Orluzurumee PG Decries Culture Erosion In Igboland
The President General of Orluzurumee Worldwide, Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe, has voiced his concern regarding the gradual erosion of pivotal cultural expressions that historically defined the strength and identity of the Orlu people of Imo State.
He noted that essential traditional practices, such as marriage sequences and rites, kola-nut protocols, and the long-established respect for parents, elders, and authorities, as well as the regard for life and property, are progressively diminishing within contemporary society.
Hon. Nzekwe articulated his concerns during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, Prof. Uchefula U. Chukwunaeze on Monday.
He further lamented the near-abandonment of the mother tongue, emphasizing its disappearance across various domains, including homes, schools, churches, and even among kin.
According to him, language is the essence of a people’s identity, and its neglect leads directly to cultural extinction.
A significant aspect of the visit was the proposal for a collaborative, knowledge-based research initiative aimed at documenting, preserving, and modernizing Orlu’s cultural heritage through academic rigor and historical accuracy.
The leadership of Orluzurumee stressed that such research, when conducted by IMSU scholars in partnership with cultural custodians, would serve as a legacy platform for future generations.
In response, Vice Chancellor Professor Chukwumaeze commended the Orluzurumee executive for their proactive steps to champion cultural revival and youth reorientation.
He expressed the university’s readiness to collaborate with the organization in reshaping cultural orientation and fostering disciplined, value-driven youths.
He emphasized the crucial role of universities in preserving indigenous knowledge and expressed concern over the near-abandonment of the mother tongue, describing it as an erosion of identity.
The Vice Chancellor opined that the initiative was timely and reiterated the university’s commitment to partnering with Orluzurumee on cultural research, language preservation, youth empowerment programmes, and intellectual projects that will positively project Orlu.
He also highlighted the university’s role as a key driver of societal transformation and welcomed collaborations that link academic expertise with community-based development efforts.
The discussions further expanded to include topics such as youth development, mentorship structures, behavioral reformation, security consciousness, and strategies to reposition Orlu in significant socio-cultural and economic dimensions.
Both parties agreed on establishing sustainable avenues to guide the youths of the Orlu Zone toward constructive engagement, academic excellence, and meaningful societal contribution.
Despite the gravity of the issues discussed, the atmosphere was enlivened with light-hearted jokes and moments of camaraderie, reflecting a cordial and progressive environment.
The courtesy visit concluded with mutual expressions of commitment and assurances to work closely in protecting cultural pride and renaissance, advancing academic pursuits, strengthening youth development, and charting a forward-looking roadmap for the advancement of Orlu in key sectors of life, fostering a more united and value-driven Orlu nation.
