We will use Igbo Day to reflect on our origin, existence, says group
Anya-Ndi-Igbo is a non-partisan, socio-political and economic development-oriented organisation.
We will use Igbo Day to reflect on our origin, existence, says group. [anyandiigboinitiative]
Recommended articles
![An illustrative image of a kidnap victim in the captors' den. [Guardian]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "An illustrative image of a kidnap victim in the captors' den. [Guardian]")
The President of the group, Chris Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Enugu.
According to him, it is an occasion Igbos in Nigeria and the Diaspora will pause and reflect on their origin, identity, present circumstances, and what the uncertain future holds in store for them.
He stated that the day was for Igbos to remember
ADVERTISEMENT
their fathers who created the institutions and values of Igbo life and rededicate themselves to respect for human life as well as fortitude in the face of danger.
Others are their selfless devotion to the family and the community, discipline, moderation and integrity as the anchors on which their lives rest.
“It is the day we pay tribute to the great Igbo men and women who fought bravely against British oppressors and those who even sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Nigerian freedom.
“A day we commemorate those who were maimed, murdered and mutilated in the various massacres in Nigeria from 1952 to date and those who paid the supreme sacrifice for our continued existence as Ndi Igbo during the Nigeria/Biafra war.
“It is also a day we think about our children, grandchildren and the calamities which, if we do not take sufficient and effective care to address, may befall them in the ever-changing dynamics of Nigerian politics,” Okoye said.
ADVERTISEMENT
He further described the day as a time for sober reflection and prayer to Almighty God to guide Igbo people in all their endeavours.
“It is refreshing to recall that Ndigbo entered the 20th century as a proud race.
“Regrettably, we ended it as an endangered culture. Some of us had expected that the beginning of the 21st century would have ignited a sustainable period of self-reclamation.
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to begin that process because of our failure to take our destiny in our hands."
Okoye explained that the history and the development of Nigeria would have been quite different without the pioneering roles played by many Igbos in various spheres of human endeavour.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It is when we look back that we ask what social set-up and value system that must have produced such greats, in contrast to what is happening to Ndigbo today.
“We have the potential and resources but, unfortunately, we have not been able to harness the tremendous potentials we have in the development of Ala-Igbo.
“This thus creates the agenda for the mobilisation of our people to look inwards to harness our inner strengths and resources in order to shape our collective destiny,” the president said.
He explained that Church services would be held in every Church in Igboland, other parts of Nigeria and in the Diaspora, while an exhibition of Igbo contributions to world civilisation and a special prayer for the survival of the Igbo nation would also feature prominently.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anya-Ndi-Igbo is a non-partisan, socio-political and economic development-oriented organisation.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Senate threatens to step down NCoS budget over insufficient information
2 corps members abducted in Zamfara regain freedom
Lagos Govt seals mosque, churches, hotels over environmental infractions
Tinubu approves 9-member governing council for content development board
Power Minister, Adelabu dumps Accord Party, rejoins APC
FG is planning to redesign NYSC scope
Nigeria Custom hands over 665 donkey skins, 450 blocs of Indian hemp in Kano
Court slams Gov Bello ₦500m for breach of SDP guber candidate, Ajaka's rights
Shettima, Abbas, Badaru, Ganduje arrive Air Force Base in Kaduna to condole with community
Pulse Sports
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Track legend signs mouthwatering deal with luxurious wristwatch brand
Sha'Carri Richardson: World's fastest woman reportedly bags $20,000,000 endorsement deal
She needs a break - Super Falcons coach explains Ashleigh Plumptre's absence from team
Sergio Ramos makes Champions League history 31 years after Daniel Amokachi
ADVERTISEMENT
