From Maurice Okafor, Enugu.
The 2023 World Igbo day celebration,scheduled to hold at Okpara square Enugu, on Tuesday September 29,will be marked with accord of post humous awards to many Igbo fallen heroes and some other Nigerian icons who were described as special allies of the Igbo nation.
A press statement that emanated from the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo world wide, Prince Dr Alex Ogbonnia, yesterday evening, said the resolution for the post humous awards were reached at the National Executive Council of the organisation, held at Owerri, Imo state on Thursday. August 24.
Among the Igbo fallen heroes who will be honoured by Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide include Rt Hon Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi and Biafra ex-leader, Major General Aguiyi Ironsi, ex military head of state, Dr Alex Ekwueme,Dr Akanu Ibiam and Chief C.C.Onoh.
Others include Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi, Chief Sam Mbakwe, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Chief Dennis Osadebay,Justice Charles Dadi Onyeama,Philip Ephiong etc, all of blessed memories.
The late Emir of Kano,Alhaji Ado Bayero,Col, Adekunle Fajuyi, Governor of defunct Western region, Mrs Marian Babangida, Michael Ogunsanya, among others were also deemed fit for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo post humous awards as allies of the Igbo nation, during their lifetime.
According to President General,Ohanaeze Ndigbo world wide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu,the idea behind the post humous award on Igbo icons and Igbo special allies is an expression of Igbo attachment to excellence, steadfastness,gratitude and deep sense of history.
The 2023 Igbo celebration will be chaired by Engr Chief Arthur Eze, an illustrous Igbo son, the Chief executive of Oranto Oil ltd.
The Igbo day celebration is an annual event usually marked every September 29 with carnival of culture and Igbo tradition.
