The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged governors in the South-East region to establish May 30 as an official public holiday to commemorate Biafra Day, a spokesperson announced on Friday.
May 30 is annually observed as Biafra Day by pro-Biafra activists across the South-East to honor those who lost their lives during the Biafra civil war.
In a statement, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful drew parallels between their request and how South-West leaders successfully advocated for June 12 to be declared Democracy Day in honor of MKO Abiola.
"IPOB seizes this moment of reflection to urge the Governors in Biafra Land, especially the South East and South South Governors, to establish May 30th as a public holiday to commemorate the fallen heroes of Biafra moving forward," the statement read.
Powerful described the request as fair, adding: "Similar to how South West leaders advocated for and commemorated MKO Abiola with June 12 as Democracy Day and a public holiday, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Igbo Governors should have the bravery to advance the initiative to honor Biafra Heroes with a public holiday."
The group emphasized that until such official recognition is granted, IPOB has designated May 30 of each year as Biafra Heroes Day, to be commemorated by Biafrans both locally and internationally.
"To all dedicated IPOB members, we honor your bravery and determination. We will not back down or give up until Biafra is completely reinstated," the statement concluded.
The call comes as part of ongoing efforts by pro-Biafra groups to gain official recognition for commemorative events related to the Nigerian Civil War that took place between 1967 and 1970.
