In an effort to ensure that the rich Igbo language, culture and heritage are preserved and not allowed to go into extinction, the prestigious Anambra People’s Forum, a registered socio-cultural organization committed to the preservation, promotion and revitalization of the Igbo language and rich cultural heritage in Anambra State, has launched the maiden edition of the Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo Annual Igbo Language Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Anambra State.
In a Press Release made available to Journalists in Awka, yesterday, and jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary-General, the prestigious socio-cultural association said:
“We share in the joy which pervades all of Anambra State on account of this worthy recognition of a great son of Anambra South’s Finest, a legendary race of Igbo descent and Anambra State, a prominent industrialist, founder of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Limited, and a notable Anambra-based philanthropist extra ordinaire, Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo (Ugwumba Ihembosi, Odozi Obodo).
“Hailing from a proud Igbo heritage in Ihembosi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State in Anambra South Senatorial Zone, Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo’s incredible journey and outstanding achievements have filled us with immense pride, re-affirming the resilience, brilliance and determination that define Ndi Anambra.
It continued: “While the Igbo language promotion initiative aligns with UNESCO’s global call to protect International Mother Languages and looming threat of Igbo language extinction, we are captivated by his humanitarian interventions, notable contributions to national development, commendable role in Community service and philanthropic causes which has shaped a journey of many accomplishments and significantly impacted Anambra State. We deeply admire his commitment to cultural heritage and community development, and we believe our flagship “Igbo Language Promotion Project”, directly aligns with those vital goals”.
The Pan-Igbo association, while expressing immense pride in Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo’s notable achievements, described him as Anambra South’s Finest, a model of success for the younger generation, adding that without solidifying his monumental legacies for posterity, the celebrated Legend sooner or later fades 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 Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo Annual Igbo Language Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Anambra State, the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Anambra State, Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, said: “The Ministry of Education fully aligns with this noble and timely initiative, as it resonates deeply with our administration’s commitment to quality education, cultural re-orientation and the promotion of indigenous languages in our schools.
“It also harmonizes perfectly with UNESCO’s global observance of International Mother Language Day on February 21 each year, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard linguistic diversity and multilingual education for sustainable development”.
Meanwhile, in the association’s Press Statement, it has announced that the maiden edition of the “Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo Annual Igbo Language Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Anambra State”, will commence on 10th April, 2026.
The Pan-Igbo association, along with supporters, urged Igbo leaders, Traditional Rulers and Community Heads across Igbo-speaking States to actively support the Igbo Language preservation campaign as always.
