Frontline Igbo socio-cultural organization, the Anambra Central People’s Forum (made up of well-meaning Professionals of various calling, Traditional Leaders, the Clergies, Community Leaders, Youths and Captains of industries), has commended Rt. Hon. George Ibezimako Ozodinobi (AJA-AJANZE), Deputy Minority Whip, 10th House of Representatives and Member Representing Anaocha/Njikoka/ Dunukofia Federal Constituency, for shared optimism and sponsorship of the Year 2024 Prof. Pita Ejiofor Igbo Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia Federal Constituency.
The Prof. Pita Ejiofor Igbo Essay Competition, targeted at Secondary School Students is organized annually, as part of the association’s education initiative and ‘Social Responsibility’ which aims to preserve the dying Igbo Mother Tongue which, according to the UNESCO and Language scholars, will be extinct in the nearest future, following the classification of the language as one of the endangered languages of the world.
The organization noted that the responsibility for ensuring that continuity, falls on the current generation of Ndigbo, the leaders and the led, because if we don’t, no one else would.
It said that were that bridge to our past be broken in our time, or at any other time, we would go down in history as the generation that extinguished the torch we inherited from our forebears. The Group accentuated that 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’.
The convener of the Group, Achebe Chris, Esq., in a statement pointed out that it is not for nothing that the United Nations decided in the Year 2000 to inaugurate the International Mother Language Day, which is now celebrated annually around the world on the 21st of every February.
The topic of the 2024 Essay is “Uniting Our Diverse Culture For Good Governance and Positive Development In Anambra State”.
The contest, which commenced on Friday, 25th January, 2024, is an opportunity for students to get a better sense of their cultural background and rich Igbo heritage as Language and Culture collectively form the identity of a people, without which there is no bearing for a race.
The first(maiden) Prof. Pita Ejiofor Igbo Essay Competition was held in 2022. Since its inaugural year, there have been over 500 submissions from students, with participation growing to about 2, 000 participants each year.
Also speaking on the 2024 Competition, Achebe Chris, Esq said: “We are delighted to announce this essay contest for students in Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency, as it provides an important opportunity to encourage our young minds to develop a passion for reading, writing and speaking Igbo language.
According to the Group’s Chairman, the essays will be judged for their originality, clarity of thought, quality of research and relevance to selected topic.
Hopefully, winners will be announced at the Grand finale of the Competition scheduled for Friday, 17th May, 2024.
Now, in its 3rd Year, the Igbo socio-cultural organization expressed profound gratitude to the diligent Member Representing Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency, and Deputy Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. George Ibezimako Ozodinobi (AJA-AJANZE), as supportive partner but always as benefactor.
“It is a unique privilege which we shall remember forever, and it gives us strength and courage as we collaboratively dedicate to salvage the Igbo language from extinction, added that Rt. Hon. Ozodinobi had never left anyone in doubt about the love of his rich culture and proud Igbo heritage”.
It continued: “As the Anambra Central People’s Forum continues to chart a course towards Igbo Mother Tongue revival, its strategic partnerships with Ohanaeze Ndigbo and notable leaders of Igbo descent like Rt. Hon. George Ibezimako Ozodinobi, Most Revd. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Rt. Revd. Dr. Owen C. Nwokolo(Bishop on the Niger), to mention but a few, serves as pillars of strength and solidarity”.
The Organizing body, however, enjoined all lovers of Igbo language, tagging along with students in Secondary Schools particularly, across Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia Federal Constituency to participate actively in the Igbo Essay Competition as earlier announced.
Continuing, the Organizing body pointed out that Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi has continued to prioritize the welfare of his constituents above immediate personal gains, noting that these intangible attributes are the hallmarks that define him as an uncommon Legislator and a worthy servant-leader.
According to the Group, Ozodinobi’s legislative record reflects a keen focus on critical issues as education, healthcare, infrastructure development and youth empowerment, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to pushing the frontiers and driving the dials of positive change forward.
“As he continues to make giant strides in the 10th House of Representatives, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders, highlighting the transformative power of dedicated public service with a depth of moral character and an uncompromising belief in excellence”, the Group concluded.
