ANIOMA CULTURAL FESTIVAL: SENATOR NED NWOKO DECLARES ANIOMA STATE STRUGGLE IN ITS FINAL PHASE

The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the actualization of Anioma State, declaring it as the foremost priority of his political mission.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Anioma Cultural Festival (Anioma Day) held on Saturday, November 8, at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, Senator Ned Nwoko said every necessary step has been taken to ensure Anioma is positioned as the next state to be created in Nigeria.

The festival, themed “Echoes of Anioma: A Cultural Renaissance for Unity, Identity & Progress,” brought together prominent sons and daughters of Anioma extraction, traditional rulers, cultural groups, and friends of the region to celebrate the rich heritage and aspirations of the Anioma people.

In his address, Senator Ned Nwoko emphasized that the journey toward the creation of Anioma State has reached a decisive stage.

“Anioma state is what matters to me at this point in time. Let me assure our people here that we have done our best to position Anioma as the next state to be created in Nigeria,” he said.

The lawmaker explained that the process began with a bill he sponsored in the Senate, seeking to carve Anioma State out of the existing Delta North Senatorial District, comprising nine local government areas. He, however, noted that other communities such as Igbanke have shown strong interest in joining the proposed state.

“Along the line, many like Igbanke showed interest to be a part of us. They have been fighting to be. My prayer is that when the boundary adjustment happens, Igbanke will be part of Anioma,” he added.

Pointing out the broad national support behind the effort, Senator Nwoko disclosed that 97 senators have signed a document backing the creation of Anioma State, an unprecedented development in Nigeria’s legislative history.

He further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had assured him of support, provided due legislative and procedural groundwork is completed.

According to him, the Joint National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendment, during its recent retreat in Lagos, endorsed his argument that the South-East geopolitical zone deserves an additional state to bring it at par with other zones.

“The only magic for Anioma to be created is to come under the request of equity state that is open for the South East. And being in the South East means we are integrating, it means we’re expanding and will be part of our brothers and sisters across the Niger,” he said.

The senator recalled that the agitation for Anioma State dates back to 1954, when it was first championed by Chief Dennis Osadebay and other Anioma pioneers. He expressed optimism that the forthcoming meeting of South East leaders in Owerri would mark a decisive step toward realizing the long-held dream.

“What Chief Dennis Osadebay, Asagba Edozien, and our fathers started so many years ago will be determined next weekend in Owerri. All the governors of the South East, all the South East lawmakers, kings, we will all gather in Owerri to decide one thing: to choose one state for the South-East.

“Anioma State is not the only proposed state. But only one state will be created, and that is Anioma State. As I always say, I did not start this fight, but I will finish it”, he said.