Of late, Igbo language has suffered a lot of setbacks. It is hardly spoken by the people who own it. It is rejected by the young, not used in Igbo homes and families, and even not spoken at Igbo cultural programs. Therefore this Igbo language debate competition among the various higher institutions in the south east of Nigeria, comes as the third edition and it suffices to say that language is a part of a people’s culture and culture is an important aspect of human existence that depicts the way of life of a particular people.
It expresses their norms and beliefs and it serves as their identity. Therefore Igbo culture is an integral part of an Igbo man’s life.The Igbo debate is expedient at this period because our culture is being hampered by foreign cultures which are speedily taking the place of our original culture especially among the younger generation in our society. They have embraced and imbibed these foreign culture so much that they have infiltrated into the society as a canker worm and it is negatively affecting the Igbo people as a nation. Language is another unification force that binds any given people together. It stands as a bond to such people. Therefore, the Igbo will be made to understand through these debates, the relevancy in imbibing their mother tongue. Igbo language should therefore be accepted and spoken compulsorily and frequently in schools, used by media houses, spoken in churches and religious places, and employed as a general means of communication among the Igbo nation. This is because there is no place in the world where one can find an Igbo nation expect in Nigeria, therefore, there is need to be proud of where we are coming from. The debate will not end as the only programme, but other activities such as Igbo Essay Competition, Igbo drama competition, cultural dance and songs competition, Igbo fashion and dressing competition, and Igbo proverbs and Idioms expositions among others will be carried out. The various high institutions and selected secondary schools will participate. The essence of this programme will be to strengthen our culture, language, and create an enabling environment for the younger generation to demonstrate virtue and value and for their culture.
It expresses their norms and beliefs and it serves as their identity. Therefore Igbo culture is an integral part of an Igbo man’s life.The Igbo debate is expedient at this period because our culture is being hampered by foreign cultures which are speedily taking the place of our original culture especially among the younger generation in our society. They have embraced and imbibed these foreign culture so much that they have infiltrated into the society as a canker worm and it is negatively affecting the Igbo people as a nation. Language is another unification force that binds any given people together. It stands as a bond to such people. Therefore, the Igbo will be made to understand through these debates, the relevancy in imbibing their mother tongue. Igbo language should therefore be accepted and spoken compulsorily and frequently in schools, used by media houses, spoken in churches and religious places, and employed as a general means of communication among the Igbo nation. This is because there is no place in the world where one can find an Igbo nation expect in Nigeria, therefore, there is need to be proud of where we are coming from. The debate will not end as the only programme, but other activities such as Igbo Essay Competition, Igbo drama competition, cultural dance and songs competition, Igbo fashion and dressing competition, and Igbo proverbs and Idioms expositions among others will be carried out. The various high institutions and selected secondary schools will participate. The essence of this programme will be to strengthen our culture, language, and create an enabling environment for the younger generation to demonstrate virtue and value and for their culture.
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