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A University Don, Prof Cecilia Eme has expressed worry over gradual eroding of moral values and Igbo language speaking, especially among the younger generation.
She blamed parents for the ugly development, stressing the need for deliberate teaching of values, morality and speaking of Igbo language among youths to ensure they were saved from extinction.
Eme spoke at the fourth edition of Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Award, themed “Gbakotanu Ka Anyi Dozie Obodo Dike” with the aim of celebrating excellence among Ndi Anambra who have impacted the world in the various vocations.
She described as costly assumption the attitude of parents that their children would automatically speak Igbo language since they could hear them speak the language.
She said, “Don’t assume that since you and your spouse are speaking Igbo, your children will automatically speak the language, that will be a costly assumption.
“How can parents be speaking Igbo while discussing among themselves but when they want to talk their children, they change to English. We must be deliberate about it by starting early to teach them while they are still tender.
“Impact on the younger generation starting with the Igbo language, teaching them values and morality and ensuring that Igbo language doesn’t die out,” Eme, of Linguistics Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University said.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Chike Obidigbo commended the organizers for their wisdom in putting the event together, which he said had no political coloration.
While congratulating the awardees, he explained that the selection was purely based on merit, expressing optimism that the recognition would serve as motivation for greater exploits.
One of the award recipients, Engr Barth Nwibe who received the Oil and Gas person of the year, appreciated the organizers for recognizing him for the Award which he described as thing of joy and would spur me to doing greater things.
“It’s been a long walk in the oil and gas industry. I spent greater part of my youthful years, including Christmas and Easter holidays working in oil field.
“Today, I’m running a company and we’re contributing to the development of the industry. For Ndị Anambra to recognize me for the Award is a thing of joy which will spur me to doing more.
“Currently, we are establishing a diagnostic center in the state, including installation of MRI, though requires 24hrs power supply, which has been a challenge in the State.
“Many have tried to invest in the state, but had continued to encounter the challenge of power. Powering Anambra is critical to developing the state.”
On the crisis in Labour Party (LP), Nwibe, a governorship aspirant under the party described it as not unusual in Nigerian politics, expressing optimism that the party would come out stronger.
“Even in the family, there are problems, but there’s always a leader there. Once he decides to sort out the problem, it remains solved.
“Labor didn’t come from nowhere. But you know this is Nigeria and the problem associated, you don’t blame anyone. We’re navigating through it and with your support, we’ll survive and succeed,” he added.
Another awardee and ARISE TV Correspondent, Emeka Monye who was honored with Media Person of the Year Award thanked the organizers for the award, describing it as stepping stone towards other charity works in the pipeline.
He charged other well-meaning and comfortable individuals to do the same, saying that it was one of the ways to impact and impart society.
“I am humbled by this award and at the same time inspired to continue to impact humanity. I will not take this award for granted because it means deeply to me.
“I also want to call on others, particularly media practitioners to reach out to those in need by following similar projects, this way we will be lifting others who are downtrodden.
“This award is a stepping stone towards other charity works I have outlined to be instituted, particularly in education, giving back to the sector that has given me the ticket to be where I am, is pivotal to my aspirations – leaving a legacy for humanity. And also continue to report news that will advance the course of mankind”
Another awardee, Chief Azubuike Ekweozor, recognized as the Philanthropist of the year said the award was informed by his constant impact on lives of the people, especially the vulnerable, widows and youths beyond politics.
Others included the woman of the year, Lady Ada Chukwudozie of Keystone Bank, Innovator of the year, Patrick Nwosu, Public Servant of the Year, Prof Charles Esimone, Media Person of the Year and Correspondent with Arise TV, Emeka Monyeand a host of others.
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