The push for the creation of Ogoja State has gained momentum as four Local Government Areas (LGAs) from Cross River Central— Ikom, Obubra, Etung, and Boki— have officially joined the movement.
The LGAs made their position known during a town hall meeting held at the Ikom Township Stadium on Saturday, where stakeholders pledged their support for the long-standing demand for a new state.
CP Lawrence Alobi (rtd.), Coordinator for the Creation of Ogoja State (Ikom Zone), described the gathering as a strategic consultation to strengthen efforts toward achieving statehood. He commended the people for their commitment to peace, unity, and socio-economic development, emphasizing that the four LGAs play a crucial role in shaping the future of the proposed state.
“Your contributions to peace and stability in this region cannot be overstated. I urge cooperation, especially from politicians and those in leadership positions, to ensure that the dream of Ogoja State becomes a reality,” Alobi stated.
He further stressed the need for continuous engagement and wider participation to accelerate progress on the demand.
In his remarks, the chairman of the event, Col. Pam Orgar (rtd.), called on all indigenes— both at home and in the diaspora— to unite behind the movement, describing the creation of Ogoja State as a transformative project for the region’s development.
Orgar urged the people of Ikom, Obubra, Etung, and Boki to foster love and unity, noting that “without love, there can be no unity, and without unity, there can be no development.”
He also highlighted Ogoja’s historical significance as an old province in Nigeria, stressing the need for lawmakers and political leaders from the zone to remain steadfast in their advocacy until the demand is realized.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the town hall meeting attracted prominent figures from both the public and private sectors, reinforcing the growing support for the creation of Ogoja State.
