BY DAYO ADESULU
No fewer than three professors from the University of Lagos, UNILAG, have vowed to ensure that Igbo Language and culture are sustained among Igbo children whether in Igbo-speaking states or not, charging parents to rise to the task.

Speaking with one voice at  maiden Lecture and Igbo Cultural Day organised by the Department of Linguistics, Akachi Ezeigbo, a professor of English, University of Lagos, Anthony Ekemezie Mereni, a professor of Music, UNILAG,  Iwu Ikwubuzo, Associate Professor of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies, UNILAG and Adaora Ojo, principal, International School, Lagos (ISL) said: “Igbo culture must be sustained.”

Professor Ezeigbo pointed out that the language which a country identifies with is the live wire of the nation. She lamented the relegation of Igbo Language and culture by the people themselves urging them to reverse the situation urgently for posterity’s sake.
“I urge parents, particularly mothers who have closer contacts with their children, to imbibe the habit of speaking the language to their children and putting them through the rich culture of the people. It is wrong for parents to shirk this all-important responsibility.”

Ezeigbo charged students to learn the Igbo Language and the culture, noting that even if students  travel abroad for studies, they still need to know the basic culture of their people.

Also speaking,  Associate Professor Iwu Ikwubuzo blamed the near-relegation of Igbo Language on the poor attitude of the Igbos whom he accused of preferring to speak other languages at home instead of   Igbo Language.
“Parents have much work to do; they must encourage their children to speak the language. You can’t be strong in the culture if you do not speak the language.

“Parents must not push off their responsibility of teaching their children the Igbo Language to teachers in school. The major problem is lack of interest in speaking the language.”