2021 IGBO DAY: Ohanaeze prescribes prayerful celebration

By IGBONAKA CHUKWU

The 2021 Edition of Igbo Day Celebration, which takes place, on September 29, every year will be observed in all the Igbo communities all over the world in a unique way.

According to the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chiedozieze Alex Ogbonni, the celebration is in conformity with the express directives of the royal fathers and which is in tune with the mood of the time.

“The Igbo Day derived its roots in the gruesome pogrom, which took the lives of over 30,000 Igbos in the Northern parts of Nigeria on September 29, 1966.

“Since then, September 29 every year is set aside to reflect on Igbo history, reappraise the Igbo contemporary challenges; and renew our commitment to Igbo unity and common destiny.”

Ogbonnia stated that “To this end, this year’s event commences, on Sunday, September 26 with prayers in all the churches in Igbo land.”

He enjoined all Igbos to key into the celebration, saying, “On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, all Igbos both at home and in the diaspora are requested to commit to God the souls of our kith and kin who lost their lives in the pogrom of September 29, 1966, and in subsequent struggles for unity, peace, equity and justice in Nigeria.”

The Ohanaeze spokesman explained that “the solemn option for this year’s Igbo Day is predicated on the advice by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers led by His Royal Majesty, Eze Charles Nkpuma.

The Royal Fathers had in a press statement captioned “Observing the 2021 Igbo Day” which was signed by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman, 2021 Igbo Day Celebration, the Council of South-East Traditional Rulers had advised that the 2021 Igbo Day celebration be sublimed more to spiritual activities than an elaborate cultural celebration.

The statement read inter alia, “Sequel to the detailed briefing received from the Planning Committee for 2021 Igbo Day Celebration, the Igwes and Ndiezes of Igboland appreciated the elaborate plans of the leadership and people of Igbo nation to honour our history, collective memories and aspirations on 29th September 2021.

“After mature consultation and sober reflections on the political, spiritual and psychological needs of the Igbo nation, the Royal Fathers strongly advised that the nature of activities suitable for this moment in time is more of prayers than vibrant celebrations.

“This will enable all Ndigbo to participate and unite in the much-needed cleansing and spiritual rejuvenation of Igbo land, which are necessary preludes to the political and economic development; and the social cohesion that we all desire.

“Consequently,” the Ohanaeze spokesman noted and directed that “to respect the wisdom of our Royal Fathers, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide hereby appeals that the 2021 Igbo Day celebration be observed as follows:

“That we should lift up Ndigbo and Ala-Igbo before God, our Heavenly Father, during the Sunday Church Services on 26th September; with prayers offered for the peace of Nigeria and Igbo land.

“That on Wednesday 29th September 2021 we commit to God, the souls of our kith and kin lost on September 29th, 1966, and in subsequent struggles for unity, peace, equity and justice in Nigeria,” he concluded. (Nigerian Tribune)