In a chat with Pacesetter, the first class traditional ruler called on whoever succeeds Ugwuanyi in 2023 to see the expansion as a priority project.

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Eze Igwesi said he was initiating the appeal so that the next government, expected to come from Nkanu Land will see how best to create a new Enugu State. He argued that what exists currently as the capital of Enugu does not truly reflect its position as the capital of the South East. “It cannot contain the entire Igbo given the minimal space it occupies,” he stressed.

“It is my opinion that the entire Nkanu Land should be seen, addressed and statutorily approved as cosmopolitan city of Enugu so that the entire Igbo will have enough space to occupy. We are talking of the Igbo capital, we are talking of old Eastern capital. Under two hours you are through with the so called capital as it is today”.

He suggested an expansion of the capital and cosmopolitan city of Enugu to involve the entire Nkanu Land and not just Enugu South, Enugu North and Enugu East local government areas.

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“So, let us expand it. You see Lagos State representing the West, how wide it is. This offers us a patriotic opportunity to expand and involve the entire Nkanu Land as the capital city of Igbo land.

“I think it will be very interesting if the politicians who are in governance will take this appeal and implement it.

“I was passing through Ugwuaji Road and I saw where a big road was being constructed; and then I saw a signpost, “NEW ENUGU”, a wonderful one by the Governor of Enugu State.

“From that place there should be a clear dual carriageway down to the extreme of wherever Nkanu East stops. Expand the entire Nkanu Land to that extent. There will be a limitation to the reckless grabbing of lands in Enugu. It will limit the frictions on land. At least people will start expanding towards that side”, Igwe Igwesi said.

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