Ohanaeze Ndigbo warns against Igbo cultural erosion ahead of Ahiajoku 2025, urging renewed efforts to preserve language, tradition, and identity

Ohanaeze Ndigbo warns against Igbo cultural erosion, raising the alarm ahead of the 2025 Ahiajoku Lecture Festival scheduled to take place next week in Owerri, Imo State.

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Speaking at the weekend, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, stressed the urgency of preserving the Igbo language and traditions.

He made the remarks when members of the planning committee visited him in Enugu State to brief him on preparations for the cultural event.

Mbata formally endorsed the festival, promising to attend in person. He commended the committee’s dedication and pledged the full cooperation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“Ahiajoku remains an avenue for deep conversations among Ndigbo on issues of culture, language, and survival,” he said.

Quoting UNESCO’s warning that the Igbo language is endangered, he urged swift action to prevent cultural erosion.

He revealed that his administration has set up endowment chairs in tertiary institutions to promote research into Igbo history, language, and identity.

The theme of the 2025 lecture, “The Future of Igbo Economy Amidst the Challenges of Insecurity: A Call for Paradigm Shift,” aims to interrogate how economic development can coexist with cultural preservation amid rising insecurity.

Mbata also praised Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for reviving the lecture series after years of inactivity.

“Our people must be heard. Extend my gratitude to Governor Uzodimma. Any role we are expected to play, we shall gladly play it,” he stated.

The Director General of the Ahiajoku Centre, Hon. Nze Ray Emeana, gave historical context, recalling that the festival began in 1979 under Governor Sam Mbakwe.

He celebrated the calibre of past speakers—icons like Chinua Achebe and MJC Echeruo—whose ideas elevated the platform as Africa’s premier cultural festival.

This year’s edition is set to be both historic and symbolic, marking the 45th anniversary of the festival and the 25th lecture in the series.

Emeana emphasised that this year’s theme is timely, given the socio-economic challenges facing Ndigbo.

He hailed Governor Uzodimma as the torchbearer of the cultural renaissance, whose commitment has breathed life into the heritage-focused gathering.

With the full support of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the festival now carries the weight and voice of the Igbo nation.

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The planning committee, chaired by former Ohanaeze President General Chief Gary Igariwey and banker Sir Stanley Amuchie, is expected to deliver a landmark event that speaks not only to the region but to the global Igbo diaspora.