Charly Boy Reminisces Painful Memories of Nigerian Civil War on Biafran Day

Image: Daily Post

Veteran singer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has shared poignant memories of the Nigerian Civil War to commemorate Biafran Day and honor the fallen heroes who fought for the realization of Biafran State.

Taking to his X handle on Thursday, the maverick singer reflected on the war's devastating impact on his youth and the sheer luck that kept him alive.

In a heartfelt post, Charly Boy recounted the traumatic experiences he endured as a teenager during the civil war from 1967 to 1970. He vividly described the harrowing sights of lifeless bodies, most of whom succumbed to starvation. He also shared a particularly distressing memory of eating lizards for protein amidst the dire scarcity of food.

"30th May. Biafran Day. The Nigerian Civil War (67-70) scandalized my youth. As a teenager, it was mother luck that kept some of us alive. I saw far too many dead bodies everywhere, mostly from starvation," he wrote. "Every day was like one’s last. Even with some food relief from The Red Cross, some of us ate lizards as our protein. It was hell. I will never forget."

Charly Boy also highlighted the severe challenges faced by Eastern Nigerians in the post-war era, noting that Igbos were given only £20 to rebuild their lives, regardless of their wealth before the war. Despite these hardships, he praised the resilient spirit of the Igbos, who managed to recover and thrive against the odds.

"By the time the war was over, our eastern Igbo brothers were all given £20 to rebuild their lives regardless of how many billions they had before the war," he continued. "Lessons learnt: Life is about navigating through hardships, bouncing back from setbacks, and maintaining a positive outlook no matter the circumstances. Resilience refers to the ability to use personal, dogged qualities to withstand pressure. That our Igbo brothers have in abundance. Hail Biafra."

See the post below:

30th May.
BIAFRAN DAY.

The Nigerian Civil War (67-70)
Scandalized my Youth.
As a teenager it was mother Luck that kept sm of us alive.
I saw far too many dead bodies everywhere, mostly from starvation.
Every day was like one’s last.
Even with some food relief from The RedCross… pic.twitter.com/oQm7bYjuGT

— Charly Boy Area Fada 1 (@AreaFada1) May 30, 2024

Charly Boy’s reflections on the Nigerian Civil War serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Igbo people. His candid recounting of his experiences offers a sobering insight into one of Nigeria’s most turbulent periods and honors the memory of those who suffered and persevered during the conflict.

Source: Daily Post

#Charly Boy
#Biafran Day