Tel: +1 (201) 954-6359
May 30th, marks a solemn occasion for the people of the former Eastern Region, particularly the Igbo people, who commemorate the Biafran Heroes Day. This day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, which lasted from 1967 to 1970. The war resulted in the loss of approximately 3 million lives, a staggering number that still resonates deeply with the affected communities.
The Biafran struggle was a quest for self-determination, identity, and freedom. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Biafrans fought valiantly against the Nigerian Army, which was backed by external forces, including the British, Arabs, and the USSR. The war ultimately ended with the surrender of Biafran troops on January 15, 1970.
As we reflect on this day, we honour the memories of the martyrs who laid down their lives for their people and their dream of a better future. It is essential to keep their legacy alive, especially for the younger generation, who had been denied the chance to learn about their history and the significance of this day.
The Biafran Heroes Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and cultural heritage. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by our ancestors and to renew our commitment to keeping their dream alive. We must ensure that the stories of the Biafran war and its heroes are passed down to future generations, so they can learn from the past and build a better future, a world without wars.
As we commemorate the Biafran Heroes Day, we pay tribute to the millions of lives lost during the war. We honour their memory by keeping their dream alive and working towards a brighter future for our communities. May the souls of our martyrs rest in peace, and may their legacy continue to inspire us to build a better tomorrow.
Inno Obiora writes from New Jersey , USA
Leave a Reply