The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has urged the Nigerian government to officially declare Biafra Day a national holiday.
Festus Okere, the Chairman of WIC, said Ndigbo should never desecrate its generational customs because Igbos are duty-bound to gather on May 30 annually to honour Biafra fallen heroes and heroines.
Okere spoke during the WIC World Heroes and Heroines Memorial Day event on Friday to mark this year’s Biafra Day remembrance.
He said: “World Igbo Congress must continue this annual occasion as BIAFRA MEMORIAL DAY. Any other title, than what it is, amounts to dereliction of responsibility, whether by default or culpable negligence. Ndi Igbo should never desecrate our generational customs.
“We, as a people, are duty-bound to assemble on every 30th of May, to remember and honor our heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate price, by sacrificing their lives to save you and I, during the Biafra-Nigeria war, May 1967 to January, 1970.
“The fallen warriors, heroes, and heroines of peoples’ Biafra exhibited acts of selfless bravery in defending and safeguarding our fatherland. They fought courageously against oppression and tyranny. They fought for liberty, freedom, and justice. They fought a survival war for us to live.
“WIC passionately calls for National Holiday, just as done in many nations, in honor and remembrance of our fallen citizens during that wickedness. Their memories must forever etch in the hearts of all living Biafrans; and must be remembered by generations, ad infinitum.
“The suppression or restriction of History subject in Nigeria calls for Igbos to tell their own stories and resolve with courage and resilience, among other issues, to protect our liberty, our homeland, and uphold the values that our Heroes and Heroines unwaveringly fought and died.
“To this effect, the Memorial Park and Cenotaph, Biafra Memorial Wall of Fame and Honor that WIC embarked on, is in full progress. The committee charged with this solemn duty will give a status report shortly.
“Finally, we must not shy away from reminding all that history remains the true account of the past, many a time difficult to forget. The vivid traumatic experiences and the causes of the genocidal war should be avoided. Individual liberty is understood to mean fundamental rights of man, not savagery: It is freedom of expression, assembly and association without intimidation; protection of property and life without price; justice without purchase or delay; it is government without favor or favorites; it is freedom from torture; it is the right to fair trial, and the right to free election. It is an embodiment of justice for all. The list goes on!
“Again, we must always remember those who gave their lives in defense and preservation of our rights and lives. The World Igbo Congress will continue to bring Igbo together, mobilize, coordinate Igbo projects, and advocate for Ndu Ndi Igbo.”
