Help your child learn to speak Igbo — with a native speaker

Born into the language

I was born in the Eastern Region of Nigeria, in present-day Abia State, just before the Nigerian Civil War. Some of my earliest memories are from those difficult years. I grew up in a home where discipline, education, and respect for culture were deeply valued.

My father was a school teacher, and although I never sat down to formally "learn" Igbo, it became part of who I am. It was the language of my home, my family, my community, and my identity.

Keeping Igbo alive at home

Later, my wife and I raised our four children in Lagos, a city where Igbo is not the dominant language. Even so, we made a conscious decision to keep Igbo alive in our home. We spoke it daily, shared our stories, taught our values, and passed on the traditions we inherited from our parents.

Today, all four of our children speak Igbo.

Why I created IgboWithKen

As I became a grandfather, I began to notice something that concerned me. Many Igbo children, especially those living outside Igbo-speaking communities, are growing up without the language of their parents and grandparents.

With the loss of language often comes the loss of stories, traditions, identity, and connection to family roots. My goal is simple: to help children and families keep the Igbo language alive, wherever they live in the world.

How I teach

My lessons are relaxed, encouraging, and tailored to each child. We learn step by step, building confidence through conversation, stories, songs, and everyday language. There is no pressure and no rush. Every child learns at their own pace.

Beyond the lessons

When I am not teaching Igbo, I enjoy supporting mission outreaches through Scripture Union Nigeria, learning new computer skills, spending time with my wife, and visiting my grandchildren.

I would be honoured to help your child begin their Igbo language journey.