In a move to promote Igbo language and culture, the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council has officially endorsed the maiden Igbo language concert, dubbed “Surugawa Igbo.” The endorsement came during a courtesy visit by members of Igbo Efula (Otu Asusu Igbo) Movement, the organisers of the event, to the council’s chambers in Enugu.
Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu community, welcomed the delegation and lauded their efforts. Asadu, who is also the immediate past Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, expressed his appreciation for the group’s commitment to preserving and promoting Igbo language, describing the concert as a “selfless and important task.”
In his remarks, Asadu assured the delegation of the council's full support. "The promotion of Igbo language is not just a responsibility but a cultural duty for us, the custodians of language and tradition," Asadu said. He further promised to organise a larger meeting with traditional rulers across the state to discuss the concert's importance and rally support for its success.
The traditional ruler also expressed his pride in being named the grand patron of Igbo Efula, acknowledging that the group consists of credible individuals devoted to the Igbo cause. He highlighted the involvement of his predecessor, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, who serves as Chairman of the organisation’s Board of Trustees, as a testament to the group's credibility.
Mazi Ikechukwu Oji, President of Igbo Efula, explained that the group's primary mission is the promotion of the Igbo language. He stressed the importance of collaboration with traditional rulers, describing them as "custodians of language and culture." Oji also expressed gratitude for Asadu's leadership and urged him to leverage his influence to mobilise support for the concert.
The "Surugawa Igbo" concert is scheduled to take place on November 17, 2024, at Amadeo Event Center in Enugu. The event aims to celebrate and promote the Igbo language, which has seen a decline in usage among younger generations.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the concert's mascot to Igwe Asadu, symbolising the official endorsement of the event by the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.
As the date approaches, the Igbo Efula Movement hopes to garner more support from traditional rulers, as well as well-meaning sons and daughters of Ala-Igbo, to ensure the success of this maiden event dedicated to preserving the Igbo language and culture for future generations.
