By NNAEMEKA KEVIN UMENZEAKOR, Adelaide

On July 31, 2025, representatives of the Igbo Community of South Australia, led by Mr. Joseph Amaefuna, met with the South Australian Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Tourism, the Hon. Zoe Bettison MP, at her office in Adelaide. The meeting yielded a series of promising directions aimed at promoting multicultural initiatives, particularly the preservation and promotion of Igbo culture, language, and partnerships within the state.

The visit was initiated by the Public Relations Officer of the Igbo Community of South Australia, Mr. Nnaemeka Umenzeakor. It highlighted the community’s ongoing initiatives and collaborative efforts focused on fostering multicultural engagement and enhancing community development.

A key proposal raised during the meeting was the establishment of an “Igbo Village” — a cultural space designed to showcase and celebrate Igbo heritage. In response, Minister Bettison advised the Igbo community of South Australia to pursue essential preparatory steps and to seek partnerships with non-governmental organisations. She noted that government grants may be available for cultural infrastructure projects, particularly for organisations with well-established management structures.

Regarding the proposed inclusion of African literary icons such as Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun in the South Australian school curriculum, the minister recommended that the community engage directly with the Department for Education. She affirmed that the department is the appropriate body to evaluate the inclusion of African literary works in educational syllabi.

The Issue of street naming in honour of notable Commonwealth leaders of Igbo origin — including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie — was also discussed. Minister Bettison encouraged the community to approach local councils, especially in areas with a significant Igbo population, to explore opportunities for naming streets after prominent Igbo figures or cultural references.

In relation to language and cultural education, the minister noted that ethnic community language schools are already operating in South Australia. She encouraged the revival of an Igbo cultural and language school, highlighting that such an initiative could enable Igbo to be offered as an elective subject for senior high school students.

Minister Bettison commended the leadership of the Igbo Community of South Australia for their ingenuity and resilience in promoting multicultural activities and fostering inclusivity.

The Igbo Community of Australia have expressed optimism about the meeting’s outcomes and plan to follow up with the relevant government departments and local councils. These developments represent a significant step toward the multicultural recognition and empowerment of the Igbo community in South Australia.

•Reps of Igbo Community of South Australia at meeting with Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Zoe Bettison MP