Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has urged Ndigbo to move beyond the Nigerian Civil War and channel their energy toward active national participation and development, noting that the conflict ended 56 years ago.
Speaking on Thursday at the wreath-laying and parade ceremony to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Ekwueme Square, Awka, Soludo said there was no justification for continued violence and bloodshed in the name of agitation, stressing that the civil war officially ended on January 15, 1970.
The governor called on the people of the South-East to redirect their focus toward collective nation-building and meaningful engagement in Nigeria’s political and developmental processes.
“The people of the South-East must redirect their energy towards active participation in national affairs and the collective development of Nigeria,” Soludo said.
“We cannot continue to fight a civil war that ended 56 years ago by hiding in the bushes and killing ourselves. January 15 marked the official end of the civil war, and that chapter of our history must remain closed.”
He explained that Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed to honour Nigerian heroes who lost their lives during the Civil War and in subsequent efforts to preserve the country’s unity, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made to keep Nigeria together and the need to prevent a repeat of such tragedy.
The governor also appealed to armed groups, bandits and youths claiming to be agitating for Biafra to lay down their arms and embrace peace and reintegration.
“This is a moment to remind the people of the region that the civil war has ended and that we must take our rightful place and show interest in the affairs of this country,” he said.
“Many people in Anambra State and the South-East have lost confidence and interest in national participation. I urge them not to lose hope in Nigeria.”
Soludo encouraged youths in the region to consider careers in the military, police and other security agencies, describing such roles as a way of affirming their stake in the country’s future.
“If you do not join the police or the army in the next 15 years, you will be complaining about the absence of senior military officers from your region. I urge you to express interest in serving Nigeria,” he said.
He further appealed to armed youths operating in the bushes to abandon violence and return to society.
“I want to call on our brothers in the bushes who claim they are liberators to come out. Human beings do not live in the bush. We appeal to you to come out and participate meaningfully in building the state and this country,” Soludo added.
Reflecting on the significance of Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the governor said the occasion was to honour fallen heroes and also appreciate men and women still serving in active duty.
“We are here to remember and to say ‘never again’. Their supreme sacrifice shall not be in vain. We also remember the men and women who are still in active service—those who stay awake to protect us while we sleep peacefully in our homes,” he said.
Soludo commended security agencies in Anambra State for improved security, noting that the state recorded peaceful and well-attended Christmas celebrations. He thanked the Army, Navy, Police, Immigration, Civil Defence and other security agencies for their sacrifices in maintaining peace.
The governor disclosed that the state had reclaimed eight local government areas previously affected by criminal activities, attributing the progress to improved collaboration among security agencies.
“This year, Anambra celebrated Christmas like never before. I also commend President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in tackling insecurity across the country,” he said, adding that sustained cooperation among the armed forces would eventually defeat insecurity nationwide.
The ceremony was attended by the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, service chiefs and other dignitaries. Activities included intercessory prayers, a minute of silence, gun salute, wreath-laying and the release of white pigeons to symbolise peace and unity.
Elijah Adeyemi
