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From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
An Igbo women socio-cultural organisation, committed to the promotion of Igbo heritage and values, Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo, has intensified the call for the revival of Igbo language, moral values, and cultural identity as the critical pillars for preserving the future of the Igbo nation.
The group made the call during the Nkata Ndi Iyom re-orientation on Igbo cultural values, yesterday, which was held at the Leo-Stan Ekeh Foundation Centre, Imo State University, Owerri, the state capital.
The event was part of the Igbo speaking communities: Children, Youth and Women moral initiative Train-the-Trainers Capacity Development Programme 2026.
In a keynote address titled, “Igbo values and Ethos System: Our heritage, our values and our future” a renowned Igbo cultural enthusiast and public intellectual, Roz Ben Ukagbue, stressed the urgent need for Ndigbo to preserve and promote the Igbo language, culture, and value system, describing them as the foundation of the people’s identity and future.
Okagbue said the Igbo forebears measured greatness not by wealth but by character, integrity, and service to society.
“Our ancestors built a civilisation founded in the sacred principles of Odinani -a moral and cosmic order that demanded accountability to both the creator and community. They taught us that Ezi afa ka ego (good name is better than riches) and Egbe belu, ugo belu (live and let live) are enduring principles of justice, co-existence, and mutual respect”.
Okagbue, who is a lawyer, described language as the soul of every people, warning that communities that neglect their language and traditions risk losing their identity.
“People who abandon their language and culture are like birds without nests -they have no home to return to”.
While acknowledging the remarkable achievements of Igbo people across the world in business, technology, education, and commerce, she cautioned that economic success without strong moral and cultural foundations cannot be sustained.
“We are globally recognised for our resilience, enterprise, and industry. From Silicon Valley to London, Lagos, and Tokyo, the Igbo foot print is visible. However, true success cannot stand without a strong foundation. Our heritage is not an outdated relic; it is the blueprint for our future.
Okagbue expressed concern over what she described as a growing crisis of identity among young people, citing the declining use of Igbo language, weakening traditional mentorship structures such as the Igba Boi apprenticeship system, and increasing obsession with instant wealth.
“The philosophy of patient labour is gradually being replaced by the dangerous get- rich-quick mentality. Many young people now desire success without sacrifice, wealth without mentorship, and recognition without integrity.”
Okagbue said that the erosion of our traditional values placed on hard work, honesty, and reputation threatens the moral fabric of Igbo society.
She added, “Our forefathers regarded a good name as their social capital and business collateral. Today, we must ask ourselves: where did we lose that priceless inheritance?”
Okagbue, therefore, tasked parents, educators, traditional institutions, and community leaders to work together in rebuilding the moral foundations of society by transmitting Igbo language, culture, and ethical values to younger generations.
“We cannot build a sustainable future on a hollowed out heritage. We are gathered here, today, not to romanticise the past, but to reclaim its enduring wisdom and connect it with the innovations of today’s youth,” she submitted.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze (SAN), who declared the programme open, highlighted the importance of deliberately teaching the children lgbo language and instilling sound moral values from early age. Prof Chukwumaeze said language remains the strongest symbol of cultural identity.
He said: “No matter how educated an Igbo man or woman becomes, if he or she can no longer speak the Igbo language or pass it on to the children, he or she has lost his or her roots”.
The organisers said the train-the-trainers capacity development programme was designed to equip community leaders, educators, youth mentors, and women leaders with the knowledge and skills required to promote character development, cultural consciousness and value-based leadership across Igbo speaking communities.
The Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo reaffirmed its commitment to championing initiatives that preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people, strengthen shared values and inspire a new generation of responsible leaders committed to integrity, community development, and bringing together traditional leaders, educators, youth mentors, and other stakeholders committed to cultural renewal.
