ENUGU STATE IS BORN By Bianca Ojukwu
“Enugu State was then carved out from Old Anambra State with parts of Ebonyi.
Dateline 27 August 1991″
I am privileged to have been witness to history and to capture the moment, frozen in memories forever. it seems just like yesterday when a sea of people poured out into the streets of Enugu metropolis in unimaginable jubilation once the announcement was made…it had been a long journey to the promised land. The first petition making a case for the creation of Enugu(Wawa) State was presented to Gen. Gowon, then head of State in 1971. The petition was signed by Chief C.C. Onoh, Chief J.U Nwodo, Chief C.A Abangwu, Chief Enechi Onyia, Chief Aja Nwachukwu amongst others. It was unsuccessful, but these bold men never gave up the quest.
Their Perseverence bore fruit 20 years later, when Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, then President, created Enugu State. The military governor of Anambra State at the time was Col. Herbert Obi Eze. Enugu State was then carved out from Old Anambra State with parts of Ebonyi.
The atmosphere on that day was electric!!!! We drove through the town, through Obiagu rd where motorists were wildly blaring their horns in frenzied joy and people thronged the streets waving handkerchiefs in the air, the drinking joints were packed; free drinks galore! We snaked through Ogui rd to Ogbete, then to Coal Camp and then back to Zik Avenue, Artisan and New Haven…the sights and sounds were incredible! That evening, We drove through the Milliken Hill to Ngwo, Bé Nnam, the Residence Of Chief C.C. Onoh. It was a big carnival there! Ecstatic crowds invaded the compound to congratulate and celebrate the man who is regarded as ‘wawaland’s Most Formidable Footsoldier’ and the Father of Enugu State. I had never seen my father look happier in my life. For him, to have been alive to witness this moment was a dream come true…His life’s work was done.
Today, Enugu, my birthplace, my cradle, remains Iconic as the Coal City, the original 042 State, Ebe Ano, the place to be, in the hands of God.
Hearty Congratulations to its dynamic Governor, Rt.Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the good and peace loving people of Enugu State. HAPPY 29th BIRTHDAY, ENUGU STATE!
Deeje nu, Umunem!
’Ada Umubonyi’ Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.
27 August 2020.
