**Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Takes Steps to Preserve Igbo Language** In a bid to prevent the extinction of the Igbo language, **Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide** has appointed four professors under its **Professorial Endowment Chair** initiative. The scholars, including Prof. Mercy Nnyigide from **Nnamdi Azikiwe University**, Prof. Boniface Mbah of **University of Nigeria Nsukka**, Prof. Ngozi Emeka-Nwobi of **Ebonyi State University**, and Prof. Ngozi Chukwukere of **Imo State University**, will focus on promoting Igbo language, culture, history, and research. The appointment is part of **Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide's** pledge in 2025 to establish seven professorial chairs in Igbo studies across universities in Igbo-speaking states. The organisation's President-General, **John Azuta-Mbata**, stated that the initiative was driven by concerns over warnings from **UNESCO** and other bodies that the Igbo language is endangered. "We have been inundated with announcements that the Igbo language is endangered and may face extinction," he said. "This has prompted us to take deliberate steps to encourage research, documentation, and scholarly activities in Igbo language and culture." **Azuta-Mbata** noted that the professorial chairs are part of a broader strategy to deepen scholarship and revive interest in the language. He said that the selection process was rigorous and that four chairs had been filled, with plans to complete the remaining three. The organisation also intends to expand its interventions to include scholarships and bursaries for students, as well as digital learning initiatives through its website. According to **Azuta-Mbata**, the organisation is also planning to train about 200 youths, starting with 100 in the first phase, in coding and Artificial Intelligence. He commended the selected scholars for their dedication and urged collective action to safeguard the language. "With sustained efforts and collaboration, the Igbo language will not only survive but flourish for future generations," he said. **Chairman, Board of Trustees Professorial Chair Endowment, Prof. Damian Opata**, described the initiative as innovative and the first of its kind in the organisation's history. He said the programme aims to stimulate research, organise academic engagements, and develop curricula for Igbo language studies both in Nigeria and the diaspora. **Prof. Fred Eze**, Secretary, Board of Trustees for the Professorial Chair, explained that the selection involved rigorous assessment of research proposals and academic credentials, ensuring that only the best candidates from the region emerged. Responding on behalf of the appointees, **Prof. Boniface Mbah** expressed appreciation to **Ohanaeze** for the opportunity and pledged their commitment to advancing Igbo language studies.