The apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has joined in celebrating Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary while warning that the continued marginalisation of the Igbo and the detention of Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, remain “a blot on the conscience of the nation.”
In a statement on Tuesday signed by its publicity secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the organisation quoted its president-general, Senator Azuka Mbata, as saying the Igbo remain “deeply committed to the ideals of unity, peace, justice and development” but not at the expense of dignity and equal inclusion.
Mbata lamented that despite the Igbo’s resilience and contributions in commerce, innovation and culture, they remain “burdened by systemic exclusion, unaddressed wounds of history, and a shrinking space for political and structural inclusion.”
“No nation can endure indefinitely when a section of its population feels alienated or reduced to second-class citizens,” he said. “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 called on the federal government to undertake constitutional reforms that would empower all federating units, describing such changes as both a political necessity and “a moral imperative.” It further demanded the “immediate and unconditional” release of Kanu, arguing his case had become “a test of our collective commitment to justice, equity and national healing.”
The group also condemned what it described as the “wilful destruction” of Igbo-owned businesses in Lagos and elsewhere, branding it “targeted economic sabotage” that undermines national unity.
While urging Igbo people to remain peaceful and law-abiding, Ohanaeze reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and genuine federalism. “Let this 65th anniversary serve as a turning point—not just a ritual. Let it be the beginning of Nigeria’s rebirth,” the statement read.
