|By Adejumo Adekunle
The Orashi People Sustainable Progress Forum (OPSPF) has intensified calls for the creation of Orashi State, arguing that it will promote balanced development and strengthen unity among communities across the South-East and South-South regions.
The group, which represents people within the Orashi riverine axis in Imo State and neighbouring states, expressed concern that the proposed state has been consistently ignored in discussions on state creation at the National Assembly.
Speaking during the inauguration of the forum’s national leadership in Abacheke Egbema West, Imo State, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Comrade Nwodu, said OPSPF would intensify advocacy for the recognition and creation of Orashi State.
Nwodu noted that the proposed state cuts across Bayelsa State, Rivers State, Imo State and Anambra State, adding that the region possesses the economic and natural resources required to function as an autonomous state.
He lamented that despite the area’s contributions to national development—particularly in oil, agriculture and aquatic resources—it remains largely neglected in both state and federal considerations.
“Our region is richly endowed, yet we lack adequate human and infrastructural development. The creation of Orashi State will bring liberation and a sense of belonging to our people,” he said.
Nwodu urged stakeholders in the region to pursue the demand within constitutional provisions while fostering collaboration and unity to achieve the objective.
Also speaking, National President of OPSPF, Sampson Chukas, criticised lawmakers for failing to include Orashi in ongoing state creation debates.
He described the omission as a disservice to the people, noting that other proposals such as Anim and Anioma states had received attention despite covering fewer areas.
“While other regions are being considered on the floor of the National Assembly, Orashi—despite spanning four states across two geopolitical zones—is hardly mentioned. This is unfortunate,” he said.
Chukas added that the forum would lead grassroots mobilisation to push the demand for Orashi State, following what he described as the failure of elected representatives to adequately champion the cause.
He further argued that existing commissions and agencies meant to address the needs of the region have underperformed, stressing that state creation would provide more direct governance and development.
