June 28, (THEWILL) – In a bid to to ensure that the Anioma mother tongues are not lost on the youths, the Umu Anioma Group is putting up strategies to instill the language and culture to indigenes all over the world.
Umu Anioma is a sociocultural group, that accommodates Anioma people all over the world with its bi-sect headquarters in Atlanta USA and Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The educational plan was disclosed weekend by the Founder/Convener of the group, Prince Emmanuel Ohai, in Umu Anioma Global Leadership Stand-Up Meeting held on Sunday.
According to Ohai, the group is set to establish a multilingual school with the first phase taking off in Dakar, Senegal.
Assuring that a structure is already on ground, Ohai said: “We are just in the idea stage. But we are going to do a feasibility study as Professor Emeritus Augustine Esogbue advised. Already, there is an Anioma lady in USA who has started the initiative by teaching Igbo Language to Anioma people over there.”
Already, An Anioma leader in the U.S.A.,Dr. Veronica Ufoegbune, had started such an initiative over a decade ago.
Corroborating Ohai, Esogbue said that education is very important for Anioma people because it is through education that they can empower themselves.
Insisting that Anioma people must embrace education, Esogbue, who is also the “Ozorkailolo Ibuzor,” said, “Our sister Veronica Ofoegbune is doing something in the educational sector. It can be very broad. We want to make sure that we do not only embrace education but practise it and hand it over to the next generation. There is no excuse for one not to embrace education.”
Prof Esogbue, however, advised that Ofoegbune’s project needs some feasibility studies, adding that he has some friends in Senegal and Monrovia, that could help to develop the project further.
Offering to support Veronica to succeed, Prof Esogbue said that he is looking at opportunities to support peoples ideas and book publications on Anioma.
The university don said “I am coming home to Umu Anioma for that purpose. I can now follow all your updates. I encourage people to look at what it takes to embark on the book project”.
He advised that it is important children of Anioma speak and understand Anioma language.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr Ofoegbune, the Anioma Southern California Community Leader and Founder Anioma Youth U.S.A, Dr. Veronica Ufoegbune commended the conveners of Umu Anioma, stating that the group has come to stay.
She spoke elaborately on the Igbo language teaching in Northern California where she lives, which she has taken up to promote the culture and language of the people.
She however, solicited for support, advising that Anioma people should be up and doing in whatever they do.
In his comment, Umu Anioma Dakar Senegal President, Sir Uwa Chinedu who attended the meeting with his Vice President Mr. Friday Okunbor and Secretary Prince Enebeli echoed the thought provoking question Prof Emeritus Esogbue asked participants of the Umu Global Meeting with respect to “what makes you (Umu Anioma) different from other Anioma groups?”.
Mr. Uwa suggested that members of the group must try to answer that question with how they plan and execute this new initiative uniquely.
In her remark, Chief Mrs. Anthonia Oguah, a member of the group said that the international school project with the concept of local languages is one of the best thing that has happened in Anioma land.
Mrs Oguah said “We should have something tangible. Let us start because you have brought something good. Don’t go and sleep. Start immediately and don’t look back. Do something between now and December. The school concept is brilliant and it will help a lot. Please be serious with it”.
Also speaking Secretary General Umu Anioma Worldwide, Mr Jude Okolo commended the convener, saying that he was impressed with the turnout.
Okolo said “Thanks for the initiative. Am happy to be part of it. Let’s continue with the initiative”.
Another member, Mr. Jude Amin Utulu who offered the closing prayer, asked for God’s favour and guidiance as the group move forward in this new initiative in unity and love.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
