In commemoration of this year’s Biafra War memorial service, the World Igbo Congress (WIC) has urged the Federal Government to declare May 30 a memorial day to honour Biafra heroes and heroines.
  
In a statement by the Igbo body, the Chairman, WIC Board of Directors, Festus Okere, has directed the committee led by the Vice Chairman of WIC, Basil Onwukwe, to mobilise Ndigbo in the Diaspora under the leadership of Cyprian Osuoha (Michigan, United States of America), Ambassador Paul Ndukwe (Canada), Austin Okeke (South Africa) and Silas Moneke (Australia). 
  
According to the statement, the theme of this year’s Biafra War memorial service is ‘After 54 years to the end of the war, what has changed in Nigeria?’   The statement reads: “It is usual for us to forget to remember the ultimate price paid by our heroes and heroines for us to stay alive. 
   
“The more we forget the memory of our colleagues, who were involved in the Civil War, the more we create a perception of disrespect and dishonor, not only for our fallen heroes and heroines, but to the people who participated.
   
“As Ndigbo, we owe no apology to anyone for honouring our fallen Biafran heroes and heroines, and we ask that you call into the programme on May 30, 2024, at 06.00 p.m. Alaigbo time.”
  
The WIC noted that the most critical lesson for every Igbo person is to understand that many died on the battlefield while standing up against the killing of Ndigbo. 
  
It said that a majority died during the war from starvation and kwashiorkor due to the blockade of the Biafran airspace and, consequently, the supply of food by charitable organisations, such as the Red Cross, World Council of Churches, Caritas and other similar organisations. 
  
The Igbo Diaspora group added: “Though we have not lived nor achieved the dream for which they fought and died for us, we will, however, continue to press on for a better future for Ndigbo, no matter what it takes. 
  
 “The WIC, therefore, wishes to use this unique opportunity to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare May 30 a Memorial Day to honour those who died in the Nigeria Civil War. We understand that it was an unjust war. To Ndi Igbo, this declaration will bring closure to many who have not received a formal burial, as is usually done in many countries.”