Ahead of Igbo Day prayer conference slated for September 29, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on Ndigbo to pray against grievous plights confronting the Igbo Nation.
According to the Igbo Apex group, unspeakable anguish wrought by decades of oppression, socio-political marginalisation, and insecurity has plagued the homeland since the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo stated this in a statement signed by its Secretary General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro on Sunday.
The statement reads, “As the sacred narrative of our people unfolds, we, the esteemed leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, rise in unity and profound concern to address the grievous plight confronting the Igbo nation on this year’s commemoration of Igbo Day. Our collective hearts are heavy with the unspeakable anguish wrought by decades of oppression, socio-political marginalisation, and insecurity that have plagued our homeland since the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914.
“Our beloved Southeast has become a crucible of suffering, caught in the merciless grip of escalating insecurity and governance deficiencies, which have led to a lamentable deterioration of our cultural values and norms as outlined in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution.
“This ongoing marginalisation has not only been an affront to our identity but has also resulted in a profound crisis for our citizens, particularly those residing in the Igbo-speaking states and minority communities in Benue, Kogi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States. Furthermore, our business communities in the Northern and Western regions of Nigeria are facing unjust challenges that impede their livelihoods.
“In light of these profound adversities, we extend our commendations to the indomitable spirit of every Igbo man and woman who has exhibited remarkable resilience in the face of relentless provocations and confrontations.
“The tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people have historically served as the backbone of economic vitality across Nigeria and beyond, underpinning a legacy of 110 years filled with selfless contributions to our nation and our continent.
“We solemnly acknowledge the immense sacrifices of our forebearers and contemporaries, including the heroic women of the 1929 Aba Women’s War, the victims of the Enugu coal mine incident, and the innocent lives lost during the massacres of September 1966 and the Asaba Massacre in 1968. We cannot overlook the loss of over three million Biafrans during the Civil War, nor the tragic events of June 12, 1993, and the ongoing violence perpetrated against our people through state-sponsored actions and nefarious activities linked to criminal elements.
“As we approach September 29th, 2024, Ohanaeze Ndigbo solemnly directs all Igbos at home and in the diaspora to observe a poignant moment of silence at exactly 12 noon in their respective time zones. This solemn minute is dedicated to honouring our departed heroes whose lives were cruelly cut short by the scourge of violence, ethnic strife, and state-induced calamities. We call upon all Ndigbo to engage deeply in this act of remembrance—a unified expression of grief, respect, and reverence for those who bravely fought for our dignity and rights.
“The year 2024 Igbo Day will serve not only as a commemoration but also as a sacred moment of prayer and reflection. It is imperative that we uphold our traditional rites and honour the memories of our fallen heroes. Under the guidance of the esteemed Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu, Chairman of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders Council, we will engage in collective monumental remembrance prayers and rituals across all Igbo-speaking states, including Anioma and Ikwerre in Delta and Rivers States.
“The central theme of our 2024 Igbo Day Prayers Conference, “Ozoemela” (Never Again), calls us to collectively forge a path towards healing and reconciliation, urging us to let bygones be bygones. This is not merely a remembrance; it is an invitation for renewed hope and a commitment to healing our land through prayer, forgiveness, and a collective drive for justice.
“On this day of sombre reflection, we will conduct church services, Muslim prayers, and traditional rites, culminating in the erection of monumental structures in Asaba, Delta State, in solemn memory of the Asaba Massacre. This will serve both as a reminder of our past and as a declaration of our undying commitment to the pursuit of our common good.
“As we gather in prayer, Ohanaeze Ndigbo seeks the intercession of God Almighty to heal our land, to mend the rift created by years of oppression, and to bless us with a new beginning characterised by peace and mutual respect. While our tongues may differ, our hearts remain united in the spirit of brotherhood.
“In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt appeal to all Nigerians and lovers of justice to stand with us in solidarity during this significant moment in our history. Together, may we strive towards a brighter future for Igbos and a harmonious Nigeria, where every citizen, regardless of background, can live with dignity, freedom, and mutual respect. May God bless Igbos, and may He guide us towards a future filled with hope and restoration.”