Otti Calls For Preservation Of Igbo History, Extols Obi Of Onitsha
2 years ago 2 min read
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Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has called on stakeholders from the Southeast to appreciate and preserve Igbo culture and history.
The Governor stated this during the maiden edition of His Royal Majesty Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Public Lecture on Igbo Repository, launched by Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State with the theme: “The Onitsha Kingdom, its Origin and Place in Igbo Culture”, highlighted its importance in exploring a key aspect of Igbo history and heritage.
Declaring the event open, Governor Otti, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Lekwachi Emetu, FNSE, described Onitsha as not just a kingdom, but “a custodian of Igbo traditions and values that have produced thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who continue to shape the narrative of the Igbo nation in particular and Nigeria at large”.
Governor Otti who is also the Chairman of the occasion, extolled the Obi of Onitsha for his leadership virtues and perfect balance of restoring the dignity of Igbo culture and traditions, also called for the documentation and celebration of Igbo heritage to maintain her historical and cultural significance.
He appreciated the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, and the organizing committee for their vision and dedication to highlighting an important theme that is apt and timely.
In his address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu, expressed concern over the 2012 UNESCO adverted attention to the Igbo language which they predicted would become extinct by the year 2025 if nothing was done to arrest the creeping decline in the use of the language.
He expressed optimism that the establishment of the World Centre for Igbo Repository in the University would rescue the extinction of the Igbo language and other aspects of Igbo culture, values, beliefs, arts, literature, customs, and traditions which are under the onslaught of globalization driven by digital technology.
Delivering the maiden lecture at the event, His Royal Majesty Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, called for a definite determination of the origins and ancestral linkages between the Igbo, Yoruba, and Edo language groups in contemporary Nigeria. He stressed the need for “exploring Onitsha culture and governance, including the traditional justice system, and the journey of transformation initiated by him in 2012, focusing on modern management and leadership principles”.
