Speaking when a delegation from Igbo Efula (Otu Asusu Igbo), a group committed to sustenance of Igbo language and the force behind ‘Surugawa’, the first ever Igbo Language concert being organised in Enugu, visited him at his country home in Umuode, Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nnaji assured of his 100% support for the concert .
Insisting that his global exposure has not diminished his Igboness, Nnaji disclosed that all his children who were born and brought up abroad speak Igbo fluently.
“I thank you all for your efforts to promote and sustain Igbo language. In my family, we are already practising what you (Igbo Efula) are preaching. All my children speak Igbo fluently despite being born or schooling abroad.
“We need to do all that is necessary to ensure that our children learn to speak Igbo, in order to keep the language alive.
“In fact, I support this concert fully since it will help in the promotion of Igbo language,” the ex-Minister said.
He urged the organisers to remain steadfast in their efforts to promote Igbo language, promising to contribute to the success of the event.
President, Igbo Efula, Mazi Ikechukwu Oji, extolled Nnaji for his track record of excellence in promoting the Igbo brand through his innovative technological exploits globally and as well his unwavering belief in and support of Igbo language and culture.
He said: “We are here today, to pay homage to you because of your unimpeachable place in history as a great ambassador of the Igbo nation. In the field of technology and innovation, you are a colossus and a global phenomenon.
“In Igbo affairs, you are a leading light and an inspiration to Ndigbo of all generations, of what an Igbo man (woman) should be; enterprising, bold and upright.
“Despite your global exploits in engineering and technology, you are still very grounded and a proud promoter of Igbo language and culture.
“Therefore, we are here to recognize you as a Grand Patron of Igbo Efula, an organization whose sole aim is the promotion of Igbo language.”
