The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has announced plans to commemorate Biafra Day on Friday, May 30, in honour of heroes and heroines who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and others who died in the struggle for the actualisation of the defunct Republic of Biafra.

The Vice Chairman of WIC’s Board of Trustees, Basil Onwukwe, made this known in a statement on Monday, May 26, noting that the global event is part of activities marking the remembrance of the declaration of the Republic of Biafra by the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30, 1967.

According to Onwukwe, the event will feature a real-time webinar with various guest speakers. Dr Philip Effiong is expected to present a paper titled “Unsung Heroes and Sheroes”, while Dr Innocent Ukabam will speak on “Biafra: What Was, What Is, and What Will Be”.

Other presentations will include Dr Jeff Ohanja’s “A Narrative of Misrepresentation: The 1966 Coup, Ethnic Politics and Igbo Pogrom”, Dr Lucius Akuchie’s “Biafra Heroes and Heroines”, and Dr Sylvester Onyia’s address on “Biafra Challenges and the Future”.

Onwukwe added that solemn commentaries will also be delivered by distinguished guests and VIPs during the ceremony. “The Igbo cannot forget the heroes and all the people who made it possible for us to survive the war that was brought to Ndigbo,” he said.

The World Igbo Congress is a global socio-cultural organisation representing the Igbo people. Headed by Sir Festus Okere as Chairman, the WIC is committed to promoting Igbo culture, unity, and development while advocating for the rights and interests of Ndigbo worldwide.

The organisation operates chapters across Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. (Daily Sun)