Push for Okura State Gains Momentum as Key Committee Submits Proposal to National Assembly

Abuja, Nigeria — 27th March 2025

The movement for the creation of Okura State has taken a significant step forward, as the Okura State Creation Committee formally submitted its memorandum to the National Assembly Committee on Constitution Review. This submission fulfills a critical constitutional requirement in the long-standing quest for statehood.

A Landmark Submission

The delegation, led by Chief Robert Audu, the Agenyi Attah Igala, presented the memorandum to lawmakers, making a compelling case for the establishment of Okura State. The delegation included prominent stakeholders such as:

1. Engr. Alfa Ibn Mustapha

2. Dr. Yakubu Ugwolawo, Secretary of the Movement

3. Prof. Godwin Ogbadu

4. Dr. James Aduku Odaudu

5. Hon. Bala Zakari

6. Mr. Emmanuel Labija Oliya

7. Hon. Salihu Ameh

The memorandum was officially received and acknowledged by the National Assembly, bringing renewed hope to proponents of the Okura State Movement.

Justification for Okura State

The proposed Okura State would be carved out of Kogi State’s Eastern Senatorial District, comprising nine local government areas:

• Ankpa

• Bassa

• Dekina

• Ibaji

• Idah

• Igalamela-Odolu

• Ofu

• Olamaboro

• Omala

Advocates argue that the region deserves greater autonomy and self-governance, citing its rich natural resources, including petroleum, coal, limestone, marine and agricultural resources, as well as tourism potential. The memorandum highlights how statehood would accelerate development, enhance governance, and open new economic opportunities for the people.

Push for Additional Local Governments

In a related move, the committee also submitted a separate memorandum calling for the restoration of local government areas (LGAs) that were previously created during the administration of Prince Abubakar Audu but later abolished. The areas affected include:

• Ankpa

• Bassa

• Dekina

• Ibaji

• Idah

• Igalamela-Odolu

• Ofu

• Olamaboro

• Omala

The committee pointed out that similar local government restructuring took place in Lagos State under then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and they are optimistic that the current administration has the political will to rectify past injustices.

Political Support and Next Steps

The Okura State Movement enjoys strong backing from key federal lawmakers, including:

• Senator Jibrin Isah (Echocho) – Senator representing Kogi East

• Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim (Halims) – Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives (Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro)

• Hon. David Zacharias – Representative for Idah/Ibaji/Ofu/Igalamela-Odolu

• Hon. Paul Gowon Haruna – Representative for Dekina/Bassa

With this robust political support, the movement is closely monitoring the National Assembly’s response and the subsequent legislative process required to actualize Okura State.

A Call for Development, Not Division

The Okura State Movement emphasized that its quest is not motivated by marginalization or animosity toward other groups in Kogi State. Instead, the movement is driven by a desire to bring governance closer to the people, enhance development, and create new economic opportunities.

“This is about development and progress for our people. We are optimistic that the Tinubu administration and the National Assembly will give this movement the consideration it deserves,” said Dr. James Odaudu, Head of Mobilization and Public Enlightenment for the Okura State Movement.

With the formal submission now before the National Assembly, proponents of Okura State are hopeful that their dream of statehood will soon become a reality.