Dr. Sam Eno presenting a copy of the memorandum to the representative of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review, while Chief Okoi Obono Obla, Barrister Justina Obono Obla and Barrister Eni Nsot watch
In a historic and commendable stride toward grassroots development and equitable governance, the Ugep Global Initiative (UGI) has demonstrated uncommon vision and civic responsibility through the preparation and submission of a comprehensive memorandum for the creation of Ugep North and Ugep South Local Government Councils from the present Yakurr Local Government Area. This action marks a watershed moment in the political evolution of one of Nigeria’s most culturally vibrant and demographically significant communities.
The journey leading to this milestone was neither hasty nor superficial. It was the product of sustained consultation, meticulous research, and a deep-seated commitment to the ideals of development, representation, and administrative efficiency. Under the coordination of the Ugep Global Initiative, a worldwide platform uniting Ugep sons and daughters across continents, experts were mobilized into sub-committees that diligently crafted the legal, demographic, and socio-economic arguments supporting the memorandum. The Legal Subcommittee, under the leadership of Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, in collaboration with scholars such as Dr. Thomas Ofem, Dr. Sam Eno, and Dr. Obasesam and under the chairmanship of Mr. Patrick Iwara ensured that the document was grounded in constitutional validity and empirical substance. Eminent personalities and technocrats, including retired Admiral Gabriel Okoi and others, also provided strategic direction and institutional credibility to the process.
The submission of this memorandum reflects a return to the visionary spirit that characterized Ugep’s early political ascendancy. It will be recalled that Ugep attained urban status as far back as 1952 under the Eastern Regional government when it was designated an Urban County Council and the largest native town in Nigeria second only to Ibadan in terms of native administrative development. That recognition was not accidental. It was a testament to Ugep’s population strength, organizational capacity, and forward-looking leadership. Today, with an estimated population of nearly half a million, Ugep remains one of the largest and most cohesive indigenous communities in Nigeria, meriting a corresponding administrative structure that matches its size, complexity, and developmental aspirations.
The call for the creation of Ugep North and Ugep South Local Government Councils is, therefore, not merely a quest for political fragmentation but a demand for functional governance and accelerated development. It seeks to bring government closer to the people, improve access to infrastructure, enhance local participation in decision-making, and foster balanced resource distribution within the Yakurr polity. The existing single Yakurr local government structure no longer adequately reflects the demographic reality, socio-economic dynamism, or administrative needs of a fast-growing Ugep nation.
By championing this noble cause, the Ugep Global Initiative has rekindled the flame of collective responsibility and shown that community-driven governance remains the most reliable foundation for national progress. This action is not only timely but profoundly visionary, and it aligns with the broader national agenda for decentralization, inclusive development, and the deepening of democracy through effective local governance.
In recognizing this initiative, it must be emphasized that the creation of Ugep North and Ugep South Local Government Councils will serve as a model for other communities in Nigeria aspiring to translate demographic strength and cultural cohesion into sustainable administrative advancement.
The people of Ugep, through this initiative, have once again proven that progress is not a gift bestowed but a legacy pursued. The Ugep Global Initiative deserves every commendation for leading this transformative effort with intellect, unity, and an unyielding devotion to the growth of the homeland.
Sam Eno
Secretary-General
Ugep Global Initiative