This shift, the group says, is intended to honour the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of those who fought and died in defense of the Igbo identity during the Biafra conflict.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has announced that May 30 will now be officially recognised as Igbo Heroes Day, a rebranded commemoration of what has historically been known as Biafra Remembrance Day.

In a statement signed by its Deputy National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasised the need to balance remembrance with current realities, particularly the ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC) assessments scheduled from April 28 to June 20.

“We regard the academic pursuits of our students as paramount,” the statement read. “We implore our community to embrace a spirit of voluntary celebration rather than mandatory observance that disrupts educational, economic, social, and religious activities.”

The group urged that commemorations be held in ways that support students and uphold peace in the region. It also advocated for the cancellation of any enforced sit-at-home orders that could hinder daily life or provoke clashes with security agencies.

“By renaming Biafra Remembrance Day to Igbo Heroes Day,” the statement continued, “we strategically shift the narrative, creating a safer and more inclusive environment. We also call on South-East political leaders, particularly the governors, to recognise this date as an official public holiday.”

Ohanaeze called for calm, discouraging any form of violence or confrontations with law enforcement, noting that such actions have historically led to retaliation and hardship for innocent civilians.

“In this pivotal moment,” the group concluded, “let us work together to honour our heroes while fostering a peaceful and progressive society. As we reflect on our past, let us ensure that our actions in remembrance empower rather than endanger our community.”