Language is a principal characteristic of a people –the embodiment, as it were, of the nation’s personality and the closest bond between its people. It is the soul of the cultural being of any people. Its promotion and preservation naturally is the duty of its owners. In a bid to reverse the trend of the degeneration of the Igbo language, and the decline of cultural norms, an Igbo socio-cultural group known as Ogene Ndigbo Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria, gathered on Saturday, February 21, 2015 in observance of the International Mother Language Day, an annual event held on 21st of February worldwide to promote the awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity. It was a gathering of prominent Igbo Chiefs, leaders of Igbo associations in Lagos and Ogun States. Also, Royal fathers from South-East and South-South were present. The breaking of kolanut was presided over by HRH Igwe Sunday Abariso, a Traditional Ruler from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, followed by the Chief Host, Eze (Amb.) Harris Chuma, supported by Prince Hyacinth Arinze, the Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Akute, Ogun, and concluded by Eze Udo Elect, Ogbuefi OtisiIkoro (Agadagbachiriuzo) of Ifako/Ijaiye. In his welcome speech, the chief host, EzeChuma thanked the distinguished audience for finding time from their ever busy schedules to be part of the great event. He thereafter emphasized the need for the Igbo race to make concerted effort in reversing the trend of the degeneration of the Igbo language, and cultural values.
Igwe Abariso expressed his support and solidarity for the struggle to revitalize the ailing Igbo language, stressing the need for parents to inculcate the habit of speaking Igbo language in their wads. In his words, “Language is first lost in family and informal situation”. The chairman of the occasion, Eze Udo elect, Ogbuefi OtisiIkoro, urged Ndigbo to be proud of their language and cultural heritage. “Language remains the ultimate tool for effective and efficient expression of a people’s culture, custom and tradition”. He also congratulated the organizers for remaining resolute and pro-active in their effort to promote Igbo language and culture. Arinze donated his school facilities for usage, to aid the actualization of the dream of teaching Igbo children their mother tongue, every weekend. He further pledged to host all Igbo children in the area during the school’s cultural day celebration in 2015. A prominent Igbo cultural ambassador, Chief (Lady) Obi Uche Blessing, the Ihu-Ndigbo in diaspora, called on great sons and daughters of Igbo race to rise to the occasion and get actively involved in the campaign to enlighten Ndigbo on the significance of promoting Igbo culture, which according to her is their identity. The highpoint of the event was the presentation of Leadership Excellence Award to HRH Igwe Sunday Abariso, the Ochinanwata of Rivers and Bayelsa States. In his acceptance speech, the monarch expressed his unreserved gratitude, promising to render both spiritual and physical support to OgeneNdigbo Royal Ambassadors whenever the need arises.