Factional Secretary-General of apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro has urged Ndigbo to mark the 2024 Igbo Day as a time of solemn reflection and profound remembrance for its fallen heros.

Ohanaeze urged Igbos to observe a minute silence at noon on September 27, 2024 to honour fallen heroes of the Southeast as part of activities to mark this year’s Igbo day celebrations.

In a statement he issued on Friday alongside the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Alexander Chikeule Okemiri, Ohanaeze said the theme of this year’s celebration was “Ozoemela.”

The statement reads: “This year, we urge every son and daughter of Igbo lineage to use this auspicious occasion to honor those whose lives were tragically cut short, those who sacrificed their lives in service to the Igbo identity, and to acknowledge the enduring legacy of suffering that has shaped our collective narrative.

“The theme for this year’s observance, “OZOEMELA” (Never Again), serves as a powerful reminder of our shared history, particularly the profound loss experienced during the Biafra War from 1966 to 1970, during which an estimated three million Igbos perished, along with other significant tragedies including the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, the riots in the North in 1958, the Enugu Coal Miners’ incident of 1957, the Asaba Massacre of 1968, and the June 12 riots of 1993. Each of these events reflects our struggles, pains, and resistance, underscoring the necessity of this moment of collective remembrance.

“In light of these reflections, Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly urges that the 2024 Igbo Day is observed as a prayer conference.

“The venues for these events will span all worship centers worldwide, as approved by the Prince Dr Richard Ozobu led Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders Council, commencing with Igbo Global Muslims on Friday, September 27, 2024, followed by our Sabbath Day worshippers on Saturday, September 28, and culminating with Igbo Christian faithfuls on Sunday, September 29.

“We call upon every Igbo individual across the globe to pause at precisely 12:00 PM in their respective time zones on Sunday, September 29, 2024, to observe a minute of silence for our fallen heroes as the bells toll.

“This silent tribute will resonate through the hearts of our people as an embodiment of respect, gratitude, and acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

“This year’s celebration is not solely a commemoration of the past but also an opportunity for collective contrition and healing. It is a moment to seek divine forgiveness for the transgressions of our political elite, whose actions have often desecrated the sanctity of our land with impunity and recklessness.

“Additionally, we recognize with concern the resurgence of armed Biafra agitators who, perhaps misguidedly, challenge the hard-earned gains of solidarity, unity, and cultural identity. This reflection provides a crucial opportunity for these individuals to reassess and realign their efforts with the lessons of history, rather than fight on the wrong side of justice.”

Isiguzoro said this year’s celebration would pave the way for Ohanaeze’s election scheduled for January 10 to 11, 2025.

The statement added: “The significance of this year’s Igbo Day also extends towards our plans for the 2025 Ohanaeze Ndigbo elections, scheduled for January 10-11, 2025. Our constitution mandates that the Office of the President General is zoned to Rivers State, and we shall pray for the smooth conduct of these elections while earnestly seeking the divine release of political prisoners of conscience scattered throughout Nigeria’s correctional facilities, with particular emphasis on the case of Nnamdi Kanu.”

The body also urged Igbos to remain prayerful in the face of the socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria.

“Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge the current Socio-economic challenges confronting our nation. Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on every Igbo to remain prayerful and steadfast during these trying times.

“This year’s observance of Igbo Day also serves as a platform for forgiveness—not just towards ourselves but also towards those who have misjudged our people.

“We must recognize that an Igbo person is fundamentally an economic builder and contributor, not an adversary to the nation’s fabric.

“Thus, we commit to praying for the forgiveness of those who harbor prejudices against us simply because we bear our Igbo identity,” he further stated.