Pan-Igbo Group Launches Annual Igbo Language Essay Competition in Honour of Prof. Kingsley Muoghalu

In a bid to preserve the rich Igbo language, culture and heritage from extinction, the Anambra Central People’s Forum, a socio-cultural organization dedicated to promoting cultural values and academic excellence in Igbo language studies, has instituted the Prof. Kingsley Chiedu Muoghalu Annual Igbo Language Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Anambra State.

In a press statement made available to journalists in Awka on Thursday and jointly signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Secretary-General, the organization said the initiative was introduced after a careful selection process to honour one of Anambra’s most distinguished sons, Professor Kingsley Chiedu Muoghalu, OON, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The statement described Muoghalu as “Anambra’s Finest,” “a mighty tree,” “an enigma in the traditional circle,” and “a beacon of light for humanity,” while commending his remarkable contributions to the development of Ndigbo and Nigeria.

According to the Forum, Muoghalu’s unwavering commitment to indigenous values, education and national development has made him an outstanding role model for young people.”We have followed his significant contributions to the development of Ndigbo and Nigeria and his unwavering commitment to promoting indigenous values and worthy educational causes.

His notable achievements have positioned him as a role model for the younger generation, making him a worthy beacon of success,” the statement read.The Forum explained that the annual essay competition was conceived in response to the growing decline in the use of the Igbo language among young people.

“In view of the alarming rate at which the Igbo language is losing its vibrancy among our youths, our organization has resolved to launch an annual Igbo Language Promotion Initiative in his name,” it stated.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, the group said the competition is aimed at preserving the Igbo mother tongue, which has been identified by UNESCO and language scholars as one of the world’s endangered languages and faces the risk of extinction if urgent action is not taken.

The Forum also noted that the initiative aligns with UNESCO’s annual observance of International Mother Language Day, celebrated every year on February 21, to promote linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide.

The association announced that the maiden edition of the Prof. Kingsley Chiedu Muoghalu Annual Igbo Language Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Anambra State will run from Friday, July 24, 2026, to Friday, August 14, 2026.

The Forum further called on respected Igbo leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders across Igbo-speaking states to support the campaign to preserve and promote the Igbo language for future generations.