₦airaland Forum

Recognising his dedication to Igala heritage, an Igala chieftain, the Onubiogbo Ata Igala, bestowed upon him the honorary name Ojoma, which means "God Knows" in Igala.

“This should serve as a wake-up call to those who look down on the Igala language, culture, and tradition. It’s ironic that an Igbo man has shown greater commitment to preserving Igala heritage than some of its native speakers,” a spectator remarked.

immortalcrown:
E go hard this news to enter front page.😀

They don't like good news about the Igbo.

sreamsense:
Wake up for both igala and Igbo! He may certainly fail to achieve this in his Igbo native language due to loss of interest in his own language to embrace another language as his most preferred language instead. Good for him, and also reminder for igala to wake up anywhere they are. Igala in Anambra and other south east as minority should preserve their heritages and avoid other culture eroding them away to the gutter of language extinction. To the organisers, well done; keep it up and keep promoting your culture.

budaatum:
Myndd44 frontpage please. If just to shame immortal, whom I'm certain is just trying to psychologise.

sreamsense:
Wake up for both igala and Igbo! He may certainly fail to achieve this in his Igbo native language due to loss of interest in his own language to embrace another language as his most preferred language instead. Good for him, and also reminder for igala to wake up anywhere they are. Igala in Anambra and other south east as minority should preserve their heritages and avoid other culture eroding them away to the gutter of language extinction. To the organisers, well done; keep it up and keep promoting your culture.

sreamsense:
Wake up for both igala and Igbo! He may certainly fail to achieve this in his Igbo native language due to loss of interest in his own language to embrace another language as his most preferred language instead. Good for him, and also reminder for igala to wake up anywhere they are. Igala in Anambra and other south east as minority should preserve their heritages and avoid other culture eroding them away to the gutter of language extinction. To the organisers, well done; keep it up and keep promoting your culture.

immortalcrown:
How can putting the post on front page be a shame to me? Did I tell you that it is impossible for the post to enter the front page? "E go hard" means "difficult". Does "difficult" mean "impossible"?

You missed my point. The post may get to the front page but it will never be as quick as the bad news about the Igbo.

RealGandalf:
In an extraordinary display of linguistic and cultural appreciation, Chukwuma Eze, a 400-level medical student at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), has emerged victorious in the 2024 ITA Igala Proverbs Competition. The event was organized by Rev. Father Boniface Opaluwa aka Fada DonBon and took place at the prestigious Attah Igala’s Palace in Idah Local Government Area (LGA), Kogi State.

Chukwuma, who hails from Enugu State and was raised in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi State, demonstrated an unparalleled mastery of Igala proverbs, defeating native Igala contestants to claim the ₦1,000,000 grand prize.

A Journey Rooted in Passion for Igala Language

Growing up in Ajaokuta, Chukwuma developed a deep connection with the Igala language and culture. This bond was nurtured by his family’s Igala neighbour from Ikanekpo, who taught him the language during his formative years. Over time, his fascination with the Igala tradition blossomed into a lifelong passion.

Chukwuma’s love for Igala culture extends beyond the language. He avidly listens to Igala folklore and music, with Paul Odi, a renowned Igala musician, among his favourites.



A Challenge to Native Igala Speakers

Chukwuma's victory has sparked conversation among the Igala community, highlighting the declining enthusiasm for their own language and culture. Critics pointed out that many educated Igala individuals neglect their roots, opting instead for foreign names and languages.



Sponsors and Appreciation

The competition was generously sponsored by Idris HK, the owner of Crush Cafe, Abuja, alongside other supporters. Their efforts were lauded for promoting the Igala language and ensuring its cultural relevance.

Mé'wóla Ukóló (Thank You, All)

The grand finale at the Attah Igala’s Palace not only celebrated Chukwuma’s achievement but also served as a platform to honor the rich traditions of the Igala people. With participants, sponsors, and spectators expressing heartfelt gratitude, the event reinforced the importance of preserving indigenous languages and cultural heritage for future generations.

Source: https://thebureau.com.ng/igbo-student-wins-igala-proverbs-competition-takes-home-%e2%82%a61-million-prize/

Mrfeel:
The point is he defeated native igalas in an igala competition, I don't think none igbos will defeat igbos in an igbo competition

richiemcgold:
Igala people should count this as a big plus. It is a sign of good development when you see outsiders embracing your language. The best student in Yoruba Language back then in my old secondary school was an Igbo boy, although he was born and raised in Yoruba land. I'm talking of as far back as early 90s. AQUINAS COLLEGE to be precise.

Bendeco02:
Igbo is hard na

You hardly see non Igbo that can write in Igbo even if he speaks it

budaatum:
Whatever, immortalcrown.

Hopefully, myndd44 will put it on frontpage so you can decide for yourself if it is a shame or impossible or difficult or easy or hard or quick or your point.

christejames:
This is how the oneness amongst Nigerians is supposed to be until the devil implants APC and Tinubu amongst us





Congratulations nwanne! Agbaa ooo!!!

Bendeco02:
Igbo is hard na

You hardly see non Igbo that can write in Igbo even if he speaks it

Afonja44:
Your yoruba language that is well preserved is the official language of skull miners and touts. Even skull miners caught in Haiti spoke yoruba.

Show me an arraigned ritualist that didn't speak yoruba and I will show you who impregnated Mary.

SocialJustice:
Make the 1m reach the guy hand, no be 1m for picture, N10k alert.

Nigerians are evil.

Elliotwaveforec:
Many Igbos do not even know their history! 30 percent of Igbos are originally Igalas.

Chukwuma, who hails from Enugu State and was raised in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi State, demonstrated an unparalleled mastery of Igala proverbs, defeating native Igala contestants to claim the ₦1,000,000 grand prize.

A Journey Rooted in Passion for Igala Language

Growing up in Ajaokuta, Chukwuma developed a deep connection with the Igala language and culture. This bond was nurtured by his family’s Igala neighbour from Ikanekpo, who taught him the language during his formative years.
Over time, his fascination with the Igala tradition blossomed into a lifelong passion.