Biafra Heroes’ Day: OYC Urges Southeast Governors To Declare May 30 Mourning Day

The apex socio-cultural youth body of the Igbo race worldwide, the Ohanaeze Youth Council, has called on governors of the Southeast and other states of the old Eastern Region to declare every May 30 a public mourning day in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the National President of the council, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, alongside the Secretary-General, Ifeanyichukwu Nweke, the group urged Ndigbo across the world to observe the annual “Biafra Heroes’ Day” by wearing black attire on May 30 as a symbol of mourning. The council also appealed to residents of the old Eastern Region to comply with the sit-at-home directive announced by the Indigenous People of Biafra and other pro-Biafran groups in honour of those who died during the civil war. According to the statement, the wearing of black clothing by Igbos in the diaspora would serve as a tribute to millions of lives allegedly lost during the conflict and also reflect solidarity in the pursuit of justice and remembrance. The OYC expressed concern that many political leaders in the Southeast have failed to officially recognise or commemorate Biafra Heroes’ Day, describing it as an important moment in Igbo history that should not be forgotten. The group further stated that the 2027 general elections would provide an opportunity for Ndigbo to elect leaders committed to protecting the interests of the region and preserving the history of the civil war. The council criticised past and present political office holders in the Southeast, accusing some of failing to defend the interests of the Igbo people, and called for what it described as a “ballot revolution” during future elections. The statement also referenced the June 12 democracy remembrance observed in honour of late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, arguing that Igbo leaders should similarly organise memorial activities for victims of the civil war. The group further alleged that the post-war policy of “Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation” introduced under the administration of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, was not fully implemented in the former Biafra territory. It also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and other detained pro-Biafran agitators as part of efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.