THE RESTORATION OF BIAFRA NATION

  The deaths of more than a million people in Nigeria as a result of the brutal civil war which ended exactly 50 years ago are a scar on the nation's history. Image sourc For most Nigerians, the war O the breakaway state of Biafra is generally regarded as an unfortunate episode best forgotten, but for the Igbo people who fought for secession, it remains a life-defining event. In 1967, following two coups and turmoil which led to about a million Igbos returning to the south-east of Nigeria, the Republic of Biafra seceded with 33-year-old military officer Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu at the helm. The Nigerian government declared war and after 30 months of fighting, Biafra surrendered. On 15 January 1970, the conflict officially ended. The government's policy of "no victor, no vanquished" may have led to a lack of official reflection, but many Nigerians of Igbo origin grew up on stories from people who lived through the war. Three of those who were involved in the secessionist ...

  Menu Let’s Have A Biafra Day to Learn from Western Sub-Nationals It was not a typical Wednesday morning. It was cold and the sky was darkened from the heavy rainfall of the night before. I remember this vividly because I had grudgingly gotten out of bed, bumped my foot against the edge of the bed and desperately wished it was the weekend so I wouldn’t go to work. But it wasn’t! I reluctantly got to the office and walked right into the middle of an argument. I wasn’t ready for work, neither was I ready to engage in any sentimental debate. I was going to head for my desk in the corner of the room, block out the noise and bury myself in work. Digging for my headphones, I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation. “We may have a holiday next week!” Another holiday in June? I thought to myself. And just like that, the day got a little brighter. My colleague continued, “The President just announced that Democracy Day will no longer be celebrated on the 29th of May, rather on the 12th...