On August 27, 2024, Enugu State commemorated its 33rd year of existence as a legal entity and state within the Nigerian federal system. But for the dark clouds and the thunderstorms on that fateful Tuesday, August 27, 1991, everything else was normal —the hustle and bustle of the buzzing atmosphere. The weather was only clearing up to rain, perhaps in preparation for the big news.
However, due to the typical entrepreneurial nature of Igbo men and women, many had defied the gloomy sky to tend to their businesses and farms. In what appeared to be a twist of fate, a historic announcement was made by the administration of the then Military President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Gbadamasi Babangida. It was the creation of new states in the country.
Enugu State was formally carved out of the old Anambra State.Enugu and Anambra States made the list. This news erupted from every nook and cranny of the region.
Lofty dreams and heightened expectations from these newly created states left many people basking in a state of euphoria. It’s worthy of note that Enugu as a society predates the state creation brought about by political and economic exigencies as far back as 1909, when one of the world’s finest coals was discovered in abundance by Europeans —otherwise known as colonial masters. Enugu city, perched on the beautiful hill of Ngwo and stretching gracefully down the flora and fauna of Nkanu hinterland became a nucleus of both white and blue collar job seekers, and a commercia.