…Presents gifts to winners
By Stanley Okehie
Whisper to Humanity, a non-governmental organization committed to cultural preservation and youth development, has organized the 2025 edition of its Spell Heritage Competition for school children, aimed at promoting the Igbo language and cultural heritage.
The event, held at Whisper Afrique Hub, Owerri, featured about ten participating schools drawn from different parts of Imo State.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Whisper to Humanity, Mary Jacob Okwuosa, said the competition, which started about five years ago, was conceived to preserve and promote the Igbo language among young people.
She lamented the decline in the use of Igbo language in many schools and communities, stressing that the programme had continued to encourage students to intentionally speak and appreciate their mother tongue.
Okwuosa commended the participating schools for their impressive performances and urged the government to prioritize education to provide students with a more conducive learning environment.
Also speaking, a former member of the Imo State House of Assembly representing Njaba Constituency, Hon. Uju Onwudiwe, applauded Whisper to Humanity for its efforts in advancing Igbo language, culture, and heritage.
She commended the organization for introducing educational and cultural games in schools, noting that the initiative has motivated students, boosted their confidence, and improved school attendance.
Hon. Onwudiwe called on governments, stakeholders, and parents to support initiatives that help students excel in their studies and careers, while also emphasizing the need to employ teachers who are passionate about education.
The Director of UNICEF and Other Non-Governmental Organizations at the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), Dr. Chinwe Adim-Madumere, highlighted the importance of promoting indigenous languages and traditions.
She thanked Whisper to Humanity for being a reliable development partner and assured of government’s continuous support, stressing that education should not alienate individuals from their cultural roots.
A teacher from Nnorie Secondary Technical School, Ngor Okpala, Mr. Obi Chuks, appreciated the NGO for creating a conducive learning environment and supporting schools with educational and recreational materials such as table tennis and football equipment, which have helped increase student enrollment.
Some students who participated in the competition expressed gratitude to Whisper to Humanity for helping to build their confidence, not only in public speaking and cultural expression but also in standing up for their rights.
The competition featured various activities, including riddles, proverbs, folktales, dance performances, writing, and recitations, all conducted in the Igbo language.
In the secondary school category, Comprehensive Secondary School, Nkume (Njaba) clinched the first position, while Ngor High School, Ngor Okpala and Community Secondary School, Umuowa (Ngor Okpala) took the second and third positions respectively.
In the primary school category, Aladora Primary School, Obinze emerged overall winner. Each of the winners received gifts in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Other participating schools included Secondary Commercial School, Osina (Ideato); Secondary Commercial School, Obiangwu (Ngor Okpala); Teachers Training College, Obinze; Imerienwe Girls Secondary School, Ngor Okpala; Ohoba Community School, Ubomiri; and Nguru Umuaro Secondary School, Ngor Okpala.