By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has presented N2.5 million cheques to beneficiaries of its Professorial Endowment Chair in Enugu.

President-General Senator John Azuta-Mbata described the initiative as a strategic move to preserve the Igbo identity against globalization.

The leadership warned that UNESCO reports labeling the Igbo language as endangered must serve as an urgent wake-up call. This endowment aims to revitalize cultural consciousness and academic research to ensure the language thrives for future generations.

In addition to academic awards, the “Ohanaeze PG Scholarship” was launched to support 100 undergraduates. The program focuses on technology-driven fields like coding and artificial intelligence, with plans to expand the beneficiary list to 200 soon.

This tech scholarship is a personal initiative self-funded by Senator Azuta-Mbata to merge digital innovation with cultural heritage. He hopes this gesture inspires other Igbo leaders and businessmen to invest similarly in the region’s youth.

Prof. Damian Opata, chairman of the selection committee, praised the merit-based process used to identify the scholars. He pledged that his team would work tirelessly to ensure the Igbo language and culture remain vibrant and avoid extinction.

Elder statesmen and academics at the event highlighted the global footprint of the Igbo language, noting growth in the UK, US, and Canada. However, they stressed that local institutional and religious support remains vital for long-term sustainability.

Representing the awardees, Prof. Mbah thanked the organization for the transparent and inclusive selection process. He promised that the recipients would intensify their research efforts to promote Igbo studies and fulfill the endowment’s goals.