By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, yesterday reminded Ndi Igbo on the importance to bury the pains and consequences that followed the 30 months (1967-1970) infamous Nigeria-Biafra civil war, 56 years after it ended.
He said that Ndi Igbo must put everything aside and move forward rather than continue to reawaken the fight or conflict that ended more than five decades ago.
Soludo stated this while addressing guests shortly laying the wreath of an unknown soldier which was followed by a parade to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at Ekwueme Square, Awka, the State capital.
He said the Nigerian Civil War officially ended on January 15, 1970, and there is no justification for continued violence and bloodshed in its name.
The governor urged people of the South-East geo political zone of the country to redirect their energy towards active participation in national affairs and the nation’s collective development.
According to him, “We cannot continue to fight a civil war that ended 56 years ago by hiding in the bushes and killing ourselves,” “January 15 marked the official end of the civil war, and that chapter of our history must remain closed.”
“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed to honour Nigerian heroes who lost their lives during the Civil War and in subsequent efforts to preserve the unity of the country,” Soludo said.
He emphasized that the day serves as a reminder of the enormous sacrifices made to keep Nigeria united and the need to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again.
Soludo therefore appealed to all armed groups and bandits operating in different parts of the country to lay down their arms, embrace peace and to contribute positively to nation-building.
“This is a moment to remind South-Easterners that the civil war has ended and that we must take our rightful place and show interest in the affairs of this country,” the governor said.
He also expressed concern that many people in Anambra State and other states in the South-East have lost confidence and interest in national participation, urging them not to lose hope in Nigeria.
He appealed to youths in the state to consider careers in the military, police, and other security agencies, noting that they must see themselves as co-owners of the country.
“If you do not join the police or the army in the next 15 years, you will be complaining about the absence of senior military officers from your region; I urge you to express interest in serving Nigeria.”he said.
He further urged the youths who claim to be fighting for Biafra to abandon violence, come out from the bushes, and allow themselves to be reintegrated into society.
“I want to call on our brothers in the bushes who claim they are liberators to come out,” “Human beings do not live in the bush. We appeal to you to come out and participate meaningfully in building the state and this country.”
While commenting on the significance of the sober occasion, Soludo noted that the remembrance was not only for those who died during the Civil War but also for all those who sacrificed their lives to preserve the unity of Nigeria.
He said, “We are here to remember and to say ‘never again’,” “Their supreme sacrifice shall not be in vain. We also remember the men and women who are still in active service—those who stay awake to protect us while we sleep peacefully in our homes.”
The Governor commended the various security agencies in the State for their efforts at improving security and protection of lives which he said led to a peaceful atmosphere and massive public turnout during the recent Christmas celebrations.
“I want to thank all the security agencies in the state,the Navy, Army, Police, Immigration, Civil Defence, and others who have sacrificed to maintain peace. Today, we celebrate your commitment to protecting Anambra State,” he said.
He disclosed that, through the sacrifices of security personnel, the state was able to reclaim eight local government areas previously affected by criminal activities.”
