Okura State Creation: Echocho, the three chaps and the ever determined Field Marshals of the dream

By Onoja J. Okpanachi

The quest for the creation of Okura State is not new. It preceded the creation of Kogi State in 1991. The core of the yearning is to return the people to the original form they were that they made great economic progress as a people knitted by culture and rich history.

To those who may not know, the current size of Kogi East is about three states in the South Eastern states of Nigeria as it stands today. So, in size, the proposed Okura State has it and in population, it has the number. Talking of viability of the state when created, it has what it takes from natural resources, agro-potentials to huge human resources.

In 2010, when the Federal Government of Nigeria organized National Conference that looked into many aspects of our nationhood, the Okura State request was presented and pursued vigorously. So, the dream has been on and wouldn’t die soon until it’s realized as the soldiers on the Frontline are always inspired to push on against all odds.

As the current government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is concerned about listening to yearnings of the people of Nigeria in the area of state creation, the Okura State movement under the umbrella of Okura Development Foundation made a wonderful presentation yesterday and the MEMORANDUM FOR OKURA STATE CREATION was officially resubmitted once again.

The delegation of Okura State Movement to the Senate Constitutional Review Public Hearing in Jos yesterday, Friday, July 4, 2025 include Chief Robert Audu (Chairman), Prof. Godwin Ogbadu, Dr. Yakubu Ugwolawo (Secreatary), Dr. Jeremiah Ekele, Dr. Rekiya Momoh Abaji, Dr. Joseph Dangara, Chief Abdullahi Ohioma, Engr. Cyprian Ademu Adejoh, Hon. Salifu Ameh, Pastor Adejoh Adama, Alhaji Hassan Yakubu and Mallam Umar Ayuba.

Also, the memoranda for the creation of Okura State call for consequential legislation on 14 new local government areas for the proposed Okura State. These proposed new local government areas are: Ibaji East (Enweli), Odolu (Odolu), Odane (Ogbonicha), Igalogba (Alloma), Itobe (Itobe), Biraidu (Abocho), Okura (Egume), Gboloko (Gboloko), Mozum (Mozum), Ogugu (Ogugu), Imane (Imane), Ojoku (Okaba), Enjema (Ofugo) and Olla (Ojuwo Ogodu). When this is done, it will bring to 23 the total number of Local Government Areas in the anticipated Okura State.

The memoranda which have great support by our elected representatives, were submitted in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The support by the representatives for standing by their constituents’ wishes is a great reflection of the yearning of the people over time.
At Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday, Senator Jibrin Isah (Echocho) was a great moral booster for the team and all the good people of Kogi East who were on ground in solidarity.

The Distinguished Senator, reiterated his commitment for the development of the area by all legal means as he inform the people about some of his projects and the planned mega empowerment. Senator Jibrin Isah assured the people that he and the three other House of Representatives members are doing their best to ensure the dream is a reality for better development and more economic opportunities for the area.

The next phase of the public hearing by the House Representatives Committee on constitutional review is billed for Minna, the Niger State capital starting from 11th – 13th July, 2025. The Okura Development Foundation needs the supports of all particularly in the aspect of finance.