THE Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim has tasked teachers to prioritise the teaching of Igbo language like the core subjects.
Ibezim said this during the dedication and official opening of Dr. Sam Ifeanyichukwu Onwuakpa International Library sited at St. Mary’s Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State.
Addressing a congregation, he urged the teachers to make Igbo language, a part of their day to day communication and prioritise it like the core subjects.
The Prelate noted that Igbo language was gradually fading off in schools, offices, and Churches in Igboland and encouraged teachers and students to speak the Igbo language.
He cautioned them not to neglect their mother tongue, “so that our language, which is our identity, will not be lost.”
Bishop Ibezim applauded Dr. Obi Onwuakpa for his benevolence to the school, and praised him for building such a wonderful library in his brother’s name.
He hailed the traditional ruler, Igwe Robert Chukwudilim Ezeh (Okofia VI) for promoting peace in the community.
The Bishop thanked the Ukpo elite for understanding the value of education, urging them not to relent in support of education.
“Dr. Sam Onwuakpa whom this library was named after contributed immensely toward raising academic standards, Nationally and Internationally.
“He had not less than 46 academic publications as at 2019. He was very resourceful and a professor in-waiting at a very young age.
“Onwuakpa had more than enough art exhibitions, chapters in books and journals,” he added
He prayed to God for blessings on Ukpo land.
Dr. Obi Onwuakpa who bankrolled the building of the library on behalf of his late brother, Dr. Sam Ifeanyichukwu Onwuakpa thanked all that rallied to witness the event.
The event hosted a number of personalities, like Bishop of Eha Amufu, Bishop Daniel Nkemjika Olinya.
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
