Ndị Igbo Urged to Preserve Their Cultural Heritage, As Ka Anyị Tụọ Alò 2021 Holds in Awka

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Ndị Igbo have been advised to cherish, uphold, preserve and leverage on their cultural heritage and tradition, as one of the surest ways of summounting some of the major challenges facing mankind and society at large today.

This formed the central point of discussion at the 2021 edition of Oziọma Ọdịnanị Lecture Series, tagged Ka Anyị Tụọ Alò 2021, which held at the Prof. Kenneth Dike Central E-Library, Awka, Anambra State capital.

In his opening remarks, the convener of the event and host of Oziọma Ọdịnanị Radio Program on ABS 88.5FM, Mr. Chukwubudike Ugbaja explained that the radio program, which holds at 1PM every Saturday, discusses the root and the significance of Igbo cultural heritage and tradition; while Oziọma Ọdịnanị Lecture Series, which is in its second edition affords Ndị Igbo opportunity to sit together to dissect and rob minds together on the best way to promote, preserve and protect their rich tradition and cultural heritage from fading away.

He appreciated Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, ANPC (publishers of National Light Newspaper, Ka Ọ Dị Taa Igbo Newspaper and Sportslight Xtra), Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Oziọma Ọdịnanị Fan Club, as well as others who have identified with and supported the vision over the years, urging Ndị Igbo to take their tradition very serious.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Director, Anambra State Library Board, Dr. Nkechi Udeze highlighted some of the numerous roles the public library plays in promoting and preserving Igbo language and culture, and advised every Igbo person to regularly speak Igbo language and join hands to save it from dying, as was predicted by UNESCO.

In a remarks, the MD/CEO, Anambra Broadcasting Service, Dr. Uche Nworah, who attested that the initiative is progressively growing and gradually becoming a Movement, pledged his organisation's continuous support to the initiative, while also extolling the beauty of Igbo cultural heritage.

On his own part, the MD/CEO, Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, ANPC, Sir Chuka Nnabuife introduced the concept of Lataba/Nataba, which is similar to the concept of Akụ Ruo Ụlọ/Think Home philosophy, and called on Ndị Igbo to think back and return to their root, which they are fast deserting for the Whites' culture; as, according to him, "The future of Igbo culture lies in the hands of Ndị Igbo."

Sharing their thoughts, the presenter of Sharing Life Issues with Ifeomamebe on ABS 88.5 FM, Mr. Ifeomamebe Orjiako; an inventor and MD/CEO, OVUS Engineering Limited, Engr. Obi Vincent Ugochukwu; the MD/CEO of Zero Energy Healing Touch and founder of Ụmụ Anyanwụ Ọra, Arinze Aghaeze; and musician, Prince Ndubuisi Ibemesi appreciated the organizers of the event and highlighted the numerous benefits of returning to Igbo culture and tradition.

Aside lectures and other side attractions, the event featured performances and presentations by different groups and individuals, as well as Ị́gọ Ọjị competition among university students.