The Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) has sounded a serious note of warning regarding the future of the Igbo language, cautioning that the tongue faces a real risk of extinction if the younger generation continues to turn away from it. This concern is at the heart of the upcoming 2026 Mother Tongue Day celebration, which the group has scheduled to hold at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, on February 20 and 21.
The National President of the group, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, expressed deep worry over the growing trend of Igbo youths preferring English and other foreign languages over their mother tongue. She pointed out that language is the soul of any culture, warning that once a people lose their native speech, they effectively lose their identity. According to her, while the people might remain, the distinct essence of the Igbo race would fade away without its linguistic foundation.
The assembly noted that other major ethnic groups, both within Nigeria and internationally, tend to guard their languages with a sense of pride that seems to be waning among the Igbo. They observed that while many others speak their indigenous languages freely regardless of where they are, there is an unfortunate tendency among some Igbo people to abandon theirs too easily. The group stressed that this habit must change if the culture is to survive the pressures of modern global influence.
Interestingly, the choice of Awka as the venue is a strategic one. The organizers decided three years ago to move these celebrations from Lagos back to the South-East heartland. This shift was prompted by the startling discovery that even in rural communities within Igboland, the use of the language is beginning to decline. To address this, the event will kick off with a symposium featuring lectures and panel discussions aimed at finding practical ways to preserve the culture.
Despite the gloomy outlook, the women did find reason for hope, particularly in the diaspora. They gave a special nod to families in countries like China and the United States who have remained intentional about teaching their children the language. They urged parents everywhere to stop viewing the Igbo language as inferior, reminding them that the ability to speak one’s mother tongue is a mark of pride, not a mistake.
The celebration, which aligns with the global initiative supported by the United Nations to protect indigenous languages, is expected to draw several high-profile figures. Among those slated to attend are the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator Azu Mbata, Professor Stella Okunna, and the traditional ruler of Nri Kingdom, HRM Eze Chukwuemeka Nri. The IWA, which has been at the forefront of this advocacy since 2019, is calling on all community leaders and traditional rulers to join the movement in Awka to ensure the language remains a living legacy.
