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Ohanaeze set up committee to develop framework for Igbo language preservation.
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UNESCO report cited as urgency driver; cultural festivals to promote identity.
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2025 Ahiajoku Lecture endorsed, aiming to address Igbo economy and insecurity.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has established a special committee to protect and revive the Igbo language, following UNESCO’s report highlighting its endangered status. The apex socio-cultural body confirmed that the initiative will also enhance research, studies, and cultural promotion among Ndigbo.
The announcement came from the President General, Senator John Azuta Mbata, during a meeting with the 2025 Ahiajoku Lecture planning committee at the organization’s Enugu secretariat.
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Mbata emphasised the festival’s role in deepening Igbo identity and pledged full institutional support.
“The 2025 Ahiajoku Lecture Festival is endorsed on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. We shall cooperate to ensure a successful festival. I will be there in person,” Mbata said.
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He highlighted ongoing efforts, including professorial endowment chairs in tertiary institutions, to drive research in Igbo history, tradition, and language.
Director General of the Ahiajoku Centre, Nze Raymond Emeana, traced the festival’s origin to 1979 under the late Governor Sam Mbakwe of old Imo State.
He stressed that Ahiajoku provides a platform for critical discussions on Igbo culture, language, and socio-economic challenges.
The 25th edition of the lecture will be delivered by Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Onah, Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, under the theme: “The Future of Igbo Economy Amidst the Challenges of Insecurity: A Call for Paradigm Shift.”
Emeana said the theme is timely, addressing insecurity and economic decline confronting the Igbo people.
