…says Ndigbo must unite
From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Founder of the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Ralph Uwazuruike, has said that he found in the late Igbo Leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumewu Ojukwu, as the rallying force for Igbo unity.
He said that is the major reason why he has continued to celebrate the birthday of the late Igbo leader since 1994 and have been organising the annual lecture series in his memory since his demise in 2011.
The Pro Biafra agitaor said that Ndigbo would never move forward in Nigeria without unity and the only name that would foster such unity is Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Uwazuruike, who said this on Wednesday against the backdrop of this year’s Ojukwu Memorial lecture, scheduled to take place on November 26.
He said, “In 2012, I started celebrating his memorial as a reminder to Ndigbo that the quest for igbo unity begins and ends with Odumegwu Ojukwu. I see Ojukwu as the Mahatma Gandhi of India and I believe that if Ndigbo respect and honour Ojukwu as Indians do, the unity of Ndigbo would be guaranteed.”
Uwazuruike, who said that Ojukwu had been his hero since childhood, said, “I used to hear and read about Odumegwu Ojukwu as a child.
But around 1992 or there about I was privileged to see Ojukwu during a meeting of non indigenes in Lagos where I led the group representing the igbo community in lagos state.
“Due to my contribution in the meeting he personally invited me to his house in Vilasca Lodge ikoyi. From that private meeting with him he developed some likeness for I found in him a man of unquestionable character and someone that had genuine interest for the wellbeing of Ndigbo.
“I subsequently began to work under him for the interest of our people. I started celebrating his birthday since 1994 until his demise in 2011.
“My group and I have hosted Ojukwu memorial day since 2012 unbroken. The 2024 edition is the 13th. And I believe that as long as I live the celebration must continue.”
Uwazuruike disclosed that In this year’s lecture, which is the 13th in the series with the theme ‘Solidifying Igbo Unity’ all the cultural activities that are known in igboland will be on display , adding , “Prominent Ndigbo use the event to express themselves on the happenings not only in igboland but in Nigeria.”
According to him, prominent personalities including foreigners have graced the events.
The Ojukwu memorial day begins on 25th evening with a gala night and the main event is held on the 26th.