Enugu Clock 25, Celebrate Amid Mixed Feelings Plus Selected Pictures From The Coal City

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state, Saturday stated that the state in 25 years of its creation has vividly contributed to the socio- political and economic growth of Nigeria, while pointing out the recent attacks by herdsmen in its communities as a major black spot in the history of the state. And also affirming his firm resolve to continue with the legacies of the founding fathers of the state to spur it to loft heights.
Ugwuanyi who spoke at the event marking the 25th Anniversary of the creation of Enugu State which took place at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, paid tributes to all those who laboured tirelessly for the creation of the state, saying that their vision and contributions would always be appreciated.
The governor who also led the mamot crowd to observe a minute silence in honour of the deceased Catholic Seminarian, who was murdered by suspected herdsmen at Ndiagu Attakwu, Akegbugwu, in Nkanu West Local Government Area, noted that the ceremony would have been postponed if the arrangement had not been concluded before the sad incident occurred. His declaration came on the authority of reports that another victim of the attack reportedly died on Friday night, bringing the death toll to two.While wishing the injured ones quick recovery.
However, governor Ugwuanyi related that the state is, celebrating the “goodness of God, peace, unity and shared prosperity”.

Recalling the events that led to the creation of the State on the 27th of August, 1991 by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration, he said, “it was a development that heralded an end to the long agitation for the creation of a State for the Wawa people of Igboland. Among other things, she has produced and is still producing world class professionals and achievers in every field of endeavour.

“This long list includes:
- a President of the Nigerian Senate in the person of Dr Ken Nnamani,
- a three- term Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu,
- an award winning Professor of Robotics Engineering and founder of the first indigenous private sector power company in Nigeria, Professor Barth Nnaji and
- the first Nigerian winner of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Best Actor Award and Oscar award nominee, Chiwetelu Ejiofor.
“Enugu State is also the home of:
- the first Igbo Medical Doctor, Dr Simon Onwu,
- the first Nigerian Justice of the World Court, Justice Daddy Onyeama,
- the first Nigerian football Captain to lift the African Nations Cup, Christian Chukwu, MON among many others.
“ Today, Enugu, the State capital, stands as one of the safest cities in Nigeria and a proud member of the elite club of 100 Resilient Cities in the world; the first and only one in Nigeria and one of the only five in Africa. It has also become the hub of the nation’s booming movie industry popularly referred to as “Nollywood”.


While highlighting his promise in his inaugural address on May 29, 2015, to work in accordance with the ideals and aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State to deploy the resources of the state for the common good in the face of severe economic downturn.
In his words: “I wish to reiterate our commitment to take development to the rural areas as part of our strategy to create new urban areas, boost socio-economic activities, create employment opportunities and reduce the pressure on Enugu metropolis.
“Also in line with our promises, we will continue to pursue the diversification of the State’s economy through the full exploitation of our vast land resources, particularly in the Nsukka and Greater Awgu areas, for agricultural production.
“We are laying a new foundation for our children as future leaders through extensive youth development policies and the enactment of relevant laws including the Enugu State Child Rights Act.
“Ndi Enugu, we have committed Enugu State into the hands of God and with Him as our shepherd, we will continue to overcome our challenges and record success in all our endeavours. Be assured that the God who brought us here, the God who created Enugu State, will certainly take us to the Enugu State of our dreams in Jesus Name. Amen,” Ugwuanyi prayed.
Earlier in his sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, Prof. Godfrey Onah, decried the recent herdsmen attack on a community in the state, calling on the President to take drastic actions to put an end to the incessant killings and maiming of innocent citizens of the state and the country at large.
The list of dignitaries in attendance subsume:
- The wife of the governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi;
- The Speaker of Enugu House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi;
- Former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani;
- Senator Chukwuka Utazi and
- some other members of the National Assembly from the State.
Other personalities there present were:
- Senator Jim Nwobodo,
- Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo,
- Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd),
- Air Commodore Anthony Oguguo (rtd),
- the clergy, security chiefs, traditional rulers, among others.
See some selected photo that may speak volume to Ndi Enugu @25
No doubt the Coal city state has become a centre of attraction even as visitors find it uneasy to leave because of their rich culture and mouth watering cuisine. Enugu Indeed is a place to be!









