Policy Briefs

Biafra, will forever remain a key subset of Nigeria’s history ~ Oseloka H. Obaze

OHO Press Release: 17/19;  30 May, 2017Statement Attributable to Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, on Biafra Day 

Conscience and awareness permits us to recall history and lessons therefrom, no matter how salutary or painful. Biafra, for that simple reason will forever remain a key subset of Nigeria’s history. The civil war in which 3 million lives were lost, the no victor no vanquished declaration, the reconciliation, which many years after seems vacuous, the revisionist agenda, the past and present day challenges and unmet aspirations, all add up as constant reminders, of what was and what is. Indeed, there was a country. Blocking the discussion of the past will do us no good. It will only allow past mistakes to be repeated. Thus history must be shared from age to age.

The Igbo nation has proven it’s resilience against all odds. Yet the future of the Igbo in Nigeria must transcend the present political ambiguities that has given rise to -pro-Biafran agitations. Those who publicly and peacefully agitate for Biafra must be accorded the constitutional right to free thought, speech and assembly. Finding common solution to issues that give rise to such agitations is a task for all Nigerians, not just the Igbo. For their part Igbo leaders must think anew, how best to utilize and develop our ingenuity, natural resources and human capital to achieve more for our people and region in the context of present realities in Nigeria. Today, as we remember Biafra, and celebrate the many who paid the ultimate price, we believe in a brighter future for our humanity and continue to pray for Nigeria. 

OHO Team

Awka, 30 May, 2017 

Oseloka H. Obaze

Oseloka Obaze, MD & CEO

Oseloka Obaze, MD & CEO

Mr. Obaze is the former Secretary to the State Government of Anambra State, Nigeria from 2012 to 2015 - MD & CEO, Oseloka H. Obaze. Mr. Obaze also served as a former United Nations official, from 1991-2012, and as a former member of the Nigerian Diplomatic Service, from 1982-1991.

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