REPORTER: IFEOMA AMUTA
The Enugu State Government has pledged to continue to provide quality development and good governance to residents of the state, in line with the dreams and aspirations of its founding fathers.
Governor Peter Mbah made the pledge while commending the Enugu State Development Association, ESDA, for its dedication to promoting the ideals and aspirations of the founding fathers of the state.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Sunday Ajogwu, spoke at the 35th anniversary celebration of Enugu State held at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.
He enjoined the people of the state to join ESDA in celebrating the achievements of Enugu State, stressing the need for continuity and the sustenance of the dreams and aspirations of its founding fathers.
Governor Mbah assured that his administration would continue to deliver quality and purposeful development, as well as good governance, in line with the vision of those who fought for the creation of the state.
In his welcome address, the President-General of ESDA, Igwe Abel Nwobodo, paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers and other illustrious sons of the state who made selfless sacrifices during the struggle for the creation of Enugu State.
He mentioned Igwe Charles Abangwu, Chief Christian Onoh, Chief Enechi Onyia, SAN, Igwe Edward Nnaji, Professor Samson Ukpabi, Igwe J.U. Nwodo and Justice Augustine Nnamani among those who contributed to the creation of the state.
Igwe Nwobodo also commended the achievements of former governors of the state, while paying special tribute to Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as unprecedented developmental strides across various sectors of the state economy.
He appealed to youths in the state to shun vices and other negative tendencies and embrace 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 whose sacrifices made the state possible.
Igwe Asadu urged Governor Mbah to do everything possible to immortalise the founding fathers for the sake of posterity.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Anniversary Committee and former Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Chief Osita Ogene, commended the transformation taking place across the state.
He called for sustained love, peace and harmony among residents, as well as equitable distribution of the dividends of democracy.
The anniversary celebration attracted traditional rulers and other dignitaries and featured cultural dance performances.
