The Esan Journalists Forum (EJF), an umbrella body for media practitioners from Esan speaking area of Edo State, has appealed to leaders and well-meaning citizens of the various towns and villages that make up the entire Esan Land, to close ranks and work for the peace, unity and progress of the area. Politically, the area is better known as Edo Central Senatorial Zone.

The forum which has its national headquarters in Lagos, made the appeal in a statement signed by its National President, Mr. Timothy Okojie-Ave, calling on the leaders of the zone to begin to speak with one voice, if Esan Land must attain a better position in Edo state and the country as a whole.

Esan Land, the statement further said, is one that is seriously yearning for progress and development; and that it was time for well-meaning sons and daughters of the area “to roll up their sleeves and be ready to join hands to build a zone that would become the pride of Edo State and Nigeria in no distant time.”

The forum noted that the zone had remained challenged and neglected in spite of the many contributions of her sons to the development of the country.

“For example, we all know that it was Chief Anthony Enahoro, a son of the zone that moved the much celebrated motion for Nigeria’s independence.

“We are also conversant with the political sophistication and contributions of the Esan people. We are hardworking, lovers of peaceful co-existence and very rich in culture and tradition.

Beyond this, Esan Land is blessed with various resources that can be effectively tapped to make the zone become a major destination point for people across the various states of the country and even the world at large” the statement added.

The forum, which is taking the position to further unify and solidify Esan people from all walks of life, also appealed to the people across the country and in the Diaspora to support the singular cause of making the zone a major focal point of progress for others to emulate.

•Photo shows legendary Esan son, Anthony Enahoro.