Nigeria’s former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, on Tuesday gave insight into how he clinched the position.
Speaking in Enugu, Ekwueme disclosed that he rose to become the vice-president during the Shehu Shagari-led administration because he was an Igbo man.
He, however, bemoaned the dying nature of the Igbo language among the present generation of Igbo people.
Ekwueme spoke at the 16th Annual National Convention of the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) held at Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State.
He maintained that people of the Igbo extraction were highly revered in the country and called on the students and youth present at the event to embrace and appreciate the Igbo language rather than allowing it to dwindle.
Also speaking at the convention, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, former governor of Abia State and ministerial nominee of President Muhammadu Buhari, said that the occasion was significant especially as it served the useful purpose of showing off the rich past and heritage of the Igbos.
Onu said: “Today, our society is faced with the danger that the Igbo language may not survive for long. It is sad that most of our children find it difficult to communicate in our native language. The attraction of foreign values has become almost an obsession that has weakened our self-confidence and injured our self-esteem.
“We cannot rediscover ourselves if we do not reclaim our cultural heritage. It has become important because a people without culture is a people without self-confidence. If a people lack self-confidence then such a people lose the will, determination and drive to successfully engage the development process in the pursuit of the common good.
“I wish to assure you all that the APC led federal government of President Buhari will initiate visionary and sustained efforts to help Nigerians rediscover their rich past. In doing so, such efforts will be guided by the knowledge that cultural reawakening is an important tool in the economic, social and political development of our beloved country.”
The President of IYM, Mr. Elliot Uko said the theme of this year’s annual convention ” Ibuli Asusu Igbo” was carefully chosen to encourage and propagate interest in Igbo language, adding that IYM would continue to fight for true federalism which would restore confidence in the unity of the country as well as.give the citizenry a sense of belonging.
Uko said that the movement would also continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign against corruption and terrorism. Plaques were given to Dr Ekwueme; Dr Onu; renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze; iconic actor, Mr. John Okafor (Mr.Ibu) and veteran novelist, Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike.
Students who participated in an essay writing contest and a quiz also received certificates and cash rewards instituted by former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.
The first position got N50,000, the 1st runner-up got N30,000 and the 2nd runner-up took home N20,000.
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