Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo, Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Lead Call for Revival of Igbo Language, Values and Cultural Heritage

Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo, in partnership with the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, has intensified the call for the revival of the Igbo language, moral values and cultural identity as critical pillars for preserving the future of the Igbo nation.

The call was made during the Nkata Ndi Iyom Re-orientation on Igbo Cultural Values, held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Centre, Imo State University, Owerri.

The programme, organised by Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo in partnership with the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, formed part of the Igbo-Speaking Communities: Children, Youth & Women Moral Initiative Train-the-Trainers Capacity Development Programme 2026, bringing together traditional leaders, educators, women leaders, youth mentors and other stakeholders committed to cultural renewal.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme, “Igbo Values and Ethos System: Our Heritage, Our Values, Our Future,” renowned Igbo cultural enthusiast and public intellectual, Roz Ben Okagbue, emphasised the urgent need for Ndigbo across the world to preserve and promote the Igbo language, culture and value system, describing them as the foundation of the people’s identity and future.

According to Okagbue, the Igbo forebears measured greatness not by wealth but by character, integrity and service to society.

“Our ancestors built a civilisation founded on the sacred principles of Odinani —a moral and cosmic order that demanded accountability to both the Creator and the community. They taught us that Ezi Afa Ka Ego (a good name is better than riches) and Egbe Belu, Ugo Belu (live and let live) are enduring principles of justice, coexistence and mutual respect,” Okagbue stated.

Describing language as the soul of every people, the keynote speaker warned that communities that neglect their language and traditions risk losing their identity.

“People who abandon their language and culture are like birds without nests—they have no home to return to,” he added.

While acknowledging the remarkable achievements of Igbo people across the globe in business, technology, education and commerce, Okagbue cautioned that economic success without strong moral and cultural foundations cannot be sustained.

He stated: “We are globally recognised for our resilience, enterprise and industry. From Silicon Valley to London, Lagos and Tokyo, the Igbo footprint is visible. However, true success cannot stand without a strong foundation. Our heritage is not an outdated relic; it is the blueprint for our future.”

The keynote speaker also expressed concern over what was described as a growing identity crisis among young people, citing the declining use of the Igbo language, weakening traditional mentorship structures such as the Igba-Boi apprenticeship system, and the increasing obsession with instant wealth.

“The philosophy of patient labour is gradually being replaced by a dangerous get-rich-quick mentality. Many young people now desire success without sacrifice, wealth without mentorship and recognition without integrity,” Okagbue said.

According to the keynote address, the erosion of the traditional value placed on hard work, honesty and reputation threatens the moral fabric of Igbo society.

His words: “Our forefathers regarded a good name as their greatest asset. It was their social capital and business collateral. Today, we must ask ourselves: where did we lose that priceless inheritance?”

Okagbue urged parents, educators, traditional institutions and community leaders to work together in rebuilding the moral foundations of society by transmitting Igbo language, culture and ethical values to younger generations.

“We cannot build a sustainable future on a hollowed-out heritage. We are not gathered here to romanticise the past but to reclaim its enduring wisdom and connect it with the innovations of today’s youth,” he said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze (SAN), who declared the programme open, highlighted the importance of deliberately teaching children the Igbo language and instilling sound moral values from an early age.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, language remains the strongest symbol of cultural identity.

“No matter how educated an Igbo man or woman becomes, if they can no longer speak the Igbo language or pass it on to their children, they have lost their roots,” the respected Academic said.

Organisers said the Train-the-Trainers Capacity Development Programme is designed to equip community leaders, educators, youth mentors and women leaders with the knowledge and skills required to promote character development, cultural consciousness and value-based leadership across Igbo-speaking communities.

Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo and the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation reaffirmed their shared commitment to championing initiatives that preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people, strengthen shared values, and inspire a new generation of responsible leaders committed to integrity, community development and cultural pride.