In its quest to revive Igbo language in non-Igbo speaking states of the federation, Indigenes of Anaocha Town Union in Lagos State have unveiled plans to organise free Igbo Language lessons for children in various schools.
The President, Association of Indigenes of Anaocha Town Union (AIALG), Mr Martins Ileme, stated that a survey conducted by the union revealed a large number of children living in non-Igbo speaking states, born by Igbo parents, who hardly speak their native language.
He expressed shock that some of these children end up registering Yoruba and Hausa languages in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) at the expense of their local language.
Ileme described as worrisome the loss of interest in Igbo Language in most schools attributing the situation to incompetent teachers and the policy of some private schools that restrict students to only one local language.
He said the union would continue to promote programmes that will encourage the younger ones to appreciate the richness of Igbo language and culture.
He said new yam festival would also be introduced in Lagos by the town unions to celebrate the cultural heritage of Anambra people and educate their children further on the historical values of their home state.
Towards this end, Ileme said an education trust fund would soon be instituted by the union to encourage positive interventions in needy schools. According to him, part of the fund would cover scholarships for students at various stages of learning.
------Vanguard
