Imo Assembly to deliberate in Igbo
By Henry Umahi
Determined to protect, preserve and promote the Igbo language and culture, the Imo State House of Assembly is planning to set aside special days during which the business of lawmaking will be conducted strictly in Igbo.

On such days, members stepping into the hallowed chambers will be required to dress in Igbo traditional attire only.
It was gathered that the new leadership of the House, led by Dr. Acho Ihim, was not only concerned about the seeming apathy towards intergenerational transmission of Igbo language, but also the negative influences of Western culture on Nigerian youths, particularly with regards to exposing sensitive parts of their body in the name of fashion, hence the Eight Assembly wants to lead by example. The speaker also believed that communicating in the mother tongue would strengthen members' ties and build a psychological oneness
"The members of the House are determined to revive the Igbo language and culture because they are aware of the fact that if you lose your language and culture, you have lost your identity."
So, it will be a sort of reorientation of the people and cultural renaissance, " disclosed a member who did not want his name in print.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Kris Odi, an Igbo language advocate, said: "I think it is a welcome development because it will serve as one of the ways to promote Igbo language. It will also enable those that are in the rural areas who are not literate enough to understand the basics of lawmaking and also bill passed and signed into law. It will also enable parents to begin to educate their children on the need to embrace Igbo language, citing the House of Assembly that deliberate in Igbo language as an example. And, ultimately, the effort will save the Igbo language from the threat of possible extinction