In an effort to ensure that the rich Igbo language, culture and heritage are preserved and not allowed to go into extinction, Anambra Central People’s Forum (a registered Pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization championing the revival and preservation of the dying Igbo Mother Tongue), has launched the maiden edition of the Engr. Dr. Emeka Muoma Ezeh Annual Igbo Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Anambra State.
In a Press Release made available to Journalists in Awka today, and signed by its Chairman, Hon. Achebe Chris, and Secretary, High Chief (Sir) Chuma Mbelu, the prestigious association said:
“We share in the joy which pervades all of Anambra State on account of this worthy recognition of a globally-acclaimed First-rate Engineer, great son of a legendary race of Igbo descent and Anambra State, Engr. Dr. Emeka Muoma Ezeh, OFR.
“Hailing from a proud Igbo heritage in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Engr. Dr. Emeka Ezeh’s incredible journey and outstanding performance have filled us with immense pride, reaffirming the resilience, brilliance and determination that define Ndi Anambra.
“Against all odds, he has made Anambra State and Nigeria shine brightly on the world stage, and we could not be prouder of him.
“The Engr. Dr. Emeka Ezeh Annual Igbo Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Anambra State, designed to encourage younger generation to build capacity in the areas of Igbo speaking, writing and research is a testament to his patriotic and notable contributions to national development, track record of professional success, commendable role in Community service and Philanthropic causes which has shaped a journey of many accomplishments and significantly impacted society”.
Hon. Achebe Chris, while expressing immense pride in Engr. Dr. Ezeh’s notable achievements, described him as a model of success for the younger generation, added that without solidifying his monumental legacies for posterity, the Legend sooner or later fade away and all become forgotten especially, in a society like ours where people are easily forgotten and consigned to the dustbin of history, no sooner than they are gone.
Highlighting the significance of the Engr. Dr. Emeka Ezeh Annual Igbo Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Anambra State, Emeritus Prof. Pita Ejiofor, erstwhile Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said, “The centrality of this noble initiative cannot be over-emphasized, as it has been observed that Igbo Language is fast deteriorating. In most schools, English is made compulsory while Igbo Language is completely neglected. The greatest problem that has faced Igbo from all times is the apathy of the Igbo man towards his language. We believe that the Responsibility for ensuring that continuity, falls on the current generation of Ndigbo. Were that bridge to our past be broken in our time, we would go down in history as the generation that extinguished the torch we inherited from our forebears.
“It demands to be passed on to the next generations, for that is the only passport they will ever need to identify themselves as Umu Igbo.
“It is through initiatives like this that we can ensure the preservation and celebration of our identity as Igbo people”, Ejiofor stated.
Meanwhile, the Grand finale of the Engr. Dr. Emeka Muoma Ezeh Annual Igbo Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Anambra State has been scheduled for Friday, 20th June, 2025, at the auditorium of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, commencing at 12noon.
Many prominent Igbo sons and daughters, including Traditional Rulers, Presidents-General, Clergies, Members of the State and Legislative Council, Educational authorities, Civil Society Organizations and Ohanaeze Ndigbo are expected to grace the great occasion while Engr. Dr. Emeka Muoma Ezeh, OFR, is expected to attend as Chief celebrant/Honouree.
