Ahead of this year’s Igbo Day, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on all its kinsmen and women to observe one minute of silence regarding their relations who paid the supreme prize during the civil war in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
A statement on Sunday by the apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization disclosed that the day, slated for September 29, is dedicated to honouring its departed heroes whose lives were cruelly cut short by the scourge of violence, ethnic strife, and state-induced calamities.
In the statement issued by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group also said it was seeking God’s intervention to improve the lot of its people in the Nigerian project.
The statement was titled, “Igbo Day: Igboland bleeds, desecrated and polluted, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, seeks God’s intervention on September 29, 2024″.
Isiguzoro said, “We cannot overlook the loss of over three million Biafrans during the civil war, nor the tragic events of June 12, 1993, and the ongoing violence perpetrated against our people through state-sponsored actions and the nefarious activities linked to criminal elements.
“As we approach September 29, 2024, Ohanaeze Ndigbo solemnly directs all the Igbo at home and in the diaspora to observe a poignant moment of silence at exactly noon in their respective time zones.
“This solemn minute is dedicated to honouring our departed heroes whose lives were cruelly cut short by the scourge of violence, ethnic strife, and state-induced calamities.
“We call upon all Ndigbo to engage deeply in this act of remembrance—a unified expression of grief, respect, and reverence for those who bravely fought for our dignity and rights”.
The group further discussed the state of insecurity in the Southeast region, saying it is time for sober reflection and re-strategizing ways of overcoming the situation.
The Secretary-General added, “As the sacred narrative of our people unfolds, we, the esteemed leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, rise in unity and profound concern to address the grievous plight confronting the Igbo nation on this year’s commemoration of Igbo Day.
“Our collective hearts are heavy with the unspeakable anguish wrought by decades of oppression, socio-political marginalisation, and insecurity that have plagued our homeland since the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914.
“Our beloved South-East has become a crucible of suffering, caught in the relentless grip of escalating insecurity and governance deficiencies, which have led to a lamentable deterioration of our cultural values and norms outlined in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution.
“This ongoing marginalization has not only been an insult to our identity but has also resulted in a profound crisis for our citizens, particularly those residing in the Igbo-speaking states and the minority communities in Benue, Kogi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.
“Furthermore, our business communities in Nigeria’s Northern and Western regions face unjust challenges that impede their livelihoods. In light of these profound adversities, we commend the indomitable spirit of every Igbo man and woman who has exhibited remarkable resilience in the face of relentless provocations and confrontations.
“We extend our heartfelt appeal to all Nigerians and lovers of justice to stand with us in solidarity during this significant historical moment. May God bless the Igbo and guide us toward a future filled with hope and restoration”.
