DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD 2014 - HOSTED BY IGBO GA ADI FOUNDATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH IRENE MENAKAYA SCHOOLS

"When children are offered opportunities to learn in their mother tongue, they are more likely to enroll and succeed in school" - Ikechukwu Okafor.

 IKECHUKWU OKAFOR, Founder/President of Igbo Ga Adi Foundation/IFMA Initiative during the event of the 2014 International Day of African Child which took place on June 19th, in Onitsha, Anambra State. The event which started on the 16th and ended on 19th June was organized by IGBO GA ADI FOUNDATION & IRENE MENAKAYA SCHOOLS.



In his speech, Ikechukwu Okafor who was also the chairman of the occasion said that research increasingly shows that children’s ability to learn a second or additional local language and an international language such as English, French, or German, does not suffer when their mother tongue is the primary language of instruction throughout primary school.

He added that, Fluency and literacy in the mother tongue lay a concrete and linguistic foundation for learning additional languages.

When children receive formal instruction in their first language throughout primary school and then gradually transits to academic learning in the second language, they learn the second language quickly. If they continue to have opportunities to develop their first language skills in secondary school, they emerge as fully bilingual (or multilingual) learners.

As is customary with Igbo Ga Adi Foundation, an organisation saddled with the responsibilities of reviving, projecting and promoting the Igbo Language, culture and identity, joining hands with the Irene Menakaya Schools, AFRICAN UNION and UNESCO rolled out its program for 2014 Day of African Child with the theme ''Child Friendly, Quality, Free & Compulsory Education for Igbo Children"

Day of African Child holds every 16th June in commemoration of the slain African Children whose only crime was to agitate for quality education and to be taught in their indigenous language.

Igbo Ga Adi Foundation ceased the opportunity to not only remember these fallen heroes, but to keep their dreams alive by promoting our indigenous language (Igbo), culture and heritage. We are fast reversing the trend of putting our indigenous language behind others. We insist on proving the prediction of Igbo language going extinct wrong by insisting that Igbo parents, guardians and teachers relate with and teach our children in our native language first before any other language.

The celebration proper which held on Thursday, June 19, 2014 had in attendance, the representative of Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. E.V Obiano, wife of Anambra State governor, Princewill Onyedinefu (Ass. Director of Education, Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO), Mrs. Magdaline Anene-Maidoh (Sec. Gen, Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha (Hon. Commissioner of Education, Anambra State), Chief Dr. Cosmos Ndukwe (Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor) ably represented, Prof. Leonard Muoghalu, Eze Prof. Mark Odu, Her Royal Majesty,Lady Dora Ekpeh, Representatives of Post Primary School Service Commission,  students of various Secondary and Primary Schools, Parents/Guardians, Grand Cereals Ltd.

Wreaths were laid to commemorate the dead children of Soweto who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of today’s gathering.

While speaking, Prof. Leonard Muoghalu who addressed the students, teachers, parents and other dignitaries ceased the opportunity to talk on the prevalent challenge of the Nigerian/African youth – UNEMPLOYMENT.

 He therefore advocated for free and compulsory education aimed at equipping our Igbo sons and daughters with the right skills to better livelihood as against the massive migration to the white man’s land in search of greener pasture in which most cases see them working tirelessly in the most degrading and inhuman conditions.
Speaking on the theme of the event “A child friendly, Quality, Free and Compulsory Education for Igbo Children”, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, Hon. Commissioner for Education Anambra State presented a paper on the importance of "Child Friendly Education".

Making the occasion more credible was a well researched article laced with personal experience of the Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Chief Dr Cosmos Ndukwe, on the dearth of Igbo Language as well as steps to reviving it in his article titled "Igbo Language- a key communication tool to self pride and identity".  

The event would have been incomplete without the presence of our traditional rulers, one of whom was Eze Prof. Mark Odu, who presented an article titled: A LETTER TO IGBO YOUTH.

The children thrilled the audience with Igbo cultural dances, songs, drama and “akuko uwa" on the importance of Education for the Igbo and African children.
Dr. Adaeze Okika, the proprietress of the co-host school (Irene Menakaya Schools), though resident in the United States, joined the event via skype call to read her address.                                                               

                                               

The President and founder of IFMA/Igbo Ga Adi Foundation the host of the event, Ikechukwu Okafor ensured that participating schools and individual children went home with educational materials and other gift items such as branded exercise books and pens, Grand Vita, Grand Oil etc (products of Grand Cereals Ltd).

Ikechukwu Okafor while addressing guests stressed that the mother tongue is part of a child’s personal, social and cultural identity, It is this identification we get from speaking our mother tongue that enforces successful social patterns of acting and speaking. Our diverse social background makes us unique and appealing in society.
The mother tongue is an indispensable instrument for the development of intellectual, physical and moral aspects of education. Habits, conducts, values, virtues, customs and beliefs are all shaped through the mother tongue. This automatically means that weakness in the mother tongue means a paralysis of all thought and power of expression.

Mazi Ikechukwu Okafor, the host of the event who doubled as the chairman of the occasion in his closing remarks thanked all who contributed to the success of the ceremony, he thanked the foundation’s PRO/Image maker, Amb. Nelda Chioma and its Zonal Coordinator Mr. Emmanuel Ugokwe for their great contribution to the success of the event.
Okafor also noted that in keeping to the organization’s motto 'Preserving, Projecting & Promoting the Igbo Language, Culture & Identity" it recently concluded Igbo Language Essay Competition in Anambra State, and the Igbo Children's Day for culture held in Abuja. This he said would be organized in all the Eastern States, with Abia State being the next in line.

The ceremony was made even more colorful as Ikechukwu Okafor utilized the opportunity to honour winners of the recently held Igbo language essay competition for all secondary schools students in Anambra State, a program initiated and organized by - Igbo Ga Adi Foundation.

IKECHUKWU OKAFOR SPEAKS ON THE 2014 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

IKECHUKWU OKAFOR Founder/President Igbo Ga Adi Foundation (IFMA INITIATIVE) Speaks on the forthcoming DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

Ikechukwu Okafor

THE REVOLUTION WE NEED - A case of International Day of African Child.
How many of us know the genesis of this INTERNATIONAL DAY OF AFRICAN CHILD? 
For the benefit of doubt of some of us without prior knowledge to what has become an annual celebration, here is the intro:
The Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity. It honors those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on that day. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children.

African Children

In Soweto, South Africa, on June 16, 1976, about ten thousand black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young students were shot, the most famous of which being Hector Peterson (see image). More than a hundred people were killed in the protests of the following two weeks, and more than a thousand were injured.
We key into this day to encourage and promote our indigenous language the world over. In our case, IGBO LANGUAGE applies, just like Hausa, Yoruba, Efik etc apply to the Hausas, Yorubas, Cross Riverians etc.
Our prayer is to see our children imbibe the culture and mastery of our indigenous language and remain proud of their true identity. In this year's International Day of African Child, we collaborate with the United Nations and Irene Menakaya School to present "“A CHILD FRIENDLY, QUALITATIVE, FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION”
Date is June 16, 2014.

IDAC Pupils 2013

It promises to be intellectually enriching. Come and see our children at their best cultural display with special feature of "akuko uwa" (news cast) written and read by them.

Keep a date with us.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD 2013

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF AFRICAN CHILD 2013 

IDAC pupils

By Emeka Ibemere

IDAC: Pupils evoke memories of 100 Soweto children
…as organizers emphasize use of Igbo language in offices, schools and all public places,

It was a solemn affair that started with a long queue of pupils in procession; then, a prayer section followed by a moment of silence. Then, the hall, which was filled to capacity, reverberated with a deafening “A-m-e-n!”

The three-day event, which started on Friday, June 14, ended on Friday, June 17, with fanfare.
The event, which was held at the Juni Memorial Hall, Irene Menakaya School, Technical College, Onitsha, Anambra State, was the 2013 International Day of the African Child. It evoked memories of the black June 16, 1976, when over 100 school children were killed by angry soldiers over their protest in Soweto, South Africa.
The organizers of the event, Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor, president of the IFMA Initiative & Igbo Ga Adi Foundation, a non-governmental organization and the Irene Menakaya School, Onitsha, had carefully chosen theme of the programme: “Eliminating Harmful Social and Cultural Practices Affecting Igbo Children: Our Collective Responsibility.”

Mrs Azuka Enemo
Hon. Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters

The programme, which started with the children singing the National Anthem in Igbo language, ushered in the distinguished invited guests, including the representatives of the state governor, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi. He was ably represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mrs. Azuka L. Enemo; Hon. Commissioner for Education, Dr. Uju Okeke, who was also represented by the Education Officer, Onitsha zone, Mr. Ozumba Ekenechukwu,

 Prof. Pita Ejiofor, former Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, Anambra State; and president, Otu Suwakwa Igbo, an affirmative socio-cultural organization that emphasises the speaking of Igbo Language and culture.

Laying of Wreaths

The event latter moved to the laying of wreaths for the young 100 heroes of Soweto school children slain on June 16, 1976 by overzealous, blood-thirsty soldiers of white majority rule in South-Africa over protest against discrimination and political subjugation in South-Africa.

The event had in attendance, among other dignitaries and organizations, members of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria.
The Proprietor of Irene Menakaya School Onitsha, Dr. Adaeze Okika, in her welcome address read by the school executive director, Mrs. Chukwukelu Christy, reminded guests that each year, the International Day of the African Child (IDAC) offers an opportunity for governments, policy-makers, educationists, parents and the media to work towards supporting children by living up to the commitment in promoting and protecting the rights of Africa children.
She said the incident of ‘Soweto uprising of 1976’ had sent various messages to governments, African leaders, stakeholders, and those working with children to be concerned with issues confronting African children’s growth and development.
According to her, the theme of this year’s event again indicated measures appropriately being taken for the well-being of African children.
“It is a known fact that Africa is bounded by culture and social norms and values. But the question now is: How do these cultures and social norms positively affect Africans in areas of sustainable development? These, indeed, are questions left for us all in our struggles for collective efforts towards sustainable development in Africa,” Adaeze Okika stated.
She expressed her pleasure to be part of this year’s edition of the International Day of the African Child, saying, “I am also particularly enthused that the theme for this year’s celebration: “Eliminating Harmful Social & Cultural Practices Affecting African Children: Our Responsibility” is aptly identified by the African committee of experts on the rights and welfare of the African children. This theme, no doubt, is in line with the commitment of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, to building a better future for our children”, Uju Okeke said, adding that the “Universal Basic Education programme is to ensure access to basic functional education to all children of the state.
“We have also domesticated the Child’s Right Acts through our honourable House of Assembly. It is my pleasure to observe that the focus of this year’s theme borders on areas in which the government of Anambra State under His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, CON, is already blazing the trail.
“May I, at this point, appreciate all who made this all-important conference possible, Irene Menakaya School & IFMA Initiative. The Irene Menakaya School has been wonderful in partnering with the Ministry of Education Anambra State for the educational development of the Igbo child. I thank the proprietor, Dr. Ada Okika, IFMA INITIATIVE, staff and children of the Irene Menakaya School. Please, keep it up. I wish also to appreciate the friends of Education for African Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS, IFMA INITIATIVE, African Women Working Group at the UN, African Women for Good Governance and UN Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations, New York State Chapter. To all these groups, I say a very big thank you for your interest in the African Children.”

Prof. Pita Ejiofor

Professor Pita Ejiofor, the guest speaker, was upbeat in his speech as he spoke throughout in Igbo language about the origin of the event.

He condemned the use of English in Igbo meetings or gathering of any sort, reminding the audience that the event came to be because South African children refused to use English language as a medium of learning and teaching in schools in South Africa.
He blamed parents and Igbo adults for making English language a domestic language in their homes and making the children forget the traditions and values of the Igbo race.
According to him, this was not common with other tribes that emphasize the use of their languages among their children.
The Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Azuka Enemo, who represented the state governor, applauded Igbo Ga Adi Foundation - IFMA INITIATIVE for organizing such a wonderful forum aimed at nurturing the Igbo child.
She added that government was ready to support and partner with initiatives targeted towards education of Nigerian child and promotion of mother tongue.
“This is to ensure that Igbo children of all categories and backgrounds are provided with full rights to existence and must not be subjected to social and cultural practices that are unhealthy to their rights and existence,” she said.
According to her, countries like India, Malaysia and South Africa, still look up to their languages as a means of communication, despite the fact that they have moved ahead of Nigeria in every way.
She said: “You will recall the importance the state government had accorded the Igbo language by making it compulsory in
public schools and offices. The state government, under His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, has also laid a foundation for building Ogbalu Igbo Language School in the state and offering scholarship to students that perform creditably well in Igbo language.”

Igbo native game (NCHO)

The event was spiced with copious performances from the children, including match past, dance, drama, debate, traditional wrestling, native games (ikpo uga, izu- ncho etc) and village square conversation, among others.
Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor, the chairman of the occasion who doubled as the President/Founder Igbo Ga Adi Foundation of IFMA INITIATIVE, in his own remarks, stressed the need for parents of the Igbo extraction to stand up to the challenges of nurturing the Igbo children and grooming them to be great ambassadors of Igbo land.
He said there was a need for parents and teachers of the Igbo extraction to put in more efforts in grooming Igbo children and giving them a sense of belonging in the society.
“If the children are our future, then, there’s an important need for us to take the nurturing of our future (children) as a major priority,” he added.

Ikechukwu Okafor

In his closing remarks, Okafor gave out cash prizes as consolation to a number of children who answered his questions and also told the audience what they had learned from the event of the day.
He commended their boldness to walk up to the centre stage to answer the questions. He, however, encouraged children of the Igbo extraction to be bold and courageous in life. Okafor also promised a more bountiful 2014 Day of African Child.
It will be recalled that the 2013 International Day of the African Child organized by Igbo Ga Adi Foundation of IFMA INITIATIVE and Irene Menakaya School centred on the less-privileged children and children orphaned by aids in Africa.
The annual commemoration of the International Day of African Child on June 16 was declared in 1991 by the Organization of African Unity member-states. It is aimed at raising awareness for the situation of children in Africa and the need for continuing improvement in education. It encourages people’s spirits of abundance to share something special with children in Africa.
The day further presents an opportunity to focus on the work of all actors committed to the rights of children on the continent to consolidate their efforts in addressing the obstacles for realizing these rights.
The Day of African Child also provides an occasion for governments, international institutions and communities to renew their ongoing commitments towards improving the plight of marginalized and particularly vulnerable children by organizing activities aimed at including these specific children.
Daily Newswatch gathered that the event was designed to be the source of positive communication not only for children from different African countries but also their teachers, parents, the NGO community and other stakeholders in teaching them more about the important social issues affecting children.
According to Irene Menakaya School & IFMA INITIATIVE, it was in recognition of this that this year’s event was held.
The organizers disclosed that the aim of the programme was to assess and create awareness about the harmful effects of social and cultural practices of the educational development and health of vulnerable Igbo children within the framework of human rights standards provided by the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (CRC) and the voices of Igbo children.
According to them, it was also made to assess the existence and impact of national legislation, policies, programmes and practices to fulfill the education and healthy development of Igbo children and to combat harmful social and cultural practices that effect children’s development.
It also entails identifying promising strategies and practices for the prevention and elimination of the effects of harmful social and cultural practices on the educational development and health of Igbo children.

IDAC Pupils

Last year, the event tagged: “Rights of Children with Disabilities: Duty to Protect, Respect, Promote and to Fulfilled” highlighted various social, cultural, health and education concerns on African children with disabilities, including orphans and vulnerable children.
It was meant to bring their rights as full citizens of Africa.

IGBO GA ADI FOUNDATION/IFMA PRESS RELEASE

For the first time in recorded history, Igbo language received a boost in Anambra state as Igbo Ga Adi Foundation/IFMA Initiative in conjunction with FRSC Corps Marshal & Chief Executive, Osita Chidoka, parted with millions of naira  and educational materials to teachers and schools. 

Many things has been said about the language and few years ago, UNESCO and the Oxford University gave a resounding prophecy that if extra effort is not made, the Igbo language will go into extinction in less than two decades. 

Many individuals and group have shown remarkable interest and have gone on a showdown to revive and to turn this prophecy down. Igbo di adi foundation an offshoot of IFMA INITIATIVE, a non governmental organization (NGO) poised to preserve the Igbo language and identity, founded by Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor, the NGO took the giant step especially in the last three years using our children as the tool for reviving and recovery of the Igbo language and identity. It should be noted that Okafor hosted Igbo Children in October 31st 2013 in Abuja and also hosted the International Day of the African Child in June 2013. In all these, he brought new concepts to make his effort work. He introduced essay writing competition in indigenous language for students in secondary schools in Anambra state. The number of entries received ran in thousands as various schools from all zones, nook and cranny of the state encouraged their students to be part of it. It also carried a surprising and mouthwatering package for Igbo teachers and their respective schools which baffled many. The essence was to help reward indigenous language teachers on earth and no longer in heaven. The first topic of the essay was on the importance of language to children and importance of language and culture to the development of Igbo land. Shortlists of 20 best written works were selected out of the thousand entries. Exactly on April 5 2014, which was not only the award ceremony day, but also a day for a sit-in-writing, where all the shortlisted students put up a fight for the mouthwatering prizes on the topics: Effect of road accident to children and reducing the menace of motor accident, the duty that calls, for junior and senior categories respectively. The sponsor of the program, Chief Osita Chidoka OFR (Ike Obosi), Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Commission who doubled as the founder of Nkemefuna foundation was represented by Mr. Kenneth Nwaegbe, HPIO of the FRSC. 

The sit-in-writing narrowed down the names of the best 20 students to 10, 5 from each category. These students mounted the podium one after another to read their written essay in the presence of dignitaries among whom were Professor Pita Ejiofor, former vice chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Hon. Commissioner for Local government and chieftaincy matters, Hon. Commissioner for education represented, Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social development represented, HRH Igwe Emmanuel Nnabuife of Isseke Kingdom, Dr. Chief Mike Ejiofor, Federal Permanent Secretary (rtd), Chairman Post Primary Schools Service Commission among others. They were all thrilled to see these students read in Igbo language and were made to agree that Igbo language would never die. It was time for the judges made up of Professors and experienced lecturers in Igbo language drawn from the University.

The 1st prize winner for the senior category, a student of StCharles College, Onitsha, Master Odiakosa Alfred won a cashprize of N100.000, Hundred thousand Naira, a laptop computer. A big deep freezer for the Igbo teacher. A brand new set of computer with Igbo key board for the school, Igbo books and notebooks for the library. 

The 2nd prize winner, Master Okonkwo Benjamin also from St Charles College, Onitsha, won a cash prize of N65.000 Sixty five thousand Naira, a mini laptop computer. A medium size deep freezer for the Igbo teacher. A brand new set of computer with Igbo key board for the school, Igbo books and notebooks for the library.

The 3rd Prize winner Master Tojah Chidinka of Dennis Memorial Grammar School Onitsha carted away with cash prize of N50.000 fifty thousand Naira, set of books for the school a printer and cash of ten thousand Naira to the teacher. 

In the junior category Miss Onyejesi Favor , of Anglican Girls Grammar School, Onitsha took home a prize of N60.000 sixty thousand Naira, a mini laptop. A deep freezer for the Igbo teacher. A brand new set of computer with Igbo key board for the school, Igbo books and notebooks for the library.

While Ikeh Calista , of Queen of Rosary College, Onitsha emerged the second position and took home N50.000 Fifty thousand Naira. A medium size deep freezer for the Igbo teacher. A brand new set of computer with Igbo key board for the school, Igbo books and notebooks for the library. 


Miss Uzochukwu Adaeze of Bishop Okoye Memeorial Grammar School, Nnewi clinched the 3rd prize carting away N30.000 Thirty thousand Naira, Ten thousand Naira to the Igbo teacher, Igbo books and notebooks for the library. The 4th and 5th winners in each category received eight and ten thousand Naira each while the other finalists of 10 received a cash prize of Five thousand Naira each. Schools present were satisfied with the development and expressed interest in the promotion of Igbo language to their individual students. The commissioner for education represented by Mrs Ewuzie in her remark praised the commitment of well-meaning efforts of many Igbo’s in reviving Igbo language and culture and submitted a promise of partnership which she believed the present government will be pleased to be part of, she applauded the initiative and commended the initiator of the annual competition Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor and the sponsor of the program Mr. Osita Chidoka saying that such noble initiative should be encouraged and sustained. A day like 5th of April 2014 will remain alive in the mind of many Igbo children in Anambra states for being rewarded for their efforts and interests in Igbo language and for the teachers, a new door of opportunity is opened for them to instill hard work on their students and to receive their reward while alive on earth. Mrs Azuka Enemo, Hon. Comm. For local government and Chieftaincy matters who spoke directly to Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor the host of the program applauded the concept of the program, the Honourable Commissioner said that rewarding the students and their teachers and schools will motivate and encourage teachers to put in more efforts in teaching of ingenious language. The Chairman of the occasion,

Dr. Chief Mike Ejiofor in his speech commended the initiator of the program while stressing on the need for the program to be sustained to help improve the academic performance of Igbo children in indigenous language, Ejiofor also said that the program is one that the state government should encourage and support, he went on to commend the sponsor of the program 'such selfless and noble gesture is one to be emulated' he said.

Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor the initiator and host of the program who doubles as the Founder of the IFMA INITIATIVE & Igbo ga adi foundation in his speech charged parents and teachers to wake up to the challenge facing ndigbo, he urged them to consider issues relating to the sustainability of the Igbo language and identity as a major priority, Okafor expressed sadness that over 65 percent of Igbos cannot read or write Igbo language, while over 90 percent cannot hold a 5 minutes conversation in Igbo language without adding English language, he said this is because the learning of indigenous language was never encouraged in schools in the past, he said that for the Igbo language and identity to be revived and sustained, ndigbo must be proud of being Igbo, proud of the Igbo language and culture. Okafor said he designed the annual competition in a way that it would make a huge and positive impact in the lives of the people of the state. It is sad and discouraging that most stakeholders in Igbo land hardly come forward to support, sponsor or encourage programs geared towards the good and future of Igbo race he said, while appreciating in a special way Chief Osita Chidoka OFR (Ike Obosi) for coming forward to express his love for the good and future of Igbo race by proudly sponsoring the program.

IKECHUKWU OKAFOR (IFMA INITITIATIVE & IGBO GA ADI FOUNDER)- THE IGBO LANGUAGE & CULTURE REVOLUTIONIST

                              IKECHUKWU OKAFOR

An amiable and warm personality who is in love with Igbo culture, Ikechukwu Okafor, a native of Obeledu in Anaocha Local Government of Anambra State was born in the month of June, 1978, to late Mr. Edwin Okafor and Mrs. Regina Okafor.

An old boy of Republic Secondary School, Enugu and School of Theatre Arts, Lagos, has been in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry for the past ten (10) years. A registered member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Director and Producer. 

His burning desire for the upliftment of the Igbo Language, Culture and the representation of the true Igbo identity led him to establish and found the Igbo Films, Music & Achievers Inititiative (IFMA Initiative), an organization for the projection and promotion of Igbo Films. IFMA was established not just to project the Igbo culture through films but to reward and appreciate the actors/actresses, directors, producers, marketers and great achievers of Igbo origin whose passion, commitment and contributions have helped in reviving and sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo community.

As the dearth of Igbo language in the nearest future was predicted by UNESCO and OXFORD University seems realistic with Igbo parents training their children in foreign language, Mazi Ikechukwu Okafor took the bull by the horn to ensure this negative prediction doesn't come to pass, he instituted another organization, Igbo Ga Adi Foundation, through which he organizes annual Igbo Language Essay Competition in secondary schools across the South Eastern States. This is to encourage reading, teaching and learning of Igbo language by teachers and students. On October 31, 2013, he made history by organizing the first ever Igbo children's day for language and culture in Abuja. The event rekindled interests in Igbo language and attracted the presence and support of the traditional rulers, corporate organizations, parents, students, teachers and some Igbo politicians who asked that the event be made an annual ritual.

ACHIEVEMENTS

He has directed and featured in several Nigerian home videos.

The Abuja annual event of Igbo Children’s day for Language and Culture and the Igbo Language Secondary Schools Essay Competition are to his credit.

He partners with UNESCO annually to host the International Day for African Child.

It is his desire that every Igbo child not only understands and speaks the Igbo language, but imbibes the core value of the Igbo culture.

Mazi Ikechukwu Okafor takes pride in being Igbo and identifies with anything proudly Igbo.

THE IGBO CHILDREN'S DAY FOR CULTURE, ABUJA

Ikechukwu Okafor hosts Igbo Children in Abuja

It was an atmosphere of culture as Ndi'Igbo in the Federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja, recently celebrated the newly introduced Annual Igbo Children's day for language and culture, IFMA INITIATIVE (Igbo ga adi foundation) a non governmental organization seeking to revive and sustain the Igbo language and culture introduced and hosted the event which took place at the City Park, Wuse 2 Abuja, on the 31st of October 2013.

The ceremony recorded a large turn out of children from various schools, which also enjoyed the presence of many icons of Igbo land including traditional rulers, governors and politicians.
It was fun watching children entertain guests in mother tongue, playing various native games such as NCHO, UGA, PROVERBS etc, remarkably there was an on the spot cook show of Igbo native delicacies. The children evoked memories of long forgotten Igbo identities.

Speaking at the event, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu MFR said he was greatly impressed that a ceremony such as this came at the time it was needed most. He traced how it all started with him as a lover of Igbo race during the outbreak of the Civil War as a student of University of Nigeria Nsukka.

He fought to ensure that the Igbo race is preserved. Iwuanyanwu pleaded that November 16, the birthday of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, should be adopted as the world Igbo day, he commended Ikechukwu Okafor for initiating and hosting such a laudable annual celebration which is for the good and future of Ndi'Igbo.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife CON applauded the initiative and described the yearly ceremony as a history making ceremony, which would stand as a legacy for the coming generations.

He blamed parents and schools for encouraging the dying language and culture of Ndi'Igbo.

Host and Initiator of the ceremony, Mr Ikechukwu Okafor, thanked those who supportted the project for the love of the Igbo race. "The future of Igbo race is in our hands, the sustainability of the Igbo language and identity is our collective responsibility.
"It is sad that we have allowed the white man's culture to swallow ours, our language is suffering dearly as over 80 percent of our children can no longer speak Igbo language let alone write it. It is a worrisome development and a big challenge for Ndi'Igbo Okafor said.