ABIA – The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwuribe, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preserving indigenous languages and promoting cultural identity across the state.
Chief Ekwuribe who disclosed this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, Umuahia, while declaring open an Igbo competition between secondary schools in the state as part of the activities to mark this year’s World’s Linguistic Heritage and in celebration of International Mother Language Day, identified language as a critical tool for cultural preservation, identity formation and intellectual development.
The Commissioner explained that his ministry designed this year’s programme to encourage young people to embrace their linguistic heritage while developing the confidence to communicate effectively in their mother tongue, pointing out that the inclusion of competitions and interactive sessions was intended to make the event both educational and engaging, while also providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for sustaining multilingual education in schools and communities across the State.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration titled, “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” the Director of Curriculum, Ministry of Basic and Secondary School, Dr Mrs Nnenna Anyanwu, while describing language as the soul of a people and a vital instrument for passing culture and values from one generation to another, underscored the importance of engaging young people in the conversation about sustaining indigenous languages in an increasingly globalized world.
In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mrs Uchechukwu Kalu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Entertainment, Mr Justice Martins and a Professor from the Department of Linguistics/Igbo from Abia State University Uturu, Prof. Mrs Onukawa, commended the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy for organizing activities that go beyond mere celebration, including an Igbo Spelling Bee and an essay competition for secondary schools across the State.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mrs. Chibuzo Ehiemere, thanked Governor Alex Otti for his sustained support and commitment to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, pointing out that the programme will help nurture fluency, inspire creativity and instill pride in Igbo language among students while strengthening the foundation of mother-tongue education in the state.
The event which featured cultural presentations, Igbo Spelling Bee and essay competitions, presentation of cash and gift items to the winners of the competition also attracted the presence of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths, Mr Onyrbuchi Chukwu, top government officials among other distinguished personalities.
