Erica Nlewedim Fires Back at Language Shamers, Calls for Unity Among Igbos
Actress and former BBNaija star Erica Nlewedim has taken a bold stand against those mocking her over a viral video where she was seen struggling to speak Igbo, her native language. The clip, which gained traction across social platforms, sparked a storm of criticism — much of it from fellow Igbos.
Rather than ignore the negativity, Erica addressed it head-on, expressing disappointment over what she called “deep-rooted self-hate” within the Igbo community.
“Look at my Igbo people in the comments showing how much they hate their own!” she tweeted.
“You can’t be so openly divided against your own people and expect trust from outsiders!”
In a series of posts, she passionately questioned why language proficiency should become a reason for division, insults, and name-calling, especially within one’s own ethnic group.
🧠 Opinion: Language is Culture, But So is Compassion
Erica’s response isn’t just a defense of herself — it’s a mirror to Nigerian society, where language and tribal identity often become tools for gatekeeping or exclusion. While it’s fair to encourage cultural preservation, using it as a weapon against your own people does more harm than good.
The Igbo language, like many indigenous tongues in Nigeria, is battling generational erosion. But rather than shame those who didn’t learn it, perhaps the focus should shift to embracing and educating, not isolating.
In Erica’s case, her willingness to even attempt speaking Igbo should be commended, not condemned.
🗣️ Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media:
“She’s right. Yoruba and Hausa people support theirs. We Igbos love to drag each other.”
“Erica is only stating the obvious. This hate needs to stop.”
“She should’ve made her point without comparing tribes — it just fuels tension.”
“Not speaking your language shouldn’t define your authenticity. Everyone’s journey is different.”
📌 The Bigger Picture:
Erica’s clapback isn’t just about her — it’s about rethinking how we treat our own. Shaming someone for what they didn’t grow up learning doesn’t make us cultural custodians — it makes us cultural bullies.
🔥 Trending Hashtags:
#EricaNlewedim
#IgboLanguage
#BBNaija
#TribalUnity
#NoToLanguageShaming
#ProudlyIgbo
#CultureNotCriticism
#LoveYourOwn
#EricaSpeaks
💬 Culture is something to be shared, not weaponized. And in a world already full of division, let’s not turn our native tongues into another reason to tear each other down.