Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The traditional ruler of Obosi community in Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, His Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Eze Iweka III), has expressed deep concern over the potential extinction of Igbo identity and culture.
Igwe Iweka warned that the Igbo language—a strong pillar of the people’s identity—is gradually fading at an alarming rate due to the increasing preference for English as the primary language in many Igbo homes.
The monarch made a passionate appeal to Ndigbo across all age groups, especially parents, to promote the use of the Igbo language, cautioning that its decline could lead to the erosion of Igbo cultural identity.
“The Igbo language is slowly fading away. It’s heartbreaking to see our children growing up in Anambra, Enugu, and other South-East states without knowing how to speak their native tongue.
“Our language is a vital part of our identity, and it’s shameful that many of our sons and daughters can neither speak nor write it fluently.
“We must not allow our language to go extinct. Its survival is in our hands. We must act now to preserve it for future generations,” he said.
Igwe Iweka, who also serves as Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, issued the warning on Thursday at a one-day creative writing workshop held at the Nigerian Book Foundation, Kenneth Dike Library, Awka.
The event was organized by the Nigerian Book Foundation (NBF) in collaboration with the Anambra State chapters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), and the Nigerian Library Association (NLA).
Founded in 1991 by the late literary icon Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike—former traditional ruler of Ndikelionwu and author of the popular novel Expo ’77—the NBF is dedicated to promoting indigenous literature and strengthening Nigeria’s book industry.
Speaking at the event, Co-President of the NBF and the first female professor of Mass Communication in sub-Saharan Africa, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, said the workshop aimed to train both aspiring and established writers in the art of effective and creative writing.
“We organized this event to encourage young people to keep writing. Our main goal is to sustain their interest and equip them with modern tools and techniques to excel in their craft,” she said.
Prof. Okunna added that the NBF partnered with like-minded organizations to offer young writers a comprehensive platform for honing their skills across various genres, including news writing, poetry, prose, drama, and media content creation.
During her presentation on Creativity, Originality, and Editing, Prof. Chinwe Uzochukwu, Head of the Mass Communication Department at Paul University, Awka, emphasized the role of creativity in effective storytelling. She urged writers to explore unique and innovative approaches to their work.
In another session, Dr. Uche Nnyagu from the English Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) delivered a lecture on Essential Writing Skills: Grammar, Syntax, Mastery, and Vocabulary Development. She offered practical insights on refining writing techniques and improving vocabulary.
Prof. Florence Amaka Nwofor, a lecturer in the UNIZIK Department of Library and Information Science, spoke on Unlocking Global Access: The Imperative of ISBN and ISSN in Modern Publishing. She highlighted the importance of obtaining proper registration for books and serials, warning that the era of publishing without an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is over.
In a session titled Research, AI Skills, and Critical Thinking, Dr. Adaobi Okeke from the UNIZIK Mass Communication Department introduced participants to the basics of Artificial Intelligence, its applications, and limitations. She emphasized the need for critical thinking when using AI tools and cautioned against over-reliance on machines, which, she warned, can lead to accidental plagiarism.
The event climaxed with inspiring testimonials from the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu; journalist Izunna Okafor; and Ngozi Jacinta.
The occasion also featured a dramatic presentation inspired by Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike’s novel Expo ’77.
