A significant step has been taken in the quest for the creation of Anioma State as a 109-member Technical Committee was formally inaugurated on Sunday, June 15, 2025. The historic event took place at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba, a traditional civic hall in Asaba, located in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The well-attended ceremony brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders from across the proposed Anioma territory. Among those present were traditional rulers from Delta North, youth leaders, members of the Delta State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and other prominent community figures.
According to Golden Nation Multi-Media, renowned jurist and traditional monarch, the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, was named Chairman of the newly formed Technical Committee.
He will be supported by the Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty Dr. Benjamin Ikenchuku, Keagborekuzi I, who will serve as Co-Chairman. Committee members include all House of Assembly members and council chairmen from the nine local government areas that make up Delta North. The oath of office was administered by the Chairman of the Asaba branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
During the ceremony, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly, delivered a detailed update on the progress of the Anioma State movement. He described the prospects for state creation as highly promising, attributing recent momentum to strategic political realignments—including his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Before I joined the APC, I consulted with the President, Vice President, Senate President, and the party’s National Chairman. They all expressed their support for Anioma State—on one condition: I had to join the party,” Senator Nwoko stated. “I made the decision not for personal gain, but to move the Anioma agenda forward.”
He emphasized that key national leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, are aligned with the project and have pledged to support it through the required constitutional processes, including a national referendum.
Addressing concerns about the constitutional hurdle of securing approval from at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, Senator Nwoko expressed confidence.
“Many think it’s impossible. I don’t. The President already has the backing of 23 APC-controlled states. With support from friendly governors in Bayelsa, Osun, Anambra, Abia, and Enugu, we’re well-positioned to reach the threshold,” he said.
He also pledged to arrange a high-level engagement between the Technical Committee and the Senate President to ensure alignment among all stakeholders.
“This is not about claiming superiority or special treatment,” he added. “It’s about addressing long-standing structural imbalances. The South East remains the only zone with just five states, and Anioma offers the opportunity to correct that.”
Senator Nwoko highlighted Anioma’s deep historical and cultural ties to the Igbo identity and the South East, citing shared sacrifices during the Biafran War and a continued sense of unity.
“Anioma has borne the weight of its Igbo identity, including loss and persecution. Our bloodline, culture, and spirit align with the South East. The creation of Anioma State will finally bring parity to the region,” he affirmed.
He also revealed that Anioma is the only proposed state currently featured in the draft Constitutional Amendment document under consideration in the National Assembly. As a member of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment, he explained:
“Out of 36 proposed amendments, only Anioma State has advanced this far. Our first retreat was held in Kano, and the public hearing in Uyo—all reflecting the national importance of this process.”
He stressed that the push for state creation is not about regional autonomy but about correcting developmental and constitutional disparities across the federation.
In a heartfelt appeal, Senator Nwoko called on all Anioma stakeholders—traditional leaders, youth, political figures, and the general public—to rally behind the movement without personal or political distractions.
“I have no intention of running for governor of Anioma State. In fact, I believe leadership should come from wherever the people choose—perhaps the Ndokwa area. My sole mission is to deliver Anioma State,” he said.
He urged the people not to lose sight of the opportunity before them.
The event ended with strong declarations of support from royal fathers, youth representatives, and community leaders, all pledging their commitment to seeing the Anioma dream realized.
