Thousands of people on Friday gathered at Chanambia memorial ground in Mboroko Boma of Maridi County to witness the rising of the state flag.

Maridi is one of 28 states that President Salva Kiir has sought to create by presidential decree and one of three proposed successor states to Western Equatoria.

The event was witnessed by government official, NGOs, church leaders, traditional leaders, women's group, youths and the school children.

Speaking during the event, the Spaeker of Maridi Legislative Assembly Mary Sungu expressed her gratitude to the president for creating the 28 states, among them Maridi.

She says Maridi state today is a full government and no one will bring it down, saying Maridi will be on top forever.

For his part, the first appointed governor of Maridi State Africano Monday Gedima in his speech also thanked the president for the 'gift' of the state.

He says the dream of taking the town to the people has come true saying people of Maridi State should all stand for peace and unity to make Maridi State the cornerstone of peace in South Sudan.

He called on the people of Maridi State to be patient in this time of economic crisis and listen to radios or read newspapers for right information rather than listening to rumors.

Chanambia Memorial Ground is a newly open ground of Maridi State's government in Mboroko Bomba for holding state public rallies.