A fresh proposal for the creation of Etiti State from parts of the five South-East states of Nigeria has been unveiled, reigniting the long-standing call for balancing state representation in the geo-political zones of the country.
The comprehensive proposal, which aligns with the recommendation of the 2004 National Political Reform Conference, advocates for the establishment of a sixth state in the South-East region to address political imbalance, foster regional development, and enhance governance efficiency.
According to the document, Etiti State will comprise 17 local government areas carved from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, with Okigwe proposed as the state capital. With an estimated population of 4–5 million people and a landmass of approximately 11,900 square kilometers, the state is projected to become a hub of economic activity, cultural preservation, and infrastructural advancement in the region.
Proposed Composition of Etiti State
The local government areas proposed for inclusion in Etiti State are:
Abia: Isuikwuato, Umunneochi
Anambra: Orumba North, Orumba South
Ebonyi: Ivo, Ohaozara
Enugu: Aninri, Awgu, Oji River
Imo: Okigwe, Onuimo, Isiala Mbano, Ehime Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma, Obowo
STRATEGIC VISION AND RESOURCES
The proposal underscores Etiti State’s economic viability, citing its fertile agricultural land, abundant mineral resources, and central location which fosters trade and connectivity with neighboring regions. Notably, the region boasts deposits of limestone, granite, kaolin, tin-tantalite, and gemstones, as well as the recently discovered Lokpanta oil shale near Okigwe, described as highly promising for commercial oil exploration.
Further boosting its economic profile is the presence of Masters Energy Industrial City in Onuaku-Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA, which houses a food factory producing thousands of cartons of noodles, biscuits, and cheese balls daily, with plans to host over 80 manufacturing firms and generate thousands of jobs.
Other existing assets include the Avutu Poultry Farm, Federal Government silos in Ezinnachi, and a network of rivers that enhance agricultural and industrial opportunities.
HUMAN CAPITAL AND EDUCATIONAL STRENGTH
Etiti State is home to numerous tertiary institutions including Abia State University, Uturu, Gregory University, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Federal University of Agriculture, Umunze, and multiple nursing and midwifery schools. These institutions serve as a foundation for innovation, youth empowerment, and professional development.
CULTURAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTIFICATIONS
The proposal emphasizes the strong cultural bonds, geographical contiguity, shared ancestry, and historical ties among the LGAs, which form the basis for unity, effective governance, and community-driven development. The state’s creation is also expected to resolve long-standing regional inequity, as the South-East remains the only zone with five states, while others have six or seven.
“The creation of Etiti State is not just a matter of political equity but a strategic imperative for economic rejuvenation, poverty alleviation, and improved governance in the region,” the proposal states.
CONCLUSION
With rich mineral deposits, fertile lands, youthful population, and a shared cultural heritage, the proposed Etiti State is positioned as a sustainable and transformative entity. Proponents believe its creation will promote national unity, bolster the Southeast’s political representation, and serve as a catalyst for renewed economic prosperity in post-oil Nigeria.
As conversations around constitutional amendments and state creation gather steam, advocates for Etiti State are urging national lawmakers, traditional institutions, and civil society groups to rally behind the vision for a more balanced federation.
