The Nsukka Journalists Forum (NJF) has made a bold plea for parity in the South-East region, rallying support for the creation of Adada State as a means of ensuring equal representation and development for the people of Nsukka.

During their 2024 Convention in Nsukka, members of the NJF emphasized the urgent need for Adada State’s creation, citing the region’s long history of marginalization and underrepresentation.

They argued that this new state would bring about a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities for the people of Nsukka, allowing them to participate fully in the political and economic life of the country.

The forum is comprised of media Practitioners from Isi Uzo, Udenu, Igboeze South, Igboeze North, Uzo Uwani, Igbo Etiti and Nsukka Local Government Areas of Enugu State.

Speaking, the Chairman of the forum, Mr Benson Ezugwu, said that the creation of Adada was the focal point of the convention because it was long overdue and necessitated by equity, justice and fairness.

“This quest is driven by the need for balance and equal representation across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

“Currently the South East has five states while other zones have six with some having more, making Adada State’s creation crucial for addressing this disparity.

“The significance of Adada State creation extends beyond mere number; it represents a desire for self-determination, cultural identity and economic empowerment.”

A guest lecturer at the convention, Justice Nelson Ogbuanya, said the proposed Adada State would be accomplished through the commitment of all the stakeholders to fulfill the political and constitutional requirements of state creation.

The title of his lecture is “Navigating the Constitutional Conundrum for Creation of Adada State: Interrogating the Prospects, Demystifying the Challenges and Strategising the Advocacies.”

The Chairman of the event, Barr Sam Otoboeze, called for concerted efforts towards Adada State creation.

“Adada State, if created, has the potential to become the economic hub of the South East. It has the resources, institutions and homogeneous people to make a great state.”

The event witnessed awards of excellence to some individuals and corporate bodies in view of their contributions to the Nsukka land.

Some participants interviewed said that NJF’s plea for parity resonates deeply with many in the South-East, who have long felt that their region has been neglected and overlooked by the federal government.

According to them, this call for equity is also a call for self-determination, as the NJF sees Adada State’s creation as a way for the people of Nsukka to take control of their own destiny and shape the future of their community.