Biafra: Foundation Demands Better Care For Widows, Orphans Elderly
The Ikenga Abiama Dynasty Foundation of Igboland, a non profit organisation has called prioritisation of the welfare of vulnerable citizens and peaceful ways to sustainable development in the South East geopolitical region.
The Foundation made the call in a Statement on Saturday on the occasion of 2026 edition of Biafra Remembrance Day celebration.
The Statement was signed by its Founder and Chairperson, HIRM Dr Uba Iwunwa (Queen Ugobeze), and General Secretary, Chief Amb. Olisemeka Obeche.
It appealed to governments at all levels, community leaders, development partners, and civil society organisations to protect and cater to the needs of orphans, women and the elderly in the region.
Ikenga Abiama Dynasty said the memorial should be a solemn tribute to the millions affected by the Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970 and also a wakeup call to confront the humanitarian and socio-economic challenges of the people.
It said widows, orphans, out-of-school children, the elderly, and low-income families were among the most vulnerable groups requiring urgent attention.
” This remembrance when we honour the memories of those who died during the civil war but it should also inspire action,
“We must also commit ourselves to protecting those who continue to suffer from poverty, insecurity, social exclusion and economic hardship,” it said.
The group said many widows across the South East continued to struggle with economic deprivation, inadequate social protection, and challenges relating to inheritance and property rights.
It also expressed concern over the growing number of out-of-school children and orphans whose futures were threatened by poverty, insecurity, displacement, child labour and trafficking.
“We are also worried about the plight of the elderly who face increasing difficulties in accessing healthcare, nutrition and social support as traditional family structures continue to weaken,” it said.
On the prevailing security situation, the Foundation said criminal violence, kidnappings and other forms of insecurity had impacted negatively on businesses, agriculture, education and healthcare delivery in many communities.
It said the human cost of insecurity was enormous with families displaced, livelihoods destroyed, businesses disrupted, and young people were deprived of opportunities. .
The Foundation said the rising inflation, unemployment and declining purchasing power have placed severe pressure on traders, artisans, farmers and other low-income households.
“History has taught us that violence produces more victims, more hardship and deeper divisions. The future of Igboland must be built through dialogue, peaceful engagement, economic empowerment and inclusive development,” it said.
The Foundation called on governments of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states to invest more aggressively in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, child protection and community peacebuilding initiatives.
It further appealed to local government authorities to improve service delivery and ensure greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of welfare programmes.
“Religious and traditional leaders are encouraged to continue to promote reconciliation, social harmony and the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
“We equally call on international development agencies and humanitarian partners to support programmes which focus on education, healthcare, livelihoods, peacebuilding and community resilience.
“The greatest tribute we can pay to those who lost their lives during the civil war is to build a society where every child has access to education, every woman is protected, every elderly person is cared for.
“We urge all stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and embrace practical solutions capable of improving lives, healing divisions and strengthening communities.
“We remember the fallen, we honour their sacrifices and recommit ourselves to building a future defined not by conflict, but by compassion, justice, unity and peace,” it said.
