A pan-Igbo Non-governmental organization (NGO), Igbo Efula, has called for support and funding for the promotion of Igbo language and culture worldwide.
Executive Director of the organization, Mazi Ikechukwu Ọjị, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday on practical ways to improve usage of Igbo language and culture.
Oji stressed the need for the government and other stakeholders to support the business of all those who earn a living from the Igbo language and culture.
According to him, such industries and endeavors included: Igbo teachers, Igbo journalists/writers, publishers, Igbo Nollywood practitioners, those selling Igbo arts and artifacts among others.
“This remains the most practical way of promoting Igbo language and culture,” he said.
Oji also encouraged mothers and women, who spend more time with children at home, to focus on speaking Igbo language and ensuring that children clearly understood the language from the cradle.
“A language is a living thing and only dies when it is no longer being used effectively, especially for productive and commercial purposes.
“If our Igbo language usage professionals and others are supported and encouraged; they will be in a better position to give their best towards the sustenance and promotion of Igbo language,” he said.
NAN