In a powerful display of unity and cultural pride, the Catholic Diocese of Aba, as the convener, and the Abia State Government, have urged Igbo people worldwide to cherish and promote their language, culture, and heritage. The occasion was the second edition of Ekeremgba Akpauche, a cultural competition aimed at promoting the Igbo language and values among secondary school students.
Held at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC) Aba, the event brought together students, educators, and dignitaries to celebrate Igbo heritage and address the challenges facing the language in the digital era. Rev. Fr. Onyinye Aneto, Chairman of the Organising Committee, emphasized the importance of preserving the Igbo language, saying, “Our language is our identity. When a people lose their language, they lose a vital part of who they are.”
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by his special adviser on Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mrs. Matilda Anyanele, pledged the government’s support for initiatives promoting the Igbo language. The Bishop of Aba Diocese, His Excellency Bishop Augustine Echema, represented by his Vicar General Rev. Fr. Dr. Chukwuma Anthony, stressed the need to root the use of Igbo language strongly in schools to secure the future of the culture.
The event featured cultural performances, debates, and competitions, including a physics lesson taught in Igbo, showcasing the language’s potential in education and beyond. As the Igbo community looks to the future, Ekeremgba Akpauche stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation to embrace their heritage and work towards preserving the Igbo language and culture for years to come.
