A major push to preserve and promote the Igbo language and culture took centre stage on Thursday at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat in Enugu, as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide presented cheques to beneficiaries of its Professorial Endowment Chair to the tune of N2.5 million each and unveiled a new scholarship scheme for no fewer than 100 undergraduates.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President-General of the apex Igbo body, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at securing the future of Igbo identity amid growing globalisation and urban migration.

Azuta-Mbata said the event was not just a ceremonial gathering but a bold step towards revitalising the Igbo language, history, and cultural consciousness.

He warned that recent reports by UNESCO indicating that the Igbo language is endangered should serve as a wake-up call for urgent and collective action.

“We are here to celebrate our heritage and invest in its future. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that Igbo language and culture not only survive but thrive for generations to come,” he said.

The Ohanaeze leader commended members of the Professorial Endowment Chair/Selection Committee, led by Prof. Damian Opata, for what he described as a transparent and merit-driven selection process that produced outstanding scholars dedicated to advancing Igbo studies.

In a move that drew applause from attendees, Azuta-Mbata also announced the launch of the “Ohanaeze PG Scholarship,” which will provide opportunities for 100 Igbo youths to study coding, artificial intelligence, and other technology-driven courses in various universities.

According to him, the number is expected to increase to 200 in the near future.

He explained that the initiative, which is a personal one, is designed to merge technology with culture, empowering young people to promote the Igbo language and heritage through digital innovation.

“This will be self-sponsored by me, and I believe this will encourage more positive actions from our leaders, businessmen, and other technocrats across Igboland,” Azuta-Mbata said.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Professorial Chair, Prof. Opata, lauded the leadership of Ohanaeze for what he termed a visionary and timely intervention, pledging continued efforts to ensure the survival and growth of the Igbo language and culture.

“We will continue to work tirelessly for the Igbo nation to ensure our language does not go into extinction,” he said.

Also speaking, elder statesman and scholar, Prof. Elo Amucheazi, described the initiative as unprecedented, noting that previous attempts to institutionalise Igbo studies abroad had faced significant challenges.

“This is no small feat. We have made plenty of efforts to establish Igbo schools in the UK, the United States, and now Canada, and these show that the language has a global footprint. Igbo will not die,” he said, while commending Azuta-Mbata and the Ohanaeze leadership for their commitment and investment.

Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that collective commitment remains key to preserving the language. He, however, expressed concern over what he described as insufficient support from religious institutions.

One of the beneficiaries, Prof. Mbah, expressed gratitude to Ohanaeze for the recognition, describing the award as both unexpected and motivating. He assured that recipients would intensify research efforts aimed at promoting the Igbo language and culture.

“We are committed to fulfilling the objectives of this chair. The process was fair, inclusive, and evenly distributed across states. We will not disappoint,” he said. (The Nation)