Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Nsukka Journalists Forum (NJF), has thrown their support for the creation of Adada State out of Enugu State, saying that it is long overdue.
The forum comprised of media practitioners from Nsukka cultural zone including Isi Uzo, Udenu, Igboeze South, Igboeze North, Uzo Uwani, Igbo Etiti and Nsukka Local Government Areas of Enugu State.
NJF stated this during its 2024 Convention held in Nsukka.
Speaking, the Chairman of the forum, Mr Benson Ezugwu, said that the creation of Adada was the focal point of the convention because it was long overdue and necessitated by equity, justice and fairness.
He regretted that the Adada had not been created despite being the oldest state creation agitation in Nigeria.
He said: “The creation of Adada State from Enugu State is a long-standing aspiration that resonates deeply with the people of Nsukka and the entire South-East region.
“This quest is driven by the need for balance and equal representation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“Currently the South-East has five states while other zones have six with some having more, making Adada State’s creation crucial for addressing this disparity.
“The significance of Adada State creation extends beyond mere number; it represents a desire for self-determination, cultural identity and economic empowerment.”
The guest lecturer at the event, Justice Nelson Ogbuanya, said the proposed Adada State would be accomplished through the commitment of all the stakeholders to fulfill the political and constitutional requirements of state creation.
The title of his lecture was “Navigating the Constitutional Conundrum for Creation of Adada State: Interrogating the Prospects, Demystifying the Challenges and Strategising the Advocacies.”
The Chairman of the event, Barr Sam Otoboeze, called for concerted efforts towards Adada State creation.
He said: “Adada State, if created, has the potential to become the economic hub of the South-East. It has the resources, institutions and homogeneous people to make a great state.”
The event witnessed awards of excellence to some individuals and corporate bodies in view of their contributions to the Nsukka land.
