Speaking during an event to commemorate the 31st anniversary of Enugu State, at the Government House, Enugu, the President General of ESDA, HRH Igwe Ezeudo, Sir Abel Ogbonnaya Nwobodo, disclosed that the association is impressed with developmental strides and peace initiatives in the state.
Nwobodo said that Ugwuanyi’s accomplishments have stood him out as a great leader, achiever, mentor, supporter and the pillar on which the state stands.
He, therefore, told the governor that history would indeed be kind to him for his numerous achievements.
Nwobodo said: “Your support for, and contributions to the affairs of ESDA deserve public commendation. “
The ESDA President General stated that the event was to rejoice that Enugu State is 31 years, pointing out that the creation of Enugu State could not have been possible without the determined, unfailing and selfless efforts of the members of WAWA State Movement.”
Disclosing that ESDA replaced WAWA State Movement following the creation of Ebonyi State, Igwe Nwobodo maintained that the members of ESDA being conscious of the aims and aspirations of its founding fathers, and the need to continue to tell stories to young ones, have re-organised the association and have brought it further nearer to the people by having local councils, state executive committees and ward coordinators so that the grassroots can understand where they came from and where they are going.
Stating that ESDA is fully concerned about development, the association honoured each of the 17 council chairmen as patrons in recognition of their excellent support and efforts in the development of the state.
In the anniversary lecture titled “Enugu State at 31: Sustaining the Dreams of the Founding Fathers”, delivered by a Professor of History, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dan O. Chukwu, commended Ugwuanyi’s administration for deploying the needed machinery of government to ensure equity and evenness in the distribution of amenities among the various communities in the state.
Chukwu maintained that among the areas where Ugwuanyi has scored a high mark since 2015 when he mounted the saddle were the provision of security, generation of employment opportunities, creation of opportunities through Small and Medium Enterprises, information technology and communication as well as enhancement of the people’s healthcare, among many others.
Commenting, Ugwuanyi expressed profound gratitude to the founding fathers of Enugu State for their vision, doggedness and tenacity towards the creation of the state.
Describing the founding fathers as true heroes, the governor assured them that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, Ugwuanyi congratulated the people of Enugu State on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the creation of the state, commending the members of ESDA for the deserving celebration.
He, therefore, urged the people of the state to keep hope alive and remain steadfast in their prayers and cooperation, reassuring them that the state government will continue on the path of peace, security, growth and infrastructural development.
