From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
In an effort to ensure that the rich Igbo language, culture and history are preserved and not allowed to go into extinction, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) through its Centre for Igbo Studies (CIS) is set to build Igbo cultural village complex (ICVC) in the campus. This will encourage the study, research, and teaching of Igbo language, history, culture and tradition.
The CIS was established by the university about a decade ago with the vision to remain and advance as an intellectual resource centre for the study of Igbo history, language, culture and allied disciplines for students, scholars and the public, through critical research, teaching, conferences, seminars, symposia, workshops, occasional public lectures and any other form of knowledge delivery.
The 2nd World Igbo Conference 2024 was recently held both virtually and on-site at the ICVC permanent site behind the UBA Hall of Fame, UNN with the theme: ‘Bridging the Igbo homeland – diaspora disconnect for transforming our present and future together,’ was organized by CIS-UNN in collaboration with Council of Igbo State in Americas (CISA), Igbo World Assembly (IWA), Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Respelling Obeah and Unuchi Foundation.
Declaring the conference open, Prof Charles Igwe, the vice-chancellor of UNN, enjoyed all sons and daughters of Igbo to embrace the vision of reinventing Igbo studies and transforming Igboland.
He said: “I urge all great songs and daughters of Ndigbo to embrace and support the vision of reinventing Igbo studies and transforming Igboland. It’s through our collective efforts and collaboration that we can truly realize the full potential of our people and our homeland. Let us unite in our commitment to excellence, innovation and progress, as we work hand in hand to build a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.
“The centrality of the ICVC project cannot be overstated, as it serves as a cornerstone in our ongoing effort to safeguard our rich cultural heritage for generations to come. It is through initiatives like these that we can ensure the preservation and celebration of our identity as Igbo people.
“As we gather here today, I reaffirm the commitment of my administration to support the Centre for Igbo Studies and its noble endeavours. On behalf of the Centre, I solicit both moral and financial support from our great sons and daughters in our homeland and diaspora as well as our African American friends and well wishers for the Igbo cultural village project.
“As a reconnection hub and melting point for Ndigbo in homeland and diaspora, the cultural village deserves unalloyed support of all during the fundraising as the major highlights of the conference. Please endeavor to be part of the historic event by donating generously for the establishment of the legacy projects. Together we will continue to champion initiatives that foster unity, understanding and progress within the Igbo community. I am confident that the conference will serve as a platform for fruitful discussions, exchange of ideas and the collaboration towards building a brighter and more prosperous future for all Igbo people wherever they may reside.”
The VC noted that the conference was expected to offer a unique platform for scholars, researchers, policymakers and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas and chart a path for the advancement of the Igbo people worldwide.
Igwe, who was represented by Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, the deputy vice-chancellor of administration, commended Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, chairman, Board of Presidents of the Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA) and chairman of the conference for his support for the centre and his effort in the preservation and promotion of the Igbo language and cultural heritage.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Anakwenze and his Ndigbo Diaspora group for their tireless dedication and commitment to actualizing the noble objectives for which the Center for Igbo Studies was established decades ago. Your unweaving passion for the preservation and promotion of the Igbo language and cultural heritage is truly commendable. This is not to forget your pioneering efforts at establishing the Igbo cultural village complex, a legacy project of CIS initiated by the director, Prof Chris Agbedo,” he said.
In a remark virtually, Dr. Nwachukwu urged Igbos to join hands in promoting and preserving the Igbo language and cultural heritage. This was even as he frowned at a situation where Igbo parents will be raising their children with English and other foreign languages as against their mother tongue. He described such attitude as abnormal.
“Countries in Europe and other parts of the world have their culture and languages which they preserve and guard jealously but when it comes to our Igbo language and culture, you will begin to see Igbo parents training their children with English language. This is sickening and very disheartening.
“Nevertheless, we will never give up in our effort to save the Igbo language and cultural heritage from going into extinction as already predicted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
“We are happy that UNN’s CIS has designed and initiated an Igbo cultural village complex project in the Institute. It is a laudable initiative which when completed will help in teaching Igbo language, history and culture.
“It is a project all lovers of Igbo must support and make donations towards its actualization. I will mobilize the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, and other Igbo world and national bodies to ensure that the project becomes a reality in the most possible time,” he said.
Dr. Josephine Uzoamaka Aguoji, President, Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA), in her remark virtually, commended UNN for setting up the Igbo Centre as well as applauded Prof. Agbedo and Onowu Abagana for their efforts in promoting and preserving Igbo language, culture and tradition.
She said that the theme of the conference was apt, given that the disconnect between the Igbos in the homeland and diaspora has hindered their ability to fully harness the potentials of Igbo communities and has prevented them from working together to create a better future for all Igbo people.
“This is the time for us to come together to bridge the gap of disconnect and work toward a common goal of unity, progress and prosperity for all Igbo people both at home and abroad.
“We must recognize the strength of our community and unique contributions every one of us can make towards building a brighter future for the generation to come by coming together and sharing our resources and experiences and working toward a future filled with hope, opportunities, and success. We must embrace our shared heritage and use it as the foundation for which we can build a strong and more united Igbo society,” she said.
Earlier, Agbedo, who is also the convener of the CIS-UNN World Igbo conference, said the event was a landmark and historic as the Igbo cultural village complex was the first of its kind in South East, adding that it was targeted at exploring various aspects of Igbo culture, language, heritage and socio-economic development.
“I express my gratitude to Igbo people both at home and diaspora who have been supporting this initiative, especially the Onowu Abagana whose steadfast commitment to Igbo cultural heritage is woven into the fabric of his community and beyond. As a custodian of tradition and a tireless advocate for cultural preservation, his leadership has inspired generations of Ndigbo and African Americans to embrace their cultural identity with pride and reverence.
“Onowu, alongside his CISA-IWA Diaspora Group, has similarly demonstrated visionary leadership in bridging the gap between Igbo communities worldwide, including the Caribbean and their ancestral homeland. Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, they have galvanized the global Igbo diaspora in a shared mission to preserve and promote the Igbo language and culture.
“The collaboration between Onowu and his respective groups has been instrumental in shaping and advancing the vision and mission of CIS UNN’s Igbo cultural village complex project. Drawing upon their collective expertise, networks, and resources, they have laid the groundwork for a transformative space where Igbo language, culture, and heritage can flourish. Their efforts have catalyzed community engagement, educational programming, and advocacy initiatives, fostering a renaissance of Igbo cultural pride and resilience.
“This centre when completed will boost the promotion of Igbo language, culture, tradition, and tourism. The centre will remain grateful to the VC of UNN for approving land in the university for the permanent building of the centre,” he said.
The director further said he conceived the idea of the Igbo cultural village project because right from his childhood it has been his dream to do something remarkable to promote Igbo language, culture and traditions.
According to the director, the cultural complex would cost about N5 billion to complete as it would house amphitheatre, a guest house for tourists, local traditional Igbo homestead, the main Igbo village, ICT, and resource centre, library and administrative block, among others.
“Central to the vision and mission of CIS UNN’s Igbo cultural village complex project is a commitment to empowering future generations with a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage. By providing immersive learning experiences, cultural exchange opportunities, and community-driven initiatives, the project seeks to instill a sense of identity, belonging and agency among Igbo youth.
“The ICVC also aims to serve as a focal point for reconnecting the Igbo diaspora with their cultural roots and fostering a sense of pride and belonging among all who engage with it. We envision the Igbo cultural village complex as more than just a physical space; it is a symbol of our commitment to preserving and celebrating Igbo culture and heritage for generations to come,” he said.
Also speaking, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, former vice-chancellor of UNN, said that the institution established the centre to promote Igbo language, culture and traditions.
“Igbo people have rich cultural heritage and this centre will go a long way in showcasing and preserving them for future generations. Some time ago, UNICEF predicted that the Igbo language may go into extinction by the next two decades. So, with this Igbo cultural village Igbo language will receive a boost globally. This centre is one of the research and cultural centres I established during my tenure as VC,” he said.
He commended the Igbo both at home and in the diaspora for their zeal and commitment to see the realization of the Igbo cultural village in UNN.
“This village when completed will not only promote Igbo language, culture and tradition but will become a tourist centre for people all over the world to see the rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo.
“I commend the director of CIS, Agbedu, who is the brain behind Igbo cultural village and keep it up,” he said.
The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the 3-D rendition of the master plan of the multi-billion-naira ICVC and fundraising for the project.
