By Peter Adelowo
Members of the Urhobo Youth Leaders Association, UYLA, Abuja chapter have called for the creation of Urhobo State from the current Delta State in the south-south region of Nigeria.
This followed a proposal of 31 new states submitted recently to the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on constitution amendment.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the Abuja Chapter President and Secretary of the UYLA, Comrade Kennedy Ejename and Mr Jonathan Idonor ibrebru after a meeting in Abuja.
According to the statement, the group explains that an Urhobo State will bring governance closer to the people for speedy development of the new state within the Niger Delta region.
“We understand that the creation of a new state in Nigeria is a constitutional matter that certainly requires constitutional amendment. Thus, we are calling on all federal lawmakers from Urhoboland to lead the quest for Urhobo State creation:
“Hopefully, this will make efficient governance and drive economic growth and sustenability within the oil rich Urhoboland” the statement adds.
“Those in the corridors of power know for sure that the proposed Urhobo state will be the most viable state when created, considering its huge population of over 7 million people, abundant deposits of oil and gas within the area, and rich natural resources. An Urhobo state will be a viable state”
“This proposal is based on the fact that the Urhobos are the largest ethnic group in Delta State and our region is very economically resourceful and viable” it stresses.
According to the statement the UYLA therefore urges all Urhobo sons and daughters home or abroad to unite after this clarion call for the creation of Urhobo State and emulate the ingrained legacies of past Urhobo foremost patriots such as Late Chief Mukoro Mowoe, Late General David Akpode Ejoor, Late Chief Senator David Omueya Dafinone and Late Chief Daniel Okumagba who throughout their lifetime fought for the creation of a pan Urhobo State.
“Achieving the creation of Urhobo State in our dispensation and lifetime will be our biggest tribute to the memory of our past heroes who throughout their lifetime fought for the economic liberation and cultural preservation of the Urhobo people.” the group concluded.
