An Igbo entrepreneur and cultural promoter, ESV Ekweoba Arnold, has launched digital platforms dedicated to the teaching, promotion and preservation of the Igbo language and cultural heritage. The initiative, unveiled in a recently-released video campaign currently trending on social media, featured the launch of two educational and cultural channels on YouTube. The two channels, which are “360 Akụkọ Na Egwu Igbo” and “Mụta Asụsụ Igbo TV”, are both aimed at reconnecting Igbo people, especially children and youths, with their language, traditions and identity.
The video opened with a strong warning over the gradual disappearance of indigenous culture, declaring that “Very soon, our heritage will be lost,” lamenting the declining interest in speaking Igbo among many young people. Through narration, animated cultural scenes, storytelling illustrations and live presentations, the video emphasized the urgent need for deliberate efforts toward preserving the Igbo language before it fades into extinction. It also highlighted concerns that many parents no longer teach their children how to speak Igbo, describing the trend as dangerous to the future of the race and its cultural identity.
The video explained that the newly-launched platforms were designed to bridge that gap through digital learning, entertainment and culturally-rich content capable of attracting younger audiences. While “360 Akụkọ Na Egwu Igbo” focuses on Igbo stories, songs, folklore and cultural entertainment, “Mụta Asụsụ Igbo TV” was introduced as a channel dedicated primarily to teaching Igbo language and literature. The video further showcased various cultural themes, including traditional beliefs, moonlight tales, folklore, indigenous music, proverbs, moral teachings and family-oriented learning sessions intended to help children and adults understand Igbo heritage in an engaging way.
At different points, the video stressed the importance of language as a symbol of identity, unity and history, while urging Ndị Igbo across the world to embrace and proudly speak their mother tongue. It also encouraged viewers to subscribe to the platforms and share the content widely as part of efforts to revive appreciation for the Igbo language globally.
The initiative, it was gathered, represents another growing example of how technology and social media are now being deployed to preserve endangered indigenous languages and traditions, especially at a time concerns continue to mount over the declining use of native languages among many Nigerian children and youths, and even Gen-Z parents.