemning the attacks and killings of traditional rulers, emphasizing the need for their protection.

He stressed that the lives of traditional rulers must not be taken lightly, saying "We understand the importance of protecting lives and property, particularly those of our traditional rulers."

Former governor Sam Egwu described the killing of traditional rulers as unfortunate and unacceptable, noting that they remain custodians of culture and tradition, and advocated for legal backing to guarantee their protection.

Egwu, represented by former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. John Otu, emphasized that traditional rulers should enjoy the same level of protection as political office holders, saying "If security is provided for political office holders, there is no reason traditional rulers should not enjoy the same level of protection."

He called on the National and State Assemblies to enact laws to guarantee the security of traditional rulers, stressing the importance of legal protection for these custodians of culture and tradition.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Awoke, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Michael Aja Nwachukwu, commended the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation for promoting Igbo culture and tradition through the event.

The foundation empowered artists with over ?1.5 million during the exhibition, which is part of the Ogbaekirigwe Legacy Project aimed at preserving cultural heritage in the South-East.

President of One Youth Global, Uchechukwu Agbo, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between government and non-governmental organisations to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage in Ebonyi, Nigeria, and across Africa.