World Igbo Day: Echoing 'Never Again' Amid Calls for Kanu's Release and Unity

By: O'star Eze, Awka

On this solemn September 29, as Ndigbo gathered to mark World Igbo Day, the air was thick with remembrance and resolve; a poignant reminder of the scars from the 1966 pogrom and the Nigerian Civil War. 

Drawing from Governor Charles Soludo's profound call for deep reflection on the Igbo past and future, the event transcended mere commemoration, urging a collective gaze toward healing, unity, and a future free from the horrors of conflict. 

"Never Again," as Soludo emphasized, must be more than a slogan; it is a vow to learn from history's brutal lessons and chart a path of progress for the Igbo people.

At the heart of the discussions was the apex pan-Igbo organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, which reiterated its unwavering demand for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 

Representing President General Sen. John Azuka Mbata, Vice President Prince Okey Nwadinobi appealed directly to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, framing Kanu's prolonged incarceration as a shackle on the entire Igbo race. 

"As long as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains behind bars, the entire Igbo race is behind bars and shall continue to remain behind bars," Nwadinobi declared. 

He argued that Kanu's freedom would rekindle the spirit of a united Nigeria, aligning with Soludo's vision of reflection as a bridge from past divisions to future harmony.

Nwadinobi further underscored the day's essence not as celebration but as a memorial for those brutally murdered in the 1966 pogrom and during the Civil War. 

"We are here to remember our brothers and sisters who were brutally murdered on September 29, 1966, and all those who paid the supreme sacrifice in defense of our people," he said. 

This theme of remembrance resonated deeply, evoking the collective trauma that Soludo likened to the Jewish "Never Again" after World War II—a call to ensure such atrocities never recur.

As the chief host, Governor Soludo amplified this reflective angle, urging Ndigbo to honor their heroes while confronting the viscissitudes of nationhood. 

"Thank you for remembering our heroes past, who died several years ago in the quest for our nationhood," he said. 

"Every nation has had its challenges, including the pogrom and the Civil War. We must remind ourselves that 'Never Again'; just as the Jews declared after the Second World War." 

Soludo warned against romanticizing conflict, noting that "many who crave for war never saw one," and stressed that true wisdom lies in preventing another war from befalling Igbo land. 

His words framed the day as an opportunity for introspection: "While we say 'Never Again,' it is for us to have a deep reflection on our past and what the future holds for us as a people."

This spirit of forward-looking unity extended to the Anioma Igbo community's push for state creation. 

Representing Sen. Ned Nwoko, Ogbuefi Godfrey Odigwu highlighted progress on the Anioma State bill, noting support from over 90 of Nigeria's 109 senators across all zones. 

"We have made powerful representations at the National Assembly and are looking forward to the third reading, followed by a referendum," he announced. 

In a plea echoing Soludo's call for reflection and brotherhood, Odigwu urged Ohaneze Ndigbo and Igbos worldwide to embrace Anioma as the sixth Igbo state in the South East. "It is time for Ndigbo to welcome their brothers and sisters of Anioma-Igbo with open hands, in the spirit of being your brother's and sister's keeper."

The highlight of the event was the crowning of Governor Soludo as the "Oku Nyelu Ife Ndigbo" by the traditional rulers of all the 8 states where Igbo people have significant presence.