Enugu State Development Association (ESDA) says all is now set for the for the celebration of 31 years of the creation of the coal city which was done by the military junta of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida on August 27th, 1991.
The group formerly known as Wawa Peoples Movement, was in forefront of the agitation for the creation of Enugu State.
Briefing journalists on Friday, HRH, Igwe Ezeudo Sir Abel Nwobodo; the President General of the association said they want to celebrate the state creation and all the goodness thereof, adding that the journey was a tortuous one.
Igwe Nwobodo who’s also the traditional ruler of Umuawalagu-Nara autonomous community, Nkanu East LGA, noted that movement that greeted the call for a new state where the Wawa-man could feel the peace, serenity and wholeness in going about his normal business was born the day Enugu state was created.
He revealed that Wawa state movement started immediately after the war. According to the Octogenarian, it became a reality in 1991 through the efforts of her members.
Speaking on the need for the state, he said: “It was borne out of a lofty idea and philosophy for the emancipation of a people that had a date with destiny. It was an idea anchored on the cardinal pillars of equity, fairness and justice and doggedly championed by our founding fathers for the liberation of the Wawaland.
“Today’s Enugu state is an outcome of a resilient struggle, vigorous pursuit by a people determined to emancipate themselves from the scourge of modern servitude by the founding fathers of the state.
“Indeed the spirit of the dogged and purposeful struggle was to bequeath to the people of Wawa speaking area of a state they could call their own, a state where they could make limitless exploits in education, business, science, technology, and industry; and most importantly, a state anchored on the pillars of peace, development, growth, unity, equity and justice.”
“After 1991, with the achievement of its goal, Wawa State movement was replaced with Enugu State Development Association (ESDA) and I have been a member of the movement long before I became a Permanent Secretary.”
The association also recognized the selfless commitment, uncommon patriotism, and the bruises sustained by the founding fathers of Enugu state.
“It’s because of them that Wawa land has found a strong voice in Nigeria. It’s because of them that we’ve found a new world we are all proud of.
“It is our duty to recall with nostalgia, their sacrifices and the state of our nation today. We are delighted to appreciate the following eminent personalities both living and death that participated in the
struggle of emancipation of Wawa people and indeed the creation of Enugu State.
They include Barr. Charles Abangwu, Chief C.C Onoh, Chief Barr. Enechi Onyia,
lgwe Edward Nnaji, Igwe Ezeudo Abel Nwobodo, Chief Nduka Eya, Gen. Ibrahim
Babangida, Lt. Col. Herbert Obieze, Alhaji Chief Abdulaziz Chivuzo, Igwe Dr. J.U
Nwodo, Dan Agbo, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, Prof. S.C Ukpabi, Late Igwe
D.O Nnamani, HRH lgwe P.C.N Egbogu, lgwe (Dr) Udemgba Maduka, and we
recognize and appreciate their immense contribution towards the collective
struggle.
“The efforts of these unsung heroes towards the state’s creation are greatly celebrated and appreciated”. Igwe Nwobodo stated.
The association noted that in fulfilling these dreams of the good people of Enugu state and the Wawa people, the present governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi deployed the machinery of government to create fair and equal opportunity for every citizen to make a living, enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment.
“He has been able to pursue with every sense of vigor, social and security services across the state such as free education for all children, employment generation for the teeming youths through industrial and innovative drive in agriculture, production, small and medium scale enterprise, information technology and communication, enhanced healthcare system, expanded rural development and a just and secure atmosphere for the people”. Igwe Nwobodo stated.
He prayed to God to give the state a Governor that will continue where Ugwuanyi stopped, adding that they’re convinced that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Peter Mbah, is very qualified to wear the shoes having occupied various sensitive and high government positions which exposed him to the rudiments of governance.
Dr. GO Ajah in his remark, said they’re making the day to celebrate our achievements as a state, adding that the transformations been witnessed in Enugu today wouldn’t have been possible if there was no state.
Matthias Chima Nriji, asst. PRO said the celebration tomorrow will afford the young people an opportunity to see the efforts of our forefathers in the creation of Enugu State.
Chief Hon. Osita Ogene said they’re completely a developmental organisation and not an appendage of any state government but they’re willing to identify with any government that its programmes addresses the plight of the people and that explains their cordial relationship with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The event to mark the 31st anniversary of the state creation will be held on the 27th of August, 2022 at Enugu State Government House by 10am
