By John Ndu
It was a celebration galore for the staff and students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), as the departments of Igbo and Theatre Art organized Igbo cultural fiesta.
The event which took place at Igbariam campus attracted many dignitaries of igbo promoters including the founder of "Otu suwakwa Igbo" Prof Pita Ejiofor, the Vice Chancellor COOU,
Prof. Fidelis Okafor , heads of departments, students and many others. Addressing the students, Prof Okafor said that the event was in line to sustain igbo identity in the society, saying that "the university spreads it's scope of studies to other values of life, such as academic, entertainment, arts and culture and many others to balance standard of learning." "
In the past, Igbos were proud of their identity and known for values and integrity in different countries, but the present generation has embraced western culture and devalued ignore tradition." While regretting the relegation of Igbo language to the background in Nigeria, the professor urged parents to always encourage and expose their children and wards to know the importance of igbos.
Speaking also, the former Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe university and founder "Otu Zubakwa Igbo", Prof Pita Ejiofor, said "what formed a person is not what you studied in school but your attitude, that is why university also forms character. That is why you must be certified in character and learning" Prof. Ejiofor lamented the drastic dwindling of igbo language in the society as other languages like Hausa and Yoruba are projected.
Prof Ejiofor observed that those national icons like ojukwu and others who attended universities in foreign countries and had represented the society in world conferences were promoters of igbo language, urging igbo youth to always be proud of their language and keep igbo cultural identity high. In their welcome address read in Igbo by Anozie Kelvin and Chinonso Okafor , the students commended Governor Willie Obiano for providing 420,000 water scheme to the school.
The students noted that the water scheme situated inside school had the supply strength of over 1000, cutting across Igbariam community. The students urged the contractors handling the power project in the school, flagged off by Governor Obiano to facilitate the construction, as it would open up development and enhance effective learning. Some of the activities displayed include, cultural dance, debate in Igbo language, wrestling, masquerade dance and many more. Caption for the picture: the vice chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Fidelis OKAFOR (fifth right), the founder otu suwakwa igbo, Prof. Pita Ejiofor (sixth right ), and other staff and students' traditional rulers of COOU.
source: http://johnndu..com/2016/05/coou-marks-igbo-cultural-day.html#more