Committee Plans N2.5bn Igbo Language Project

Chairman of the Planning Committee of the First International Conference on the Extinction of the Igbo language, Prof. Innocent Ihiazu said it would require about N2.5 billion to check the gradual extinction of the Igbo language.

Prof. Ihiazu, who made the claim at the First International Conference on the Extinction of Igbo language held in Owerri over the weekend, said the fund would be used to set up a website, a dedicated Igbo language centre and a national newspaper.

Also, he asserted that the project would ensure encouragement of competition amongst school children in the area of culture appreciation, as it would curtail the influence of Western culture in the country. He hinted of plans to establish an Ibo language centre either in Abuja or Owerri.

In his remarks, Chief Executive of Our World Media, Gabriel Ologe said the measures to check the gradual extinction of the Igbo language had become necessary since young people are vulnerable to foreign influences.

He was also optimistic that the initiatives would be an added boost to the current rebranding Nigerian project.

The Our World Media Chief Executive had earlier told a news conference in Lagos that the cultural fiesta which is open to all schools in Lagos, would be formally launched on 1st October with a cultural festival.

Meanwhile, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has challenged ethnic tribes in the country to ensure that their languages are preserved.

Ya’adua spoke through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and National Orientation, Alhaji Jibrim Gada at the First International Conference on the Extinction of Igbo language in Owerri.

The President said it has become necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s cultural heritage and urged other ethnic groups to emulate the Ibos by putting issues of culture on the front burner.