By Queeneth Sagas
The call for the creation of Orashi State has gained renewed momentum as a socio-cultural group, the Orashi People Sustainable Progress Forum (OPSPF), declared that the proposed state would foster development and strengthen unity across the Southeast and Southsouth regions of Nigeria.
The group made this known during the inauguration of its National Leadership held at Abacheke in Egbema West, Imo State, where stakeholders gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the realization of the proposed state.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of OPSPF, Comrade G. Nwodu, emphasized that the creation of Orashi State would bridge developmental gaps and promote inclusiveness among communities within the Orashi riverine region.
Nwodu expressed concern that despite the region’s significance and contributions to national growth, it has not been given due consideration in ongoing discussions about state creation at the National Assembly.
He described the omission as surprising and unjust, noting that Orashi remains one of the most viable regions deserving of statehood due to its strategic importance and resource endowment.
According to him, the OPSPF has been established as a unifying platform to amplify the voices of the people and push for the realization of Orashi State, which spans across Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, and Anambra states.
He further stressed that the region possesses abundant natural resources, including oil, agricultural produce, and aquatic wealth, which have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economy over the years.
Despite these contributions, Nwodu lamented that the area continues to suffer from inadequate infrastructure and limited human capital development.
He argued that the creation of Orashi State would address issues of marginalization and provide a stronger sense of belonging for the people in the affected communities.
Nwodu also called on residents of the region to pursue the agitation within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution, urging peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue.
He encouraged stakeholders to collaborate, share ideas, and remain focused on achieving the collective goal of state creation for the overall benefit of the people.
The Chairman further advised youths in the region to prioritize education or acquire meaningful vocational skills, stressing that such empowerment would enable them to stand firm and effectively demand their rights from oil companies operating within their communities.
In his remarks, the National President of OPSPF, Sampson Chukas, assured members that his leadership would prioritize taking the demands of the region to the Federal Government.
Chukas criticized the apparent neglect of Orashi during legislative discussions on state creation, describing it as a major disservice to the people by their elected representatives.
He noted that while other proposed states such as Anim and Anioma have gained recognition at the national level, Orashi has remained largely overlooked despite covering a broader geographical and cultural scope.
The OPSPF President pledged that the forum would intensify advocacy efforts to ensure that Orashi State becomes a prominent topic in national discourse.
He also highlighted the failure of existing commissions and agencies tasked with addressing the needs of the region, stating that a new state structure would provide more direct and effective governance.
Chukas, on behalf of the newly inaugurated executive members, reaffirmed their commitment to the organization’s vision and promised to deliver on the mandate entrusted to them.
The event concluded with a renewed call for unity among the people of the Orashi region, as community representatives and stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained advocacy would eventually lead to the realization of their long-standing aspiration.
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