The National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the
parties candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial district Chief Sir
Victor Umeh has said that Late Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu, the great Igbo
leader would be the happiest man in heaven as Ndi Anambra fulfils his
last wish by giving the Igbos slain during the civil war 45years back
a befitting mass burial.
He noted that all through the time he knew the great Igbo leader it
had been his greatest wish and desire that the symbolic mass burial be
conducted.
Chief Umeh who was so emotional in his speech said with the honour
done to those slain Igbos during the civil war, most Igbo leaders will
now be motivated to champion the people's course, with the hope that
in the event of any misfortune in their bid, they would be remembered
by their people.
He thanked Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka who had been clamouring for the
burial to be conducted for the civil war victims and the state
governor, Chief Willie Obiano for taking it upon himself to answer the
call of symbolically burying the slain civil war victims, thus helping
their restless spirit find peace.
In what could be considered a most solemn assemble, Governor Obiano
together with some powerful men of God in the state prayed for the
souls slain during the civil war to rest in peace, even as he later
led the congregation to unveil the memorial plaque in the honour of
the slain heroes.
In doing so the Governor said the victims paid supreme sacrifice for
national unity of the country and described Igbos as the most
successful black people in the world who have set high standards in
every field of human endeavour.
"Today we honour them in words and deeds, we offer them a final
resting place, a sanctuary where their memories will forever ruffle
the leaves of time.
"Today as we lay down the memorial stone , we bring closure to the
wandering of our brothers and sisters whose great souls have yearned
for the dignity of a formal burial over the last half century.
"Today as we light our candles and whisper our silent prayers to ease
their passage to eternity, we cleanse ourselves of the pain of the
death and plant the trees of forgiveness in their memory, and in doing
this we open a new page of a brighter history for our people." The
governor maintained on a solemn
The cleric, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor,the Catholic Bishop of Awka
diocese, who deliver the homily which he entitled "The duty to
remember" thanked Governor Obiano for deeming it fit to organise the
programme: he urged Igbos to trust in God inspite of the circumstance
surrounding their lives. The cleric said that the Nigeria history
won't be complete without mentioning the civil war and stressed the
need for Igbos to adapt the spirit of forgiveness.
For Hon Engr Ikeobi Ejiofor, the Chairman of Anaocha L.G.A,the
occasion signalled the beginning of peaceful co-existence among the
people of the state. He said it was pertinent that slain heroes during
the civil war where accorded their deserved respect and rightful place
in the society they toiled for.
The chairman commended Governor Obiano whom he described as a man of
peace, for his interest in the growth, peace and future of the state,
as evidenced in the memorial service.
The Commissioner for Information Chief Tony Onyima earlier in his
welcome address, noted that though the civil war casualties was a big
tragedy to the Igbos, a very important lesson was leant which is
onyeaghananwanneya "be your brothers keeper" which happens to be the
slogan of the All Progressive Grand Alliance.
"Ozoemezina...never again, is not a rallying call to hate or to
remember the wrongs we have suffered but one to build the spirit of
forgiveness and ensure the security of the future of our children
through peaceful existence and love of our neighbours.
"Ozoemezina is a rallying call on me and you to remember that people
sacrificed their lives for us to enjoy our own today so a decent
burial is the least we can do for the great men and women of history."
He advised
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included,Former Vice President of
Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Prince Arthur Eze, Col Joe Achuzia, Former
Governor of Anambra. State Dame Virgy Etiaba, The Governorship
candidates of Ebonyi,Abia, and Imo state, Sen. Anthony Agbo, Dr Alex
Otti and Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho respectively, Mrs Josephine Aneni,
among others.
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