The Anioma people of Delta State, comprised of nine predominantly Igbo-speaking communities—including Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Ika North-East, Ika South, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani local government areas—have expressed their gratitude to the government for its support regarding the establishment of a state for the Anioma people.
In a statement issued by Chief Osita Tonnie Oganah, the Director of Media and Publicity for the Anioma State creation request, the Anioma people specifically extended their thanks to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for facilitating the progression towards the establishment of their state. The public hearing related to this initiative is scheduled to commence on July 4, 2025.
The statement read: “The priority given to the Anioma State creation request has been encouraging and should help in properly balancing the federation, which is currently skewed against the Igbos. Asaba was the first capital of Nigeria and was the theatre of genocide during the civil war, which ended in 1970.
“If created, the state would be viable as enough oil and gas as well as mineral resources abound in the state. Asaba, the current capital of Delta State, boasts a modern and functional State House, Secretariat, Commissioners’ Quarters, and other facilities, so no new and expensive capital project will be undertaken.
Warri, another city in Delta State, equally boasts fitting infrastructure as well.”
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The statement also commended the two senators from Delta state, Joel Onowakpo and Ede Dafinone, for supporting the Anioma State creation request.
The current Anioma Senator from Delta North, Ned Nwoko, is the champion and arrowhead of the struggle, supported by traditional rulers, youths, artisans, market women, as well as the thriving business, political, and academic elite.
It may be recalled that the movement for the creation of Anioma State commenced in the 1950s, spearheaded by the late Ojiba Ahaba Dennis Osadebe, with notable support from the late Idisi Dafe of Obiaruku, the then-king of Idumuje Ugboko, as well as Obi Nwoko and the late Sir George Orewa.
Additionally, the late Chief Humphrey Iwerebon, also known as Mkpitime, from the Ika region, played a significant role in this initiative.