Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has announced a compulsory acquisition of a credit pass in Igbo Language as among the quantifications for prospective candidates seeking admission into higher institutions in the state.
The governor has therefore ordered the compulsory teaching of the language in primary and post primary schools in the state
Okorocha made the proclamation on Thursday while inaugurating the Board of the Ikemba Odumegwu-Ojukwu Centre in Owerri.
He regretted that Igbo Language is now on the verge of extinction due to its neglect in preference to foreign languages by the Igbo and charged Ndigbo at home and abroad to always sing the song of Igbo unity and togetherness wherever they are.
Okoroacha argued that Ndigbo should be preoccupied with their economic and political empowerment, saying the bond of the traditional parliament recently launched in the state should serve as a veritable source of protection of Igbo culture.
The governor explained that the Ikemba Odumegu-Ojukwu Centre was conceived to correct the erroneous impressions held in some quarters against the late Ezegburugru Ndigbo as a secessionist, pointing out that the late Igbo leader only fought for the principle and ideology he lived and died for.
In his words Ikemba is a title of unity and represents an ideal Igbo man who fought in defence of the common man, the poor and the downtrodden, but who was misunderstood as being controversial and rebellious”.
He therefore charged the board members headed by a former Education Minister, Professor Fabian Osuji, to go outside the shores of the country and arouse the consciousness of all Igbo on the need for unity and cohesion.
Professor Osuji, who spoken in tandem with a host of prominent Igbo leaders at the occasion, said that efforts would be intensified to harness the knowledge and wisdom of all Igbo sons and daughters who had left lasting legacies in all fields of human endeavours.
He assured that the centre would provide research documentation of Igbo philosophy, technology and ideas to engender new hope and direction for Igbo renaissances.
Okoroacha argued that Ndigbo should be preoccupied with their economic and political empowerment, saying the bond of the traditional parliament recently launched in the state should serve as a veritable source of protection of Igbo culture.
The governor explained that the Ikemba Odumegu-Ojukwu Centre was conceived to correct the erroneous impressions held in some quarters against the late Ezegburugru Ndigbo as a secessionist, pointing out that the late Igbo leader only fought for the principle and ideology he lived and died for.
In his words Ikemba is a title of unity and represents an ideal Igbo man who fought in defence of the common man, the poor and the downtrodden, but who was misunderstood as being controversial and rebellious”.
He therefore charged the board members headed by a former Education Minister, Professor Fabian Osuji, to go outside the shores of the country and arouse the consciousness of all Igbo on the need for unity and cohesion.
Professor Osuji, who spoken in tandem with a host of prominent Igbo leaders at the occasion, said that efforts would be intensified to harness the knowledge and wisdom of all Igbo sons and daughters who had left lasting legacies in all fields of human endeavours.
He assured that the centre would provide research documentation of Igbo philosophy, technology and ideas to engender new hope and direction for Igbo renaissances.
