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Obi tackles NTA, FRCN over Igbo language
Alphonsus Nweze,
Onitsha

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has threatened to sue the Federal Government and its information organs, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) continue to exclude Igbo language in their vernacular programmes in the state.
Obi who spoke weekend in the state Radio programme, said he learnt that NTA Awka and Radio Nigeria in the state were planning to start programmes in Hausa, Yoruba and pidgin English without Igbo language, saying that if they went ahead and do it, he, as the governor of the state would sue them.
He said that Anambrarians and indeed Ndigbo and their language were not inferior to any other part of this country saying there is need to respect them.
Governor Obi who was responding to a caller’s question in the programme over the purported purchase of FUMTA park at Bridgehead, said as the governor of Anambra State, he would not allow a situation whereby the state should be run from Abuja, Lagos or any other part of this country.
Daily Champion however gathered that the executive of "Abada" sellers complained to Federal Ministry of Works over the governor’s refusal to allow them to erect stalls at the FUMTA Park. The Federal Ministry of Works in turn wrote Obi, affirming their ownership of the FUMTA Park at head- bridge
Daily Champion also gathered that the Hausa Community in Onistha sent a delegation to Sultan of Sokoto, over the demolition in Onitsha who in turn was said to have contacted President Umaru Yar’Adua to prevail on the Governor to stop the demolition exercise at Bridgehead because it affected most of their people
But Governor Obi insisted that never again will people from outside the state determine what will happen in Anambra State, stressing "we in Anambra develop other parts of Nigeria, we need to be respected. We have houses in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Sokoto and other places in this country. How many people come here to build houses.

He warmed the "Abada" traders to desist from moving into FUMTA Park to develop it warning that he would visit them with the full force of the law. He said since the Federal Government stopped using it for the purpose it was meant for, the ownership has authomatically reverted to the state government

Language and Culture experience

May 1999, Chioma Ogechi Nnaji received a Bachelors of Science degree (BS) from Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Health Care Management with a minor in Rehabilitation Services Administration. Currently, she is working with the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration as a Planning and Evaluation Specialist. While working, she attends Florida State University (FSU) double majoring in Public Administration and Health Policy Research.


Although I was raised in the United States, I was fortunate to have a Nigerian father who instilled in me the importance of being a child from Igboland. He informally taught Igbo moral values, social etiquette, cultural traditions, and most importantly, Igbo pride. Unfortunately, I was not taught the Igbo language. Not because my father did not find it important, but because of the surrounding environment. My mom is an African-American, therefore, it was difficult to teach Igbo when the main language in the house had to be English.

However, this is not an excuse, but a wake up call to all Igbos living outside of Nigeria. Regardless of the circumstances, teach your child the Igbo language. A child is lost in his homeland without knowing how to speak to his people. [Nwata na anayi asu asusu ndi be ha, bu nwata furu e fu]

It was difficult visiting Nigeria, but even more difficult living in the United States. It seemed I always had to prove I am a Nigerian, and Igbo woman. They say, “a Nigerian that has only visited Nigeria, a Nigerian who barely speaks her language, a Nigerian who doesn't have an accent.” But, I tell them I am a Nigerian because of my bloodline and because of what is in my soul. 

The only thing my father could never teach me was the feeling of being home. I knew Nigeria through my father, but now it was time for me to know Nigeria for me.

On December 16,1992 I arrived in Nigeria for the third time in 14 years. This visit was different from the first two; I was older and more attentive. 

As I traveled from Lagos to Owerri, I could feel the sense of peace and understanding, I could hear the sound of contentment, I could taste the excitement of festivals. My feet were finally touching the soil of Africa, Nigeria, Igboland … HOME!

As I stepped through the gates of the Nnaji compound in Emii village, my cousins, aunts, uncles, and family friend greeted me with love, dance, and song. The crowd parted and my grandmother and grandfather came through. Seeing my history and my purpose in life through their presence brought joy to my heart and tears to my eyes.

This intense experience gave me the authority to say:
Am I am Nigerian? Yes
Am I am Igbo woman? Yes
Never will I claim not to be a Nigerian because of other people’s ideas.

Every Igbo child should have this feeling at least once. The feeling of home is powerful!

America is filled with selfishness, dishonesty, and materialistic values. There are enough detractions in America, a child does not need to also have the feeling of not having a identity. Elders should contradict that energy by teaching our culture. Culture can consist of food, clothing, values, language, traditions, and religion. This can be done through:

In communities where there are colleges/universities, college students who are from Nigeria, Igboland should be solicited to teach Igbo Language and Culture class. This will promote unity amongst the extended Igbo community. It also gives the college students a place away from home, children living in America are able to learn more about being a child in Igboland from individuals in their age group
Develop Ndi Igbo in all communities and hold traditional festivals. 
Erase the use of Christian (European) names as first names. Igbo names are more powerful and give a child the sense of purpose and responsibility.


E Kwem
Chioma Ogechi Nnaji
Email: cnnaji@hotmai.com