By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The President General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, has urged the people of the former Eastern region to continue commemorating May 30, describing it as a symbolic date that reflects the history and struggles of the region.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Ezenekwe emphasized that May 30 serves as a day of reflection for the people of the former Eastern Nigeria, marking the birth of a new identity and the collective aspirations of the region.

He called on the government to restore the teaching of History in schools, warning that the younger generation risks losing touch with their past if the subject remains excluded from the curriculum.

“What this day means to the people of the former Eastern Region should never be forgotten, particularly for the budding youths who have been denied the chance to be taught their history in schools,” Ezenekwe stated.

The ICA President General stressed that May 30 represents the dreams and struggles of the people of the former Eastern region, which were met with fierce opposition, leading to the loss of 3 million lives during the Nigerian Civil War.

He said, “May 30 marked the birth of a new identity and was a vehicle to achieve the collective aspirations and dreams and struggles of the people of the former Eastern Region.

“But the hands of evil fought vehemently against the dream. Three million souls were sent to martyrdom to stop the realization of the dream. Still, the dream lives on.”

Ezenekwe lamented the reluctance of some sociocultural organizations and faith-based institutions to associate with the May 30 commemoration, questioning how long the region can avoid confronting its history.

He added, “Unfortunately, this generation is tasked with the daunting duty of keeping the dream alive.

“It also rests on the shoulders of our organizations and faith-based institutions, including sociocultural organizations, who have become too afraid and ashamed to be associated with the May 30 dream. But how far can we run from our shadows? We can’t run away from ourselves.”

While expressing hope that the souls of the martyrs would rest in peace, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Igbo Community Association to ensure that May 30 remains a significant date for the people of the Southeast and the former Eastern region.

“The rich history of this date will not be allowed to die. We will keep May 30 forever alive,” Ezenekwe declared.