From TCNEWS
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has emphasized the importance of appreciating and preserving Igbo culture and history.
This call was made during the inaugural edition of the His Royal Majesty Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Annual Public Lecture on Igbo Repository, organized by Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
The event, themed “The Onitsha Kingdom, its Origin and Place in Igbo Culture,” underscored the significance of exploring a vital aspect of Igbo heritage.
Governor Otti, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, officially opened the event, describing Onitsha as more than a kingdom, but as “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 and Nigeria at large.”
As Chairman of the occasion, Governor Otti praised the Obi of Onitsha for his leadership and efforts in restoring the dignity of Igbo culture and traditions.
He urged for the documentation and celebration of Igbo heritage to preserve its historical and cultural significance.
He also commended the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, and the organizing committee for their vision and dedication to highlighting such a timely and important theme.
In his address, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu expressed concern over a 2012 UNESCO warning about the potential extinction of the Igbo language by 2025 if its decline was not addressed.
He expressed optimism that the establishment of the World Centre for Igbo Repository at the University would help preserve the Igbo language and other cultural aspects, including values, beliefs, arts, literature, customs, and traditions, which are threatened by globalization and digital technology.
Delivering the inaugural lecture, His Royal Majesty Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, called for a definitive exploration of the origins and ancestral connections between the Igbo, Yoruba, and Edo language groups in Nigeria.
He emphasized the need to explore Onitsha culture and governance, including its traditional justice system, and highlighted the transformation journey he initiated in 2012, focusing on modern management and leadership principles.
The event marks a new era in promoting Igbo culture, tradition, and values, highlighted by the laying of the foundation stone for the Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Dome, which will house the World Centre for Igbo Repository.
The event was attended by distinguished personalities, including Dr. Peter Mba, Executive Governor of Enugu State, and Mr. Peter Obi, represented by Dr. Felix Nnamani and Prof. Chinyere Okunna, respectively, as well as OBI Gibson Nwosu (Eze Ukwu Awka Kingdom), OBI (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, (14th Asagba of Asaba), His Royal Majesties, titled chiefs, scholars, industry leaders, and other notable dignitaries.