By Omenihu Alfred fibmn
Painstakingly and passionately, a popular but non-profit organization group refered as “Ọgbàkọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos, has kept hope alive especially with regards to UNESCO’s prediction and classification of Igbo language as one language that is faced by threat of extinction by 2050 if nothing is done to reverse the trend by its speakers. This elite group, on 3rd of December unveiled a well researched Igbo tutorial book with English translation in a bid to create lots of sensitization among Igbo race and Igbo language lovers across the globe because when a language is gone, culture is gone. It means that identity has gone too.
Language has been described as the strongest medium of transmitting culture and social reality because it influences thought and conduct. Speaking last Sunday at the public presentation of a book for basic Igbo learners, Sir Duke Iyke Ezeh, President of Ọgbakọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos, said that “language allows us to share our ideas, thoughts and feelings with others. It also has the power to build and tear down societies”.
Furthermore, he said that Ọgbàkọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos, was formed to promote and preserve the Igbo language following the prediction of the United Nations’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that the Igbo language faces the risk of a possible extinction in the next by 2050. “We encourage parents to speak Igbo to their children and get private Igbo language teachers for their children. We also organize a five-week summer holiday Igbo language classes for our children in some designated centres in Lagos every year”, Chief Ezeh said. He further disclosed that in 2024 the association plans to increase the number of centres for Igbo language study in Lagos.
Unveiling the 135-page book, Chief Uche Obi, SAN, (Omenuko), a notable corporate lawyer commended the association for its thoughtfulness and diligence in producing a book to help children to learn how to write and speak the Igbo language. Production of the book, he said, is crucial in the revitalization of the Igbo language. He called on well-meaning individuals and organizations to support the efforts of Ọgbakọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos in promoting and preserving the language.
Titled ‘Kà Ànyi Mu Asusu Igbọ’ (Let us Learn Igbo Language), the book was commissioned and sponsored by Ọgbakọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos. It is written by Prof. Chigozie Nnabuihe of University of Lagos. The book covers basic numerals, names of objects and animal, proverbs, culture and mores. It has English subtitles. According to Chief Ezeh, there are plans to sell the book on Amazon and other online platforms.
The occasion featured an Igbo news presentation, readings by the children and cultural dances by the Igbo Medical students of the University of Lagos. Prominent corporate individuals and culture enthusiasts attended the event. They included Dr. Tony Onyima (Ife Idemili), Chief Jude Obiakor (Owelle), Chief Uzo Okonkwo (Ugonwanne), Chief Ifeanyi Ezeokolie, Chief Kelechi Nwuba, Chief Engr Jude Amadi, Chief Emmanuel Ezeh, Chief Michael Onuoha, Maxi Charles Obiora, Chief Emeka Okoye (Ezenwa), Chief Okey Nwosu (Okenwa), Chief Chinedu Okorie (Isi Mmiri) Chief Ifeanyi Ogbunude (Nnabuenyi), Chief Law Offodile (Udunabo), Dr. Patrick Uwakwe (Ugwumba), Chief Sebastian Okonkwo (NwaEzehfunamba), Chief Obinna Nwosu (Ochendo), and Chief Joe Ikeji (Akunwafor). Others include Chief Joseph Agbasi (Nwachinemelu), Barr Chiweze Ukwuoma, Chief Anayo Nwosu (Guest Speaker) and a host of others.
