A historic chapter may soon be written in Nigeria’s political evolution as the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic schedules a public hearing on the creation of Anioma State. The hearing will take place on Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th, 2025, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The hearing follows the successful first and second readings of the Anioma State creation bill, championed by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Nwoko are expected to attend the landmark event, accompanied by several lawmakers and stakeholders from across Nigeria.
A wide array of contributors—including traditional rulers, academics, opinion leaders, youth and women groups, and socio-cultural organizations—have been mobilized to participate and submit memoranda during the two-day proceedings.
To bolster the advocacy, Senator Nwoko recently inaugurated a high-level Technical Committee to steer the state creation efforts. The committee is chaired by the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, with the Dein of Agbor, HRM Ikenchukwu Kikagborekuze, serving as co-chairman.
Speaking ahead of the hearing, Senator Nwoko described the event as a pivotal moment in the Anioma statehood campaign, calling for broad public participation.
“This movement is not about personal glory. It’s about fulfilling the longstanding dreams of the Anioma people,” Nwoko said. “It dates back over 50 years and is deeply rooted in the vision of our founding fathers such as Sir Dennis Osadebe, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, and Senator Nosike Ikpo.”
He added: “I didn’t start this agitation, but I intend to finish it. It is a struggle for our identity and our rightful place in the Nigerian federation. With President Bola Tinubu’s understanding and support from the National Assembly, I am optimistic that Anioma will become Nigeria’s next state.”
Expectations are running high among citizens and stakeholders, as the push for Anioma has endured for decades. Senator Nwoko’s relentless commitment to the cause—dating back to his early days as a standout member of the House of Representatives in 1999—continues to energize the movement.
Since being elected Senator in 2023, he has served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, alongside other legislative responsibilities. His leadership is widely seen as instrumental in advancing the Anioma statehood cause to this decisive stage.
