The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has taken a major step toward preserving Igbo heritage with the presentation of cheques to selected scholars under its Professorial Endowment Chair initiative, held on Thursday at its State Secretariat.
Speaking at the ceremony, President-General John Azuta Mbata described the initiative as a critical intervention to safeguard Igbo identity amid growing global pressures.
“This occasion is not merely a gathering; it is a celebration of our rich cultural heritage, a testament to our resilience, and a commitment to the future of the Igbo language, history, and culture,” Mbata said.
He noted that the programme, driven by the organisation’s National Executive Committee, is designed to strengthen cultural preservation through academic research and institutional support.
“As we embark on this significant initiative… we are taking a vital step toward ensuring that our cultural identity thrives amidst the challenges of urbanisation and global migration,” he added.
Mbata also raised concerns over the declining use of the Igbo language, citing warnings by UNESCO.
“We must acknowledge the alarming reality that our Igbo language is endangered… This is a clarion call for us to take urgent action to preserve and promote our language,” he stated.
He commended the selected scholars for their contributions to Igbo studies, noting that the awards were based on merit and dedication.
“Their commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding of our culture is commendable, and I am proud to recognise their efforts today,” he said.
The beneficiaries include Prof. Ngozi U. Emeka-Nwobia of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Boniface M. Mbah of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Frances N. Chukwu-Kere of Imo State University, and Prof. Mercy N. Nnyigide of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Selection Committee, Professor Damian Opata, said the endowment aims to institutionalise Igbo studies across universities within and outside Igboland.
“The major aim of this professorial endowment is to establish chairs in universities throughout the Igbo-speaking states… and even where Igbo speakers are in the minority,” Opata said.
He explained that the initiative goes beyond language preservation to include research into Igbo history, culture, and worldview.
“It’s not just about language and culture… Igbo history is very critical to the development of the Igbo. We also have Igbo technologies and ways of doing things,” he noted.
According to him, the programme will stimulate research, promote documentation, and encourage academic engagement through conferences, seminars, and workshops.
“To organise conferences, seminars, and workshops aimed at the promotion and propagation of Igbo language, literature, and worldview… and to develop strong curricula for teaching and learning Igbo language,” he said.
Opata further called for collective support beyond the organisation’s leadership.
“If we leave everything to Ohanaeze NEC, it will not be the best. We must, as a people, support this through programmes, research, and by engaging philanthropists who can sustain the initiative,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Prof. Mbah expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as both motivating and timely.
“We are happy with this gesture… it is a motivation for us to hit the ground running,” he said.
He assured that the scholars would justify the confidence reposed in them.
“We have dedicated ourselves to researching on Igbo language… and this support will aid our work. We will not disappoint,” he added.
He also commended the leadership of Ohanaeze for what he described as a transparent selection process.
“The selection process was transparent… the grant came as a surprise, but we will deliver on the mandate for which we have been set up,” he said.
The ceremony is a major highlight of a renewed push by Ohanaeze to preserve and promote Igbo heritage through structured academic and cultural interventions.
