By Nike Ozioma
A coalition of media professionals, political leaders, and community stakeholders has renewed the call for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state of the Southeast geopolitical zone and the 37th state of the Nigerian federation.
The call was made during a one-day consultative and advocacy meeting convened to strategize on the actualization of the long-standing demand for Anioma State, a vision said to have been in motion for over 70 years.
In his keynote address, Comrade Victor Sorokwu, convener of Ugo-Anioma Movement, said it is the collective responsibility of all Anioma sons and daughters to ensure the realization of the dream. He noted that the struggle for Anioma State has deep historical roots, noting that “the labors of our fathers, the river cannot erase.”
Sorokwu further disclosed that Senator Ned Nwoko had advised stakeholders to intensify their engagement in support of the project.
However, he maintained that political mobilization remains a more strategic approach to achieving the goal.
“If we can pursue it politically and succeed, we will always have a say when the state is eventually created,” he stated.
Also speaking, Chief (Prince) Clement Okonjo, Chairman of the Izi-Ikei, Aniocha-Oshimili Pro-Anioma Group, urged the stakeholders not to allow bureaucratic bottlenecks or internal divisions to delay the process.
According to him, the realization of Anioma State will bring socio-economic and political benefits to all.
“We must make this dream work because it will favor everyone. The government alone cannot make Anioma stand. With boundary adjustments, we can realize this 70-year-old project,” he said.
Chief Okonjo further highlighted Anioma’s strong agricultural base and rich cultural identity, represented by the iconic Akwa Ocha attire, as proof of the people’s capacity for self-reliance and unity.
In his contribution, Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, Vice President of NUJ (Southeast Zone), noted the linguistic and cultural affinity between Anioma and other Igbo-speaking regions, describing the proposed state as a natural extension of the Southeast. “Our language and culture are similar; Anioma can cohabit effectively as part of the Igbo family,” he said.
Chief Okonjo further reiterated Anioma’s distinct identity and contribution to the socio-cultural development of the region.
Mr. Churchill Oyowe, Chairman of the NUJ Delta State Council, also commended the organisers, noting that the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Ikemba of Nnewi, tried to unite his kith and kin but did not succeed. “With what is happening here, I think it is divine,” he said.
Oyowe added that Anioma has what it takes to become a state and called on the South-East and Anioma people to embrace the opportunity Senator Ned Nwoko is advocating.
He stressed that the media have a crucial role to play, saying, “When you keep hearing one thing, it becomes the truth.”
In his remarks, Comrade Emeka Odogwu expressed optimism that the creation of Anioma State would soon become a reality.
“Once this dream materializes, it will mark a major milestone for our people, especially for women. I once doubted the possibility of creating new states in Nigeria, but the Senator’s passion and confidence have renewed our collective hope,” he said.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to sustained advocacy, strategic political engagement, and coordinated media action aimed at ensuring the dream of Anioma State becomes a reality in the nearest future.
