Human rights lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has expressed profound gratitude for his recognition by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB), saying the award shows that his efforts were valuable.
Mr Ejiofor stated this in his Wednesday Musing’ tittled AN AWARD OF GRATITUDE, A MOMENT OF REFLECTION, AND A RENEWED CALL TO SERVICE.
In the piece, the human rights lawyer who recounted his professional journey and personal experiences said there are moments in ones career when a “simple visit, a handshake and a modest token of appreciation become far more profound than the material value of the recognition itself.”
He thanked IPOB members who were in his office to present him the award, describing the recognition as both modest and significant.
“Given the trajectory of my professional journey, particularly with regards to the oppressed, the downtrodden and those whose only perceived offence was the peaceful and civil exercise of their inalienable right to self determination, I consider this recognition particularly significant. Not merely because an award was presented, but because it came as an unexpected reminder that some sacrifices, even when they appear forgotten, are not entirely lost to history.”
Mr Ejiofor also recounted the personal risks he had to endure in the course of rendering legal services to the group.
He said, looking back at the difficult encounters and experiences, “there are seasons when one begins to feel that the difficult encounters, personal risks and life-threatening experiences endured in the course of offering committed legal service have simply been consigned to the dustbin of forgotten history. Yet, from time to time, individuals who benefited directly or indirectly from such counsel return, not necessarily to reopen the past, but to say, ” “We remember.”
Mr Ejiofor further stated that while the high point of his professional journey was marked with rendering services to the oppressed and downtrodden whose only perceived offence was peaceful and civil exercise of their inalienable right to self determination, he considered his recognition particularly significant, “not merely because an award was presented, but because it came as an unexpected reminder that some sacrifices, even when they appear forgotten, are not entirely lost to history.”
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There are moments in one’s professional journey when a simple visit, a handshake and a modest token of appreciation become far more profound than the material value of the recognition itself. They become a mirror through which one is compelled to look back, take stock and remember the sacrifices, convictions and encounters that shaped the journey.
The recent visit by ezigbo ụmụ Chineke in Abuja, who came to honour me with an award in appreciation of my modest contributions and committed legal service to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was one such deeply reflective moment.
Given the trajectory of my professional journey, particularly with regards to the oppressed, the downtrodden and those whose only perceived offence was the peaceful and civil exercise of their inalienable right to self determination, I consider this recognition particularly significant. Not merely because an award was presented, but because it came as an unexpected reminder that some sacrifices, even when they appear forgotten, are not entirely lost to history.
There are seasons when one begins to feel that the difficult encounters, personal risks and life-threatening experiences endured in the course of offering committed legal service have simply been consigned to the dustbin of forgotten history. Yet, from time to time, individuals who benefited directly or indirectly from such counsel return, not necessarily to reopen the past, but to say, “We remember.”
That, to me, is the true value of this recognition.
The visit also afforded me an opportunity for sober stock-taking, introspection and deeper reflection on the turbulent journey we have travelled as a people. It brought with it painful revelations, regrets, gratitude to God and, above all, a renewed appreciation of the need for wisdom, focus, civility and unwavering fidelity to truth.
History has a peculiar way of eventually separating truth from pretence. There were moments when many genuinely believed they were on the right path, only to discover that what appeared to be strength had, in fact, become their greatest vulnerability. There is perhaps no greater tragedy than the desecration of sacred values by those who publicly invoke the revered names of ChukwuOkike Abiama and the gods of our ancestors, yet conduct themselves in ways completely antithetical to the very values those names represent.
Thankfully, time has a way of exposing what human beings attempt to conceal. As our people say, When the wind rises, it does not merely stir the leaves; it lifts the feathers and reveals the hidden side of the fowl.
Today, many things that were once shrouded in secrecy have become clearer. The lessons are profound, and they remind us that no cause, however noble, can ultimately survive the corruption of its principles, the abandonment of civility or the desecration of human life.
I received this award with profound gratitude, humility and every sense of appreciation. I acknowledge it not as a celebration of an individual, but as a solemn reminder of the responsibility that accompanies service to humanity.
I have always admonished that focus, discipline, wisdom and civility must remain our watchwords, particularly in times of crisis and profound provocation.
I thank God for Mazi Chika Edoziem and the Directorate of State (DOS). Whatever may be said about the difficult journey of our people, their courage, sacrifices and commitment to the cause remain significant chapters in the history of the struggle. Without doubt, there were moments when the Ala-Igbo question could have descended into an even more devastating abyss, with innocent lives becoming the ultimate casualties.
My prayer remains that Almighty God will continue to preserve and restore sanity, peace and justice in our land; and that the gods of our ancestors will continue to guide our footsteps, protect our people and restrain those who may be tempted to lead our society further down the path of destruction.
Once again, I express my profound appreciation to the ezigbo ụmụ Chineke for finding the time to visit and present this token of recognition to me. I am sincerely grateful. This gesture has not only touched me deeply; it has further strengthened my resolve to continue contributing, within the limits of my calling and conscience, to humanitarian and pro bono causes, particularly in defence of the vulnerable and those who may otherwise have no voice.
At the end of every journey, and indeed at the beginning of every new one, we must remember that the glory belongs not to man, but to God.
We therefore return all glory, honour and adoration to Almighty God, the faithful God who has preserved us through every storm, sustained us through every trial and continues to guide our footsteps.
Thank you all for this profound gesture of appreciation.
May God bless you all.
And may God continue to heal and restore our land.
Signed
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. KSC
Dunu-Ezeugosinachi
7 October 2026
