Guest Lecturers Give Brief History of Enugu State

By Adejumoke Alebiosu

The traditional lecture for the 2021 Batch be Batch ‘A’ stream 1 orientation course featured Professor Onyema Ocheoha, a prominent Guest lecturer, a legal luminary and an expert in cultural matters.

The Professor took the corps members down memory lane about the history and culture of Enugu State. He delivered this lecture at the Multipurpose Hall of the NYSC’ Permanent Orientation Camp, Awgu, Enugu State.

Professor Onyema Ocheoha delivering the lecture at the Multipurpose Hall of the NYSC’ Permanent Orientation Camp, Awgu, Enugu State.

Professor Ocheoha pointed out that, Enugu State comprised two different words; “Enu”, which means top hill and “Ugwu”, which means mountain, adding that the state is one of the most important states in the whole of Eastern region, considering the numerous natural resources that abound in the state.

The guest speaker also pointed out that coal is one of the most natural resources in the state, noting that coal was the major source of revenue before the discovery of oil in 1956.

He also went further to enumerate names of some hills found in the state to include; Udi Hills, Awgu Hills, Nsukka Hills, to mention but a few. He added that the state had different delicacies which, includes but not  restricted to the following : Okpa, Abacha (African Salad).

Professor Ocheoha stressed that Enugu State has produced a lot of prominent personalities among whom were: the Late Justice Daddy Onyeama, World Court Judge, Hague, Switzerlands, First Professor of Robotics Engineer in Nigeria, Professor Bath Nnaji, among others.

Similarly, another guest speaker, Mr Kingsley Ezechi noted that the essence of the lecture was to acquaint Corp Members with the history of Enugu State. He also cautioned Corps Members to avoid killing green snakes, show respect for women, avoid stealing, especially yam in the state, and a host of other negative tendencies.