The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving indigenous languages and strengthening cultural identity among younger generations as part of activities marking the International Mother Language Day celebration.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwuribe, made the declaration at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, Umuahia, while officially opening an Igbo language competition among secondary schools across the state. The event formed part of activities commemorating the World’s Linguistic Heritage and promoting the use of indigenous languages.
Chief Ekwuribe described language as a critical tool for cultural preservation, identity formation and intellectual development, emphasizing that the state government remains committed to initiatives that encourage the younger generation to embrace their linguistic heritage.
According to him, the ministry deliberately designed this year’s programme to inspire students to confidently communicate in their mother tongue while strengthening their understanding of cultural values.
He explained that the inclusion of competitions and interactive sessions was intended to make the celebration both educational and engaging, while also providing stakeholders an opportunity to deliberate on practical strategies for sustaining multilingual education in schools and communities across Abia State.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” the Director of Curriculum in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Anyanwu, described language as the soul of a people and a vital instrument for transmitting culture and societal values from one generation to another.
She stressed the need to actively involve young people in discussions surrounding the preservation of indigenous languages, especially in an increasingly globalized world where local languages face the risk of decline.
In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Uchechukwu Kalu, alongside the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Entertainment, Mr. Justice Martins, and a Professor from the Department of Linguistics/Igbo at Abia State University, Uturu, Prof. Mrs. Onukawa, commended the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy for organizing programmes that promote language learning among young people.
They particularly highlighted the significance of activities such as the Igbo Spelling Bee and essay competition organized for secondary schools across the state, noting that such initiatives will help sustain interest in indigenous languages.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mrs. Chibuzo Ehiemere, expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for his continued support toward the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages.
She noted that the programme would help nurture fluency, inspire creativity and instill pride in the Igbo language among students, while strengthening the foundation of mother-tongue education in the state.
The event featured cultural performances, Igbo Spelling Bee and essay competitions, as well as the presentation of cash prizes and gift items to outstanding participants.
Among dignitaries present were the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Affairs, Mr. Onyebuchi Chukwu, top government officials and other distinguished guests.
