By EDWARD NNACHI

The apex socio-cultural organization in Igbo land, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has joined Nigerians in celebrating the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary while lamenting the continued marginalization of the Igbo and the prolonged detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, on Tuesday, the organization described Kanu’s incarceration as “a blot on the conscience of the nation.”

Quoting its President-General, Senator Azuka Mbata, the statement said Ohanaeze and the Igbo nation at large “remain deeply committed to the ideals of unity, love, peace, justice and national development, but not at the cost of our dignity or continued marginalization.”

Mbata laments that despite Igbo’s “resilience and contributions in commerce, innovation, education and culture, Igbos remain burdened by systemic exclusion, unaddressed wounds of history, and the shrinking space for political and structural inclusion.”

He said, “No nation can endure indefinitely when a section of its population feels alienated or reduced to second-class citizens. Nigeria must rise to a new dawn, where every child—whether born in Aba, Jos, Calabar, Katsina, Enugu or Kano—can aspire to lead, to thrive and to belong.”

Ohanaeze further urged the Federal Government to pursue constitutional reforms that would “unleash the full potential of all federating units, including Ala Igbo,” describing it as not just a political necessity but “a moral imperative.”

The organization also called for “the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose continued detention has become a blot on the conscience of the nation. His case is no longer just a legal matter—it is a test of our collective commitment to justice, equity, and national healing.

“We also use this occasion to call on governors and leaders across the land to approach governance with the spirit of human kindness, equity, and empathy. The time has come for leadership that prioritizes the welfare and dignity of every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, religion or region.”

The body decried what it called “the willful destruction of Igbo-owned businesses and investments, particularly in Lagos and other parts of the country, under flimsy and unjustifiable pretexts,” describing it as “targeted economic sabotage” that undermines national unity.

It called on the Igbo to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that the organization “will continue to carry forward the torch of innovation, excellence and the spirit of Igwebuike—the unshakable belief that there is strength in unity.”

“As we look to the future, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirms its unwavering belief in the power of dialogue, mutual respect, and genuine federalism as the path forward for Nigeria. We remain open to working with other ethnic nationalities, stakeholders and leaders of thought who share the vision of a fair, just, and forward-looking Nigeria.

“Let this 65th anniversary serve as a turning point—not just a ritual. Let it be the beginning of Nigeria’s rebirth,” it said. (The PUNCH)