Senator Ned Nwoko
Sen. Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has championed the creation of Anioma State as a vital step toward addressing historical and political inequities in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press interaction in Abuja on Monday, Nwoko emphasized that the proposed state, to be carved from Delta State and aligned with the South East geopolitical zone, is both a historical necessity and a matter of national fairness.
According to Nwoko, the South East’s five states—compared to six or seven in other zones—result in reduced political representation and federal allocations.
“The creation of Anioma State is not merely a regional aspiration but a correction of a longstanding injustice,” he stated.
“It will ensure equity by balancing the number of states across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.”
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, highlighted Anioma’s deep cultural and historical ties to the Igbo nation.
“Anioma is Igbo land in every sense—by language, tradition, and identity,” he said, noting shared market days, masquerades, and linguistic markers like names such as Okonkwo and Nwafor.
He further explained that communities across Anioma’s nine local government areas, including Asaba, Ibusa, and Agbor, are geographically and culturally linked to the broader Igbo ethnolinguistic family.
Economically, Nwoko underscored Anioma’s viability, pointing to its fertile lands and significant oil and gas resources, particularly in Ndokwa, which hosts the Okpai Power Plant.
“Anioma’s natural and human capital, from agriculture to education and entrepreneurship, positions it as a potential economic powerhouse,” he remarked.
He also emphasized the region’s cultural heritage and landmarks, such as the River Niger, as assets for tourism and cultural diplomacy.
Nwoko described Anioma as a unifying force, uniquely positioned as a bridge between Nigeria’s regions.
“Anioma has lived harmoniously alongside Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Edo, and Yoruba communities, making it a natural connector,” he said.
The creation of Anioma State, he argued, would honor the region’s sacrifices, heal historical wounds, and fulfill the vision of pioneers who advocated for the state since 1954.
“This is not about division but about strengthening Nigeria’s unity,” Nwoko asserted. “Anioma State is a right long denied, a symbol of reconciliation, and a step toward a balanced federation.”
He urged swift action, stating, “The time for Anioma State is now.”
The bill to create Anioma State, sponsored by Nwoko, is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, with hopes of advancing Nigeria’s commitment to equity and justice. (NAN)
