Enugu State Governor, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, has commended the Enugu State Development Association (ESDA) for its sustained commitment to promoting the aspirations and ideals upon which the state was founded.
Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Sunday Emeka Ajogwu, made the remarks on Friday, August 29, 2026, at a ceremony marking Enugu State’s 35th anniversary, held at Okpara Square, Enugu.
The governor described ESDA as the only organisation in the state that annually commemorates the creation of Enugu State, praising its dedication to preserving the vision of the state’s founding fathers.
He urged residents to identify with and support ESDA as part of efforts to ensure continuity and sustain the dreams and aspirations of those who fought for the creation of the state.
Mbah assured that his administration would continue to pursue quality and purposeful development as well as good governance in line with the vision of the founding fathers.
In his welcome address, the President-General of ESDA, Igwe Abel Nwobodo, paid tribute to the founding fathers of the association and other prominent Enugu indigenes who contributed to the struggle for the creation of the state.
He listed among them Igwe Charles Abangwu, Chief Christian Onoh, Chief Barr. Enechi Onyia, SAN, Igwe Edward Nnaji, Professor Samson Ukpabi, Igwe J.U. Nwodo and Justice Augustine Nnamani, among other illustrious sons of the state.
Nwobodo also acknowledged the contributions of former governors to the development of Enugu State, while singling out Governor Mbah for what he described as his “unprecedented developmental strides” across various sectors of the state’s economy.
The ESDA president used the occasion to appeal to youths in the state to shun vices and other negative tendencies, urging them instead to embrace what he described as the WAWA spirit of hard work, doggedness, perseverance, determination and love for one another.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, described those who fought for the creation of Enugu State as “true legends of the people.”
Asadu said the sacrifices of the founding fathers should not be allowed to become meaningless, stressing that their efforts paved the way for the emancipation and development of the Wawa people.
He appealed to Governor Mbah to do everything within his powers to immortalise the state’s founding fathers and preserve their legacy for future generations.
The traditional ruler said it was inappropriate for the state to fail to honour individuals who made significant sacrifices for its creation and development.
The anniversary celebration also featured goodwill messages and cultural displays by various cultural troupes, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and unity of the people of Enugu State.
