The Nigerian government has often been criticised for not prioritising the preservation of the history of the war like other countries such as Rwanda and the U.S. who have also fought civil wars.
There is no date marked in the Nigerian calendar for the remembrance of the civil war and no cenotaph was built in remembrance of any of those who died.
These and many other perceived marginalisation have fuelled renewed Biafra calls by separatist groups like IPOB.
“I am not advocating for a violent revolution but the fact is that there will always be agitations until the government resolves certain resentments and marginalization of the Igbos,” Mr Nwodo explained.
Reminiscing on War days
Speakers at the programme took turns to recount several events that shaped the history of the war.
They all spoke in Igbo language.
Mr Nwodo said anyone who was up to 5ft in height in the Southeast was enrolled into the Biafran Army.
The Ohaneze leader also recounted how the Biafran soldiers built different local weapons they used in the fight. He said the Biafran army built an airport and an aircraft.
Speaking, Onyeka Onwenu said she helped during the war as a nurse in a clinic.
“I learnt the job of public health under two weeks. We were teaching people health hygiene and the kind of food to be eaten,” she said.
The veteran singer said it is important for all Nigerians to read, know and understand what happened during the war.
“They need to know how much their fathers and forefathers suffered to make their future better,” she said.
Mr Nnadi said he was only three years when the war ended but has been researching on the historic event.
He said from his research and consultations, the war has not yet ended.
“This is why there is need for government and well-meaning Nigerians to come together and look at what were the underlying issues and grievances.”
The panelists also deliberated on several programmes that could help in unifying and uplifting the Igbo people.
No comments:
Post a Comment
https://saviournicodemus.blogspot.com