By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
As the clamour for the creation of Ogoja state reaches it’s crescendo, a group operating under the aegis of Old Ogoja Progress People’s Initiative, has charged indigenous people of the proposed Ogoja State to speak in one voice if their goal is to be actualized.
Coordinator of the group, Dr. Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, also urged indigenes of Ogoja to rise up to the occasion and put their weight solidly behind the group if they want their wish to be granted so that the new state can be created from the present Cross River State.
Enamhe gave the charge during an enlightenment campaign and advocacy meeting organized yesterday at Pyramid Hotel, Calabar to enlighten the indigenes on the issue.
The group charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the National Assembly to grant the request for the creation of Ogoja State state which it said would be an independent state.
Enamhe stated that the new state, which remains as a region steeped in history and tradition has long been a part of the Southern states and its heritage predates the creation of many modern Nigerian states.
He said, “Standing as a testament to its historical importance and cultural richness, the area, located in the Northern part of Cross River State, is blessed with abundant natural resources and a flourishing agricultural sector, making it a potential powerhouse for economic growth and prosperity.
“The drive for a separate state for Ogoja is not merely a quest for administrative autonomy, but a bold stride towards addressing the unique needs and aspirations of the region’s inhabitants.
“With its diverse ecosystem, encompassing fertile lands, mineral resources, and a rich cultural tapestry, Ogoja holds the promise of becoming a beacon of progress and prosperity within Nigeria.”
Enamhe stressed that the creation of Ogoja State has the potential to unleash a wave of economic transformation, job creation, infrastructure development, and improved living standards for the region’s residents.
He added, “By leveraging its rich agricultural resources, fostering entrepreneurship, and investing in critical sectors such as education and healthcare, Ogoja can emerge as a model of sustainable development and inclusive growth.”
Also speaking, a former Chief Judge of Cross River State and senior stakeholder, Justice Maurice Eneji (rtd) stressed that the agitation for a new state is a great concern of significant importance, adding that once Ogoja State is created, it will be a state for all Nigerians.
He enthused, “Recall that in 1945, Cross Riverians like late Margaret Ekpo started agitation for Rivers, Calabar and Ogoja states. Happily, Rivers had their state and today gave birth to Delta and Bayelsa, yet Cross River and Ogoja have remained one. Ebonyi was under Ogoja province, but today they have their state.”
