Prof. Rose Onah, the Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Council of Enugu state has advocated that a day be set aside in all schools in the South-East for speaking Igbo language.
Onah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka on Friday, that if her suggestion was accepted, it would help to promote Igbo language which remained the identity of Igbo race.
“The identity of Igbo race is Igbo language; nothing done to promote it will be too much to ensure that future generations speak the language fluently.
“There is urgent need to promote Igbo language to avoid the language going into extinction,” Onah said.
The chairman called on governors of the South-East states to select a day in a week for speaking Igbo language in schools.
She said that the governors should also ensure that the study of Igbo language was included in the curriculum of all primary and secondary schools in the zone.
“It is better to catch them young; that is why the Bible says teach the child the good way he will follow; when he grows he will not depart from it.
“Governors of states in the zone should choose a day in a week for speaking of Igbo language so that our children who are the future generation can take the language to the next generation.
“Teaching Igbo language and culture should be included in all primary and secondary schools curriculum as a way of promoting Igbo language, culture and traditions,” she said.
The council boss expressed sadness that some children born by Igbo parents do not know how to speak Igbo language but could speak English Language fluently.
She described the development as “unfortunate, unacceptable and shameful.’’
“Igbo parents whose children cannot speak Igbo language should bury their faces in shame and apologise to their children for having failed them.
“No matter the level of education or position of your child, if he or she does not understand Igbo language and culture of your people, you have failed as parents.
“Parents should remember that no matter the place they reside either in Nigeria or abroad, one day they must surely come back home since there is no place home,” the chairman noted.
