Enugu State Government has been called upon to immortalise the founding fathers of the state, support and participate actively in the celebration of the State’s creation anniversary.
A group, Enugu State Development Association (ESDA) made the call on Thursday, August 27, 2026 , during the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Enugu state’s creation held at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.
Speaking at the event organised by the Enugu State Development Association, ESDA, the chairman of the occasion and the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu, Igwe Ogadagidi 1 of Edem- Ani said the event was put together to commemorate the creation of Enugu State on August 27, 1991.
He described the 35-year journey of Enugu State as “exemplary”, while urging the people to appreciate the contributions of past leaders and work together for the continued development of the state.
HRM, Igwe Asadu expressed happiness at witnessing the milestone
Igwe Asadu, who said he was already an adult when Enugu State was created in 1991, expressed happiness at witnessing the milestone, noting that the state had produced several governors who contributed to its growth and development.
“I would say that Enugu at 35 is exemplary. I’m happy to be here today, even though there is still room for improvement,” he said.
The monarch described Enugu as the “heartland of the South-East”, stressing that the state had historically served as a major administrative centre in the region.
He recalled that Enugu had served as the headquarters of the former Eastern Region, East Central State, old Anambra State and old Enugu State.
“We are the game changers. We are the monumental area for all this South-Eastern Nigeria. So, we need to appreciate that,” Asadu said.
He also paid tribute to the founding fathers and others who fought for the creation of Enugu State, urging the present generation not to forget their sacrifices.
“We need to respect those founding fathers I talked about. The ancestors need to hear from us. We need to appreciate them because we need to appreciate and love one another,” he said.
Asadu called on youths, philanthropists, business leaders and other people of goodwill to contribute to the development of the state, stressing that political power, wealth and influence were temporary.
“It doesn’t matter who you are today, one day you will go. So, it is also good to encourage people to do better,” he said.
He commended the current administration for its efforts to attract investment and development to Enugu, while calling for greater collaboration among the people.
“We are happy to be who we are, but we need to encourage each other more because we are not here for a long time,” he said.
HRM Igwe Able Nwobodo, Third Right
In his address, the President-General of ESDA, HRH Igwe Ezeudo Sir Abel O. Nwobodo, said the struggles of the founding fathers and members of the WAWA State Movement, who pursued the creation of a state for the people of the area.will not be allowed to be in vain.
He said the movement made unsuccessful attempts in 1970 and 1976 before its dream was eventually realised on August 27, 1991.
The monarch paid tribute to the founding fathers of Enugu state , including Charles Abangwu,Christian Onoh, Chie Enechi Onyia, SAN, HRH Igwe Edward Nnaji, Prof. Samson Ukpabi, HRH Igwe J.U. Nwodo, Justice Augustine Nnamani, HRH Igwe P.C.N. Egbogu, HRH Igwe Udemgaba Maduka, Chief D.E.A. Agbo, HRH King Nathaniel Anyi Ogbu and Chief Nduka Eya, among others.
He called on the people to continue telling the story of the struggle for Enugu State to younger generations, stressing that the sacrifices of the founding fathers must not be forgotten.
Nwobodo explained that ESDA succeeded the WAWA State Movement after the creation of Enugu State and had continued to bring the history and development agenda of the state closer to the grassroots through its structures across the state.
He commended successive administrations for their contributions to the continued development and peaceful existence of Enugu State, while particularly praising Governor Peter Mbah for sustaining the dreams of the founding fathers.
Igwe Nwobodo said the governor’s administration was working towards creating a better future for the state, urging residents to support initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development.
He also appealed to youths to shun vices and embrace the WAWA values of doggedness, perseverance, determination, hard work and love for one another.
In his speech,Enugu state Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emeka Ajogwu, said the governor had come to pursue and achieve the dreams of the founding fathers of Enugu State.
Ajogwu urged the people of Enugu State to support the administration’s development agenda and continue to uphold the ideals upon which the state was founded
In a goodwill message, Igwe Edeani described Enugu as a historically significant centre in the old Eastern and East Central regions, noting that the area played a major role in the emergence of other states, including Anambra, Ebonyi and Abia.
He said, “At 35, Enugu is not a kid,” adding that while successive governors had contributed to the state’s growth, the present administration under Governor Mbah had made significant progress.
He commended the organisers and prayed that subsequent anniversary celebrations would be bigger and better.
Also speaking, Prof. Emembolu Ezeh urged the state government to provide ESDA with an appropriate structure and organise befitting annual celebrations of the creation of Enugu State.
IOn his part, the ESDA Financial Secretary, Chike Asadu, spoke about the contributions of the founding fathers, including Chief Enechi Onyia and Chief Christian Onoh, and stressed the need to properly recognise those who fought for the creation of the state.
He recalled the popular assertion that “the labours of our heroes past shall not be in vain,” and challenged stakeholders to determine appropriate ways of preserving the memories and contributions of the founding fathers.
.In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters, Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor , commended the efforts of the founding fathers of the state. He lauded the administration of the State Governor,Dr Peter Mbah for his giant developmental strides in the state, calling on the people and residents of the state data to support and vote for Governor Mbah in the 2027 Gubernatorial election.
In an interview, the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the ESDA 35th Anniversary Celebration, Chief Osita Ogene, said the vision of the founding fathers remained on course, noting that successive administrations had contributed to the progress of the state.
Ogene said the anniversary provided an opportunity for the people to reflect on the struggles that led to the creation of Enugu State, celebrate its achievements and recommit themselves to building a greater future.
The event featured tributes to the founding fathers, and calls for greater preservation of Enugu State’s history and collective heritage
Highlights of the event were presentation of cultural dance and cutting of anniversary cake.
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