Dalena Reporters l December 25, 2025
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio‑cultural organisation, has announced the establishment of an annual Thanksgiving Day to commemorate the survival of the Igbo people during the Nigerian and Biafra Genocide War, formally known as the Biafra War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970. The new observance designates the last Sunday of every January as a special day of gratitude, honouring what leaders described as divine intervention that prevented the total annihilation of the Igbo nation during the conflict.
The resolution was adopted unanimously during the organisation’s Imeobi meeting at the International Conference Centre in Enugu. Prince Okechukwu Nwadinobi, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said the thanksgiving day will provide an annual moment for Igbo people to give thanks for their survival and remembrance of the sacrifices made during one of the darkest chapters in their history.
Prince Nwadinobi acknowledged that without divine protection, the solidarity of a few Nigerians, and the support of the international community, the Biafran cause and the Igbo people might have been consigned to history. In explaining the significance of the declaration, he reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to uplifting Igbo interests across Nigeria.
In addition to the thanksgiving resolution, Ohanaeze has continued to engage in interventions aimed at protecting Igbo interests, including efforts to address the demolition of Igbo‑owned properties in Lagos and to assist victims of fire outbreaks in commercial areas. The organisation has also partnered with legal experts to offer free legal services to Igbo business owners facing challenges.
Religious and community leaders have welcomed the decision as spiritually meaningful, with former Archbishop Dr. Emmanuel Olisa Chukwu recounting his own wartime survival and noting the profound faith that sustains the Igbo people.
The annual thanksgiving initiative reflects ongoing efforts by Ohanaeze Ndigbo to foster unity, resilience, and cultural remembrance among the Igbo diaspora and residents of the South‑East region.