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A SHORT ESSAY ON THE ROLE OF RANGERS FC IN POST-WAR RECOVERY FOR NDI IGBO
At the end of the war, the leadership class in Igbo land was in tatters and lacking in confidence. Many had died or been killed during the war. Some others had fled into exile and what was left in the
At the end of the war, the leadership class in Igbo land was in tatters and lacking in confidence. Many had died or been killed during the war. Some others had fled into exile and what was left in the
country lacked confidence. Their livelihoods were gone, their stature diminished, and their self-belief and judgment in question. A new leadership cadre was desperately needed but it was difficult to know where to find it.
The re-discovery of the dignity of the people of the
The re-discovery of the dignity of the people of the
East Central State was an improbable story of renewal built on sports and sports clubs. It all centered around a football club launched from the ruins of the war in Enugu in 1970. It was called Rangers International.
The rebuilding of Igbo dignity and identity at the end of the
The rebuilding of Igbo dignity and identity at the end of the
We have come to the end of today's event. We hope you have learnt a thing or two about the Biafra War and we immensely appreciate you for staying with us all day.
Daalụ nụ.
To close our event today, here is a gratitude video in honour of all who sent relief aid to Biafra
Daalụ nụ.
To close our event today, here is a gratitude video in honour of all who sent relief aid to Biafra
during the war. We are grateful to them all.
We also remember all who lost their lives during the war. May they Rest In Peace.
Kindly note that you can visit the Centre For Memories to see our ongoing exhibition on
We also remember all who lost their lives during the war. May they Rest In Peace.
Kindly note that you can visit the Centre For Memories to see our ongoing exhibition on
THE BIAFRAN AIRLIFT
The Airlift to Biafra is the second largest airlift in human history. It is known that about 3 million Igbo people died during the war but that number would have been a lot more if not the humanitarian activities of so many groups, organizations and national
The Airlift to Biafra is the second largest airlift in human history. It is known that about 3 million Igbo people died during the war but that number would have been a lot more if not the humanitarian activities of so many groups, organizations and national
governments who sent relief aid to Biafra.
Approximately 30 non-governmental organizations and several governments provided non-military direct and indirect aid through or in support of the Biafran Airlift. Major contributors of such items as food, medicine, transport aircraft,
Approximately 30 non-governmental organizations and several governments provided non-military direct and indirect aid through or in support of the Biafran Airlift. Major contributors of such items as food, medicine, transport aircraft,
air and ground crew included:
American Jewish Emergency Effort for Biafran Relief
Canada (financial, food, material, C-130 Hercules aircraft)
Canairrelief (a NGO organized by the Presbyterian Church of Canada and Oxfam Canada. Over 10,000 tons were carried in 674 flights)
American Jewish Emergency Effort for Biafran Relief
Canada (financial, food, material, C-130 Hercules aircraft)
Canairrelief (a NGO organized by the Presbyterian Church of Canada and Oxfam Canada. Over 10,000 tons were carried in 674 flights)
THE UGA AIRSTRIP
Many people are aware that Biafra had an airstrip in Uli but only a few know that there was another airstrip in Uga, Anambra State.
Uga, the second of the three sites originally selected as a bush airstrip, was hastily developed following the threatened loss of
Many people are aware that Biafra had an airstrip in Uli but only a few know that there was another airstrip in Uga, Anambra State.
Uga, the second of the three sites originally selected as a bush airstrip, was hastily developed following the threatened loss of
Uli in September 1968. Like Uli, the airstrip at Uga was converted from a stretch of the main Orlu to Awka road but instead of creating concrete hard-standings, the Biafrans used a form of PSP (a pierced-steel planking system), although local reports at the time described the
material as 'perforated aluminium strip '. (It is very likely that the material used for developing Uga had originally been purchased via the Church Relief Service for use at Uli.
By the end of 1968 the strip was declared operational, but only as a secondary strip to Uli and
By the end of 1968 the strip was declared operational, but only as a secondary strip to Uli and
THE ABAGANA AMBUSH
The Abagana Ambush (March 31, 1968) was an ambush by Biafran guerrilla troops led by Major Jonathan Uchendu that wiped out the Nigerian 2 Division. Of the 6,000 Nigerian troops ambushed, only a very small number survived, including
The Abagana Ambush (March 31, 1968) was an ambush by Biafran guerrilla troops led by Major Jonathan Uchendu that wiped out the Nigerian 2 Division. Of the 6,000 Nigerian troops ambushed, only a very small number survived, including
the 2nd Division's commander, General Murtala Muhammed.
On 31 March 1968, a convoy consisting of 106 vehicles belonging to the Nigerian 2nd Division transporting 6,000 soldiers, as well as armour from Onitsha to Enugu was ambushed and decimated in the town of Abagana by a small
On 31 March 1968, a convoy consisting of 106 vehicles belonging to the Nigerian 2nd Division transporting 6,000 soldiers, as well as armour from Onitsha to Enugu was ambushed and decimated in the town of Abagana by a small
unit of Biafran soldiers led by Major Jonathan Uchendu.
Homemade Ogbunigwe rocket missiles were launched by the Biafrans at a tanker truck carrying gasoline which caused an enormous explosion destroying many of the convoy's armoured vehicles and killing a large number of
Homemade Ogbunigwe rocket missiles were launched by the Biafrans at a tanker truck carrying gasoline which caused an enormous explosion destroying many of the convoy's armoured vehicles and killing a large number of
OPERATION HIROSHIMA
This was a military operation conducted by the Biafran 4th Commando Brigade in an attempt to recapture Onitsha from the Nigerian 2nd Division. The operation ultimately resulted in failure and ended in the deaths of numerous mercenaries and Biafran soldiers.
This was a military operation conducted by the Biafran 4th Commando Brigade in an attempt to recapture Onitsha from the Nigerian 2nd Division. The operation ultimately resulted in failure and ended in the deaths of numerous mercenaries and Biafran soldiers.
In early November 1968 the 4,000 strong Biafran 4th Commando Brigade moved northwards from Umuahia to Nkwelle, less than 10 km outside of Onitsha. On 15 November Colonel Rolf Steiner was ordered to launch an offensive operation coined "Operation Hiroshima". Steiner initially
objected on the grounds that his troops were trained for guerrilla tactics, but was overruled.
The operation was a full frontal attack across an open field. With no aerial support or any natural obstacles to hide behind the attacking Biafran brigade was decimated by Nigerian
The operation was a full frontal attack across an open field. With no aerial support or any natural obstacles to hide behind the attacking Biafran brigade was decimated by Nigerian
OPERATION OAU (September 2 – October 15, 1968)
Operation OAU was a move by the Nigerian troops to capture the three towns of Owerri, Aba and Umuahia. It was an intermittent battle that may have resulted in over 25,000 deaths on both sides. Although the Biafran soldiers were
Operation OAU was a move by the Nigerian troops to capture the three towns of Owerri, Aba and Umuahia. It was an intermittent battle that may have resulted in over 25,000 deaths on both sides. Although the Biafran soldiers were
outnumbered, they were able to retain control of Umuahia and eventually recapture the cities of Owerri and Aba.
On September 2, Nigerian artillery began shelling Aba while ground forces began to enter the city under heavy Biafran fire. For twelve days bloody house-to-house
On September 2, Nigerian artillery began shelling Aba while ground forces began to enter the city under heavy Biafran fire. For twelve days bloody house-to-house
fighting ensued and bodies filled Red Cross hospitals before the final Biafrans surrendered on the 14th September. On the 13th September the Biafran 14th Division came under heavy artillery fire from the Nigerian 16th Brigade under the command of Colonel E.A. Etuk.
SOME OPERATIONS DURING THE BIAFRA WAR
OPERATION TIGER CLAW (October 17–19, 1967)
This was a military conflict between Nigerian and Biafran military forces. The battle took place in the major port of Calabar. The Nigerian were led by Benjamin Adekunle while the Biafrans were led
OPERATION TIGER CLAW (October 17–19, 1967)
This was a military conflict between Nigerian and Biafran military forces. The battle took place in the major port of Calabar. The Nigerian were led by Benjamin Adekunle while the Biafrans were led
by Maj. Ogbo Oji. The aftermath was a major loss to the Biafrans because it cost the Biafrans one of their largest ports.
In October 1967 a Nigerian Navy armada on a naval campaign left the port of Bonny en route to Calabar. Inside the ships were the heavily armed troops of the
In October 1967 a Nigerian Navy armada on a naval campaign left the port of Bonny en route to Calabar. Inside the ships were the heavily armed troops of the
Nigerian 3rd Marine Division under the command of Gen. Benjamin Adekunle. At the time Calabar was defended by the Biafran 9th Battalion under the command of Maj. Ogbo Oji, who was responsible for the defense of Biafra's entire southeast coastline from Opobo to the Cameroon border
THE BIAFRAN AIRFORCE
Biafra had a small, yet effective air force. Biafran Air Force commanders were Chude Sokey and later Godwin Ezeilo, who had trained with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Its early inventory included two B-25 Mitchells, two B-26 Invaders, (one piloted by Polish
Biafra had a small, yet effective air force. Biafran Air Force commanders were Chude Sokey and later Godwin Ezeilo, who had trained with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Its early inventory included two B-25 Mitchells, two B-26 Invaders, (one piloted by Polish
World War II ace Jan Zumbach, known also as John Brown), a converted DC-3 and one Dove. In 1968, Swedish pilot Carl Gustaf von Rosen suggested the MiniCOIN project to General Ojukwu.
By early 1969, Biafra had assembled five MFI-9Bs in Gabon, calling them "Biafra Babies".
By early 1969, Biafra had assembled five MFI-9Bs in Gabon, calling them "Biafra Babies".
They were coloured green, were able to carry six 68 mm anti-armour rockets under each wing using simple sights. The five planes were flown by three Swedish pilots and three Biafran pilots. In September 1969, Biafra acquired four ex-Armee de l'Air North American T-6Gs, which were
THE BIAFRAN ARMED FORCES
At the beginning of the war, Biafra had about 3,000 soldiers. This number grew as the war progressed, ultimately reaching 30,000. There was no official support for the Biafran Army from any other nation, although arms were clandestinely acquired.
At the beginning of the war, Biafra had about 3,000 soldiers. This number grew as the war progressed, ultimately reaching 30,000. There was no official support for the Biafran Army from any other nation, although arms were clandestinely acquired.
Because of this, Biafra manufactured many of her weapons locally. Some Europeans served the Biafran cause: German-born Rolf Steiner was a lieutenant colonel assigned to the 4th Commando Brigade, and Welshman Taffy Williams served as a major throughout the conflict. A special
guerrilla unit, the Biafran Organization of Freedom Fighters, was established: designed to emulate the Viet Cong, they targeted Nigerian supply lines, forcing them to shift resources to internal security efforts.
Our next post will talk about the different branches of the
Our next post will talk about the different branches of the
THE RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION AGENCY (RAP)
At the outbreak of the war, Biafra was poorly equipped as compared to the Nigerian army with arms and ammunition being in short supply. This imbalance in power was intensified in the course of the war. Biafran scientists, prominently from
At the outbreak of the war, Biafra was poorly equipped as compared to the Nigerian army with arms and ammunition being in short supply. This imbalance in power was intensified in the course of the war. Biafran scientists, prominently from
the University of Nigeria Nsukka (then University of Biafra), formed the Research and Production (RAP) Agency of Biafra which included a Weapons Research and Production Group.
Headed by COLONEL EJIKE OBUMNEME AGHANYA, it was the aim and purpose of this group to develop an
Headed by COLONEL EJIKE OBUMNEME AGHANYA, it was the aim and purpose of this group to develop an
indigenous arms industry and they soon started with the production of ammunition, grenades and armoured cars. They also produced bombs, rockets, missiles (collectively called Ogbunigwe), telecommunication gadgets and petroleum refineries among others for the Biafran Armed Forces.
BIAFRA: COMMUNICATION AND PROPAGANDA
Radio, as a modern communication technology, has played a revolutionary role in propaganda wars. Governments and revolutionaries find it indispensable because of its advantage in disseminating messages quickly across national borders.
Radio, as a modern communication technology, has played a revolutionary role in propaganda wars. Governments and revolutionaries find it indispensable because of its advantage in disseminating messages quickly across national borders.
The Biafran government saw the enormous propaganda potential of radio and tactically exploited it. Radio Biafra was an important arm of the Biafran struggle for self-determination.
Also through the efforts of their roving diplomats, such as CHINUA ACHEBE, during the war, Biafra
Also through the efforts of their roving diplomats, such as CHINUA ACHEBE, during the war, Biafra
achieved recognition from the states of Tanzania, Gabon, Haiti, Ivory Coast, and Zambia. But the Biafra struggled to secure wider diplomatic support. It also found it difficult to purchase weapons and smuggle them into its controlled territory via airlift.
The efforts of these
The efforts of these
BIAFRA: ECONOMY
An early institution created by the Biafran government was the Bank of Biafra, accomplished under "Decree No. 3 of 1967".
In 1967, DR. PIUS OKIGBO was appointed economic adviser to the Biafran government (1967–1970). He succeeded in helping with the
An early institution created by the Biafran government was the Bank of Biafra, accomplished under "Decree No. 3 of 1967".
In 1967, DR. PIUS OKIGBO was appointed economic adviser to the Biafran government (1967–1970). He succeeded in helping with the
establishment of the Central Bank of Biafra and produced the republic’s currency.
The bank carried out all central banking functions including the administration of foreign exchange and the management of the public debt of the Republic. The bank was administered by a governor
The bank carried out all central banking functions including the administration of foreign exchange and the management of the public debt of the Republic. The bank was administered by a governor
and four directors; the first governor, who signed on bank notes, was Sylvester Ugoh. A second decree, "Decree No. 4 of 1967", modified the Banking Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the Republic of Biafra.
The bank was first located in Enugu, but due to the ongoing war,
The bank was first located in Enugu, but due to the ongoing war,
BIAFRA: POLITICS AND GEOGRAPHY
The Republic of Biafra was a unitary republic administered under emergency measures. It consisted of an executive branch, in the form of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and a judicial branch in the form of the Ministry of Justice. Its legal system was
The Republic of Biafra was a unitary republic administered under emergency measures. It consisted of an executive branch, in the form of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and a judicial branch in the form of the Ministry of Justice. Its legal system was
based on the English Common Law.
Upon the outbreak of the Biafra War, SIR LOUIS NWACHUKWU MBANEFO was appointed Chief Justice of Biafra and Ambassador Plenipotentiary. He was actively involved in the peace talks with the Nigerian Government and worked actively towards a
Upon the outbreak of the Biafra War, SIR LOUIS NWACHUKWU MBANEFO was appointed Chief Justice of Biafra and Ambassador Plenipotentiary. He was actively involved in the peace talks with the Nigerian Government and worked actively towards a
diplomatic resolution of the crisis.
The then Republic of Biafra comprised over 29,848 square miles (77,310 km2) of land, with terrestrial borders shared with Nigeria to the north and west, and with Cameroon to the east. Its coast was on the Gulf of Guinea of the South Atlantic
The then Republic of Biafra comprised over 29,848 square miles (77,310 km2) of land, with terrestrial borders shared with Nigeria to the north and west, and with Cameroon to the east. Its coast was on the Gulf of Guinea of the South Atlantic
During the last pre-screening webinar for our documentary on Dr. M I Okpara, one of the panelists, Prof. Pat Utomi, described Okpara as “the Lee Kuan Yew of Africa”.
The giant strides of the Okpara’s administration is still referred to today. Little wonder, he is still being
The giant strides of the Okpara’s administration is still referred to today. Little wonder, he is still being
described as the finest leader the East (and even Nigeria) has ever produced.
Join the Centre for Memories as we hold another webinar to usher in the second global screening of the documentary: “M. I. Power: The Legend and The Legacy”.
Join the Centre for Memories as we hold another webinar to usher in the second global screening of the documentary: “M. I. Power: The Legend and The Legacy”.
The webinar is titled “Ọlụobodo: A Call To Service” and will hold as follows
Webinar link: bit.ly/2M0FzoP
YouTube Screening link: bit.ly/3qwRjOD
The webinar will start at exactly 5:00 PM WAT (UTC+1) on Saturday, February 27, 2021. You can join the webinar
Webinar link: bit.ly/2M0FzoP
YouTube Screening link: bit.ly/3qwRjOD
The webinar will start at exactly 5:00 PM WAT (UTC+1) on Saturday, February 27, 2021. You can join the webinar
Since 2016, The Sub-Saharan African Regional Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has been awarding the Africa Freedom Prize to outstanding personalities who provide decisive impulses for the development of liberal society in African countries.
The 2020 Africa
The 2020 Africa
Freedom Prize of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation was awarded to Nigerian author and award-winning international writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to recognize her inspiring role in addressing social grievances and political challenges, and gender inequality through her writing
and other works.
Previous winners of the Africa Freedom Prize include:
1. Bobi Wine: Ugandan Activist and Politician
2. Gareth Cliff: South African Radio/TV Personality
3. Hakainde Hichilema: Zambian Businessman and Politician
4. Mmusi Maimane: South African Politician and
Previous winners of the Africa Freedom Prize include:
1. Bobi Wine: Ugandan Activist and Politician
2. Gareth Cliff: South African Radio/TV Personality
3. Hakainde Hichilema: Zambian Businessman and Politician
4. Mmusi Maimane: South African Politician and
Dr. Michael Iheọnụkara Okpara’s tenure as premier of Eastern Nigeria is widely acclaimed to have been the golden age of that region. In just six years, Dr. Okpara inspired a revolution that transformed the East from being probably the poorest of the regions, to the most
vibrant and one of the fastest growing sub-territories of the world at the time in every sphere of development and infrastructural development.
Join the Centre for Memories as we hold a webinar themed: ỌLUOBODO: A CALL TO SERVICE, to celebrate and showcase Late Dr. M.I Okpara
Join the Centre for Memories as we hold a webinar themed: ỌLUOBODO: A CALL TO SERVICE, to celebrate and showcase Late Dr. M.I Okpara
as a true definition of “Ọlu Obodo”
Webinar link: bit.ly/2M0FzoP
YouTube Screening link: bit.ly/3qwRjOD
The webinar will start at exactly 5:00 PM WAT (UTC+1) on Saturday, February 27, 2021. You can join the webinar using this link bit.ly/35X74pM.
Webinar link: bit.ly/2M0FzoP
YouTube Screening link: bit.ly/3qwRjOD
The webinar will start at exactly 5:00 PM WAT (UTC+1) on Saturday, February 27, 2021. You can join the webinar using this link bit.ly/35X74pM.
