The World Igbo Congress (WIC) is calling for May 30 to be designated as Nigeria’s Civil War Memorial Day to honor those who lost their lives in the Nigeria/Biafra war from 1967 to 1970.
This marks the declaration of Biafra’s secession by Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, then military Governor of Eastern Nigeria.
Pro-Biafra groups have annually observed May 30 as “Biafra Day” since 1999, advocating for the restoration of the defunct Biafra republic.
The WIC is planning a memorial service themed “54 Years after the war, what has changed in Nigeria?” on May 30, 2024, to honor the fallen heroes and heroines.
WIC Vice Chairman Hon. Basil Onwukwe emphasized the importance of remembering those who died in the Civil War, stating that forgetting their sacrifice would show disrespect. The organization is mobilizing the Igbo diaspora for the memorial, led by various leaders across the globe.
The WIC stated the loss of life due to starvation and disease caused by the blockade during the war, and called on the Nigerian government to declare May 30 as a Memorial Day to provide closure for many who have not received a formal burial.
This they believe, would acknowledge the unjust nature of the war and honor the memory of all victims.
