Group, Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation call for revival of Igbo language, values

Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo and the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation have 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 that was held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The event took place 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 a part of the Igbo-Speaking Communities: Children, Youth and 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.

He said: “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.”

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

He said: “People who abandon their language and culture are like birds without nests—they have no home to return to.”

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 said: “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.

He added: “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.”

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.

The address said: “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.

He said: “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.”

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖