ANIOMA CULTURAL FESTIVAL: SENATOR NED NWOKO DECLARES ANIOMA STATE STRUGGLE ENTERS ITS FINAL LAP

ANIOMA CULTURAL FESTIVAL: SENATOR NED NWOKO DECLARES ANIOMA STATE STRUGGLE ENTERS ITS FINAL LAP

— “The dawn is near for Anioma,” says Nwoko as he drums hope for long-awaited dream

By NigerDelta Voice Reporters, Delta Correspondent,

9th November, 2025

Like the rising sun breaking through the morning mist, the quest for Anioma State has, at last, reached the home stretch. Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, the distinguished lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, has declared that the struggle for Anioma’s creation is now in its “final phase.”

Speaking at the maiden Anioma Cultural Festival (Anioma Day), held at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, Senator Nwoko reaffirmed his unshakable resolve to see the Anioma dream become a living reality. The festival, themed “Echoes of Anioma: A Cultural Renaissance for Unity, Identity & Progress,” gathered illustrious Anioma sons and daughters, royal fathers, and cultural icons in a colorful celebration of heritage, unity, and hope.

“Anioma State is my foremost mission and passion,” Nwoko declared. “We have planted the seed, watered it with persistence, and now the tree is about to bear fruit. I can boldly say that Anioma is positioned as the next state to be created in Nigeria.”

The senator explained that the legislative journey began with a bill he sponsored in the Senate, seeking to carve Anioma out of the existing Delta North Senatorial District, which comprises nine local government areas. He added that neighboring communities such as Igbanke have expressed strong desire to be part of the new state.

“Along the road, many, like Igbanke, have knocked on our door, seeking to join hands with us. When the boundary lines are redrawn, I believe Anioma’s embrace will be wide enough to welcome them,” he said.

With the confidence of a man standing on solid ground, Nwoko disclosed that 97 senators have already signed in support of the bill — an unprecedented feat in Nigeria’s legislative history.

“Even the walls of the National Assembly now echo with the name Anioma,” he remarked.

He further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had assured him of support once the constitutional and legislative procedures are fully satisfied.

According to Nwoko, the Joint National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendment, during its recent retreat in Lagos, recognized the equity of his argument — that the South-East geopolitical zone deserves an additional state to stand at par with other regions.

“The key that will open Anioma’s door is the demand for equity,” he stated. “Once we are recognized as part of the South-East, the bridge across the Niger will no longer divide us — it will unite us with our brothers and sisters.”

Tracing the roots of the struggle, Senator Nwoko reminded the audience that the Anioma dream was first ignited in 1954 by the late Chief Dennis Osadebay, the revered son of Asaba and Nigeria’s first Premier of the Mid-Western Region.

“Our fathers planted this dream when palm wine still dripped from the calabash of freedom,” he said. “Now, after many seasons, the fruit of Anioma is ripe for harvest.”

As he looked ahead to the upcoming South-East leaders’ meeting in Owerri, Nwoko said history would be written when leaders from across the region finally choose one state to balance the geopolitical scale.

“When the cock crows next weekend in Owerri, the long night of Anioma’s waiting will end. Only one state will be chosen, and that state shall be Anioma. I did not begin this race, but I will surely be there at the finish line,” he vowed.

With his voice steady and heart aflame, Senator Ned Nwoko left the audience with a resounding message: “The wheel of destiny turns slowly, but it never forgets its direction. Anioma’s time has come.