GOV OTTI INAUGURATES 2ND EDITION OF EKEREMGBA AKPAUCHE IN ABA, CALLS ON IGBO STATES TO SAFEGUARD INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti,OFR, on Tuesday, 20th January 2026, formally declared open the Second Edition of Ekeremgba Akpauche, an Igbo language and cultural competition organised by the Catholic Diocese of Aba, held at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC), Aba.

Represented by his deputy, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, who conveyed the Governor’s goodwill to the Catholic Diocese of Aba and commended the Church for sustaining an initiative that promotes the Igbo language, culture, values and identity among secondary school students.

He described Ekeremgba Akpauche as a timely and strategic platform for grooming young people who are proud of their heritage, stressing that language remains a critical marker of identity.

“As our elders say, asụsụ bụ njiri mara onye —language is the identity of a people. Any society that neglects its language risks losing its soul,” the Deputy Governor said.

Engr. Emetu highlighted that the success of the maiden edition and the expansion of the programme underscore the commitment of the organisers to cultural preservation and value-based education, which aligns with the vision of the Abia State Government for a new Abia anchored on knowledge, integrity and cultural pride.

He noted that igbo language serves as a formal means of communication in the state, and encouraged other Igbo-speaking states to emulate the initiative, describing the preservation of Igbo heritage as a shared responsibility, while urging students to take pride in their language and allow it to reflect in their conduct.

“The future of our people depends on what we invest in our children today. When we equip them with language, values and character, we secure tomorrow,” he added.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, His Lordship, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, represented by the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Chukwuma, thanked the convener, Rev. Fr. Onyinyechi Anaeto, for successfully organising the programme for the second consecutive year. He noted that the competition provides children with the opportunity to learn, speak and appreciate Igbo as their indigenous language.

The Bishop also commended the Deputy Governor for honouring the invitation and praised the Alex Otti-led administration for prioritising education and meaningful development in Abia State.

In his address, the Coordinator of the programme, Rev. Fr. Onyinyechi Anaeto, explained that Ekeremgba Akpauche was designed to showcase the intellectual prowess of students through the Igbo language. He stated that the competition features activities such as Arumaru Uka (debate), Akpo Aza (question and answer) and Ikpo Uga (traditional game) among others, with participation from 25 selected secondary schools, including CKC schools Aba.

Fr. Anaeto emphasised the need to integrate Igbo language into our technological and productive activities, including the naming of inventions, products and projects originating from Igbo-speaking states. He appealed to the Abia State Government to consider providing Igbo translations alongside English names for major state projects and to improve allowances for Igbo language teachers to encourage greater interest in the profession, noting that “omenala bu ntọala”—culture is the foundation.

The event featured the teaching of Fizisi (Physics) in the Igbo language, cultural renditions, debates, quizzes and traditional games.

Dignitaries at the event included the Member representing Aba South State Constituency, Hon. Ucheonye Stephen Akachukwu; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Comrade Onyebuchi Chukwu; aides to the Deputy Governor; clerics, teachers, students from various schools, and advocates of Igbo language preservation.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba

Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State

20th January, 2026.