OKOROCHA LAUNCHES IGBO NEWSPAPER, UNFOLDS PLAN TO BUILD IGBO DEV, CENTRE
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has launched an indigenous tabloid which he called Ikoro. He unveiled the maiden edition of a 16-page Igbo newspaper with the name “Ikoro igbo” at the International Conference Center, Owerri Imo State last week during the launching of Globalization of Igbo Language, themed; “That the world may hear this.
Speaking during the occasion, the governor said that language and culture are the identity of any nation and without it the people lack honour respect and are relegated in the world’s socio-economic and political spheres.
He regretted that Igbo language and culture were blinded by the British imperialistic regime but emphatically noted that the language will not die, adding that the language is now compulsory in Primary and Secondary schools in Imo.
According to him, all the subjects would henceforth be taught in Igbo language in all schools.
He disclosed that plans are underway to establish an Igbo language Development Centre to which he appointed the Deputy Vice Chancellor, DVC, Imo State University, Owerri, Rev. Fr. Prof. Jerome Okonkwo as the Director General.
He maintained that all hands must be on deck by Igbo to learn and be proud to speak their language to counter the United Nations assertion that in no time Igbo language would be extinct.
He charged the DVC to come up with ideas and policies that would ensure the sustenance of Igbo language and culture.
Speaking also, the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Acho Ihim, said the lawmakers would do everything possible to ensure that Igbo language does not go extinct. The Speaker also revealed that already, a Bill for a Law to this effect has passed through the second reading in the House of Assembly. “The Bill for a law, for the teaching and learning of Igbo language has passed through second reading in the Assembly. When signed into law by the Governor, it would be mandatory for the subject to be taught at all levels in all schools in the state”, Ihim said.
Guest lecturer at the occasion Rev. Fr. Prof. Jerome Okonkwo in his brief lecture titled “ Igbo are you wise” said knowledge of something leads to teaching of it.
He blamed parents for not grooming their children in learning and speaking of Igbo language and berated a situation where parents use only English Language in their homes and regretted that it affects their wards.
He urged Igbos to rise up to the challenge and also challenged Ohanaeze to show their weight on the project of development of Igbo language.
Prof. Okonkwo then thanked the organizers for bringing children to the ceremony and assured that the step by Imo State government was commendable and would have a multiplier effect.Ther were cultural displays by men, women and school children while the Omenimo cultural group entertained the people.
