Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has called on Ndigbo to move beyond the Nigerian Civil War and channel their energy towards national participation and development, noting that the conflict ended 56 years ago.
Soludo made the appeal on Thursday during the wreath-laying and parade ceremony marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Ekwueme Square, Awka.
He said there was no justification for continued violence or agitation anchored on a war that officially ended on January 15, 1970.
According to the governor, the people of the South-East must redirect their focus towards active involvement in national affairs and collective nation-building.
He stressed that fighting, killings and hiding in forests in the name of agitation only deepen suffering within the region.
He explained that Armed Forces Remembrance Day serves to honour Nigerian heroes who lost their lives during the Civil War and in subsequent efforts to preserve the unity of the country, while also reminding citizens of the need to ensure that such a tragedy never reoccurs.
Soludo also appealed to armed groups, bandits and youths claiming to be fighting for Biafra to abandon violence and embrace reintegration, urging them to contribute meaningfully to society.
He encouraged youths in the South-East to take interest in careers within the military, police and other security agencies, warning that continued disengagement could limit the region’s representation in national security leadership in the future.
The governor further commended security agencies in Anambra State for improving security, noting that the state recorded peaceful Christmas celebrations and reclaimed eight local government areas previously affected by criminal activities.
Soludo praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in addressing insecurity nationwide, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration among security agencies would lead to lasting peace.
The ceremony was attended by service chiefs, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, and other dignitaries.
Activities included intercessory prayers, a moment of silence, gun salute, wreath-laying and the release of white pigeons to symbolise peace and unity.
