Ezeh said Ọgbàkọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos was formed to promote and preserve the Igbo language following the prediction of UNESCO that the language faces the risk of extinction in 50 years.
Dr. Tony Onyima, Ife Idemili (Right) and other prominent corporate individuals and culture enthusiasts who attended the event
By Jeffrey Agbo
A non-profit organisation, Ọgbàkọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos, has launched a book, Kà Ànyi Muo Asusu Igbọ’ (Let us Learn Igbo Language), to promote Igbo language.
The book was presented on Sunday, December 5.
Speaking at the public presentation, president of Ọgbakọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos, Sir Duke Ezeh, said: “Language allows us to share our ideas, thoughts and feelings with others. It also has the power to build and tear down societies.”
He said the group was formed to promote and preserve the Igbo language following the prediction of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that the Igbo language faces the risk of a possible extinction in the next 50 years.
“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,” Ezeh said.
He further disclosed that in 2024 the association plans to increase the number of centres for Igbo language study in Lagos.
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Unveiling the 135-page book, 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 revitalisation of the Igbo language. He called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to support the efforts of Ọgbakọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos in promoting and preserving the language.
Commissioned and sponsored by Ọgbakọ Asụsụ Igbọ Lagos, the book was written by Prof. Chigozie Nnabuihe of the University of Lagos. The book covers basic numerals, names of objects and animals, proverbs, culture and more. It has English subtitles.
According to 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), Jude Obiakor (Owelle), Uzo Okonkwo (Ugonwanne), Ifeanyi Ezeokolie, Kelechi Nwuba, Engr Jude Amadi, Emmanuel Ezeh, Michael Onuoha, Maxi Charles Obiora, Emeka Okoye (Ezenwa), Okey Nwosu (Okenwa) and Chinedu Okorie (Isi Mmiri).
Also in attendance were Ifeanyi Ogbunude (Nnabuenyi), Law Offodile (Udunabo), Patrick Uwakwe (Ugwumba), Sebastian Okonkwo (Nwa Ezeh efunamba), Obinna Nwosu (Ochendo), Joe Ikeji (Akunwafor), Joseph Agbasi (Nwachinemelu), Barr Chiweze Ukwuoma, Anayo Nwosu, who was the guest speaker, and a host of others.