Call for May 30 Holiday to Honor Civil War Victims

On September 3, 2026, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, Chairman of the Nigeria Public Affairs Analysts in Enugu State, called for the Federal Government to declare May 30 a public holiday to commemorate those who died during the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from May 30, 1967, to January 1970. This appeal was made during the unveiling of the book "History and Lessons from the Nigerian Civil War" in Enugu.

Igboke suggested that South-East governors should also consider making May 30 a regional public holiday, akin to the June 12 Democracy Day in the South-West. He emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices made during the conflict and urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to pursue peace and dialogue.

The book, authored by Dr. Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Chief Obioma Ikechi, and Elder James I. Egwuonwu, provides a historical account of Nigeria from the colonial era to the Civil War, incorporating personal experiences.

Surveyor Ugoh Chime praised the book for its unique perspective and called for its readership to learn from the past.