Who was Okoko Ndem?
Okoko Ndem was from Ikoneto in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. He was in charge of media— Radio Biafra between 1967—1970.
The manner and how he reported cases got the federal troops and outsiders more confused. He was a strength to the Biafrans during the war. After speaking for length he would say: “onye ndị iro gbara gburugburu na-eche ndụ ya nche mgbe niile”. He who is surrounded by his enemies watch after his life all the time.
Nobody knew where he was broadcasting from. But the frequency of Radio Biafra was everywhere. Radio Biafra then was located at the Bunker, now called Ojukwu Bunker in Ụmụahịa. Okoko Ndem was a fluent Igbo speaker. He switched anytime too.
Some of his expressions include:
—Biafra has a military that no force in Africa can defeat.
—The whole 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army is dead, happing now at Abagana.
—We have developed a nuclear war head (Ogbunigwe) That will wipe out Nigerian Army.
—Awolowo has assured us that as soon as we secede, West will follow.
—Nigeria is committing genocide against Igbo.
—Nigeria has blockade Biafra to cause starvation in Biafra.
—Yorubas are complaining that the war is lasting too long. They will soon throw-in the towel and leave only Northerners to fight Biafra. It will be easier to defeat the Northerners!
—It is the British, the Russians and Egyptians that are helping Nigeria to have upper hand!
Okokon Ndem handled the propaganda of Biafra to the level that Nigeria and its opponent was not so sure of the real situation; this was the reason Mr. Yakubu Gowon announced ” no victor no vanquished” when the war ended in 1970.
Okoko Ndem was a strong and powerful voice.
He died in August 2003 and was buried on Igbo Day, September 29, 2003. General Emeka Ojukwu, Head of State of Biafra attended the burial. Burial ground was Calabar. Also in attendance were prominent politicians from the South East, including Chief Chekwas Okorie and Onwuka Kalu.
