Veteran singer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has reminisced on the painful memories of the Nigerian civil war.
Taking to his X handle Thursday to commemorate Biafran Day and honour the fallen heroes, who died fighting for the actualization of Biafran State, the maverick singer noted that the war scandalized his youth.
He added that “luck” kept him alive.
He recalled the traumatic experience of seeing lifeless bodies around him, mostly deaths from starvation.
Charly Boy disclosed that he ate lizards for protein.
The veteran singer lamented the harsh reality of the post-war era for the Easterners while praising the resilient spirit of the Igbos that saw them bounce back after the war.
He wrote, “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.
“Everyday 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.
“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.
“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.”
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