HUMANITARIAN
Gov. Otti Reaffirms Cultural Renaissance Agenda as Abia Hosts Second Edition of Ekeremgba Akpauche, Igbo Language and Heritage Competition
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has underscored his administration’s commitment to cultural revival and value-driven education with the formal opening of the second edition of Ekeremgba Akpauche, a cultural and educational initiative of the Catholic Diocese of Aba. The event held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Christ the King College (CKC), Aba, with the governor represented by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.
Designed to deepen the appreciation of Igbo language, culture, and values among secondary school students, Ekeremgba Akpauche has steadily evolved into a strategic platform for grooming culturally grounded and intellectually confident young Abians. The expanded scope of the second edition reflects growing interest and a renewed resolve to safeguard indigenous identity in the face of global cultural shifts.
Governor Otti described the programme as both timely and visionary, noting that language remains the strongest anchor of identity and continuity for any people. He commended the Catholic Diocese of Aba for sustaining and expanding the initiative, stressing that such efforts are crucial in raising a generation that understands its roots while confidently engaging the modern world.
Highlighting the philosophy of his administration, the governor noted that the cultural rebirth being driven through initiatives like Ekeremgba Akpauche aligns seamlessly with the vision of building a New Abia anchored on quality education, cultural pride, discipline, and ethical leadership.
According to him, the future of the state depends not only on infrastructure and economic reforms but also on the values and character instilled in the younger generation.
Governor Otti encouraged participating students to embrace their language and heritage with pride, reminding them that their conduct should reflect the enduring values of Abia people wherever they find themselves. He also acknowledged the critical roles played by teachers, parents, and organizers in mentoring the youth and shaping their worldview, while calling on other Igbo-speaking states to adopt similar programmes as a collective strategy for preserving shared heritage.
Assuring continued support from the Abia State Government, the governor expressed confidence that initiatives of this nature would continue to produce young leaders who are culturally informed, intellectually sound, and morally upright.
On behalf of the Catholic Bishop of Aba, Most Rev. Augustine Ndubueze Echemba, Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Chukwuma conveyed appreciation to Rev. Fr. Onyinyechi Anaeto for conceptualizing and coordinating the programme. He emphasized the importance of early exposure to indigenous language learning as a foundation for cultural continuity.
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Anaeto explained that Ekeremgba Akpauche provides a dynamic platform for students to display their intellectual and cultural abilities through debates, quizzes, choral renditions, and traditional games. He disclosed that 25 secondary schools, including the host school, CKC Aba, participated in the competition, and called for stronger integration of Igbo language studies within the education system, as well as improved support for language teachers. It also featured rich cultural displays that reinforced the enduring relevance of Igbo heritage in contem
porary society.