By Frank Iroroh
The Most Distinguished Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, the Senator representing the good people of Delta North Senatorial District, in the 10th Senate, made an epic presentation to his colleagues on why they should support the creation of Anioma State..
Standing elegantly tall on the hollow chamber of the Nigerian Senate SNMN tells his colleagues the Anioma story, the more than half a century story of Anioma people’s quest for a state they can proudly call their own.
In his position paper on his Bill for the creation of Anioma State, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko presented an eloquent testimony of a people in search of statehood.
Little wonder, 90 senators have signed up for the Anioma State creation bill and are still counting.
Anioma State creation is not a political ruse. It is a reality and I have no doubt that you will throw your full support to Senator Ned Nwoko to give him the momentum to get the job done.
Go through his landmark position paper on the Bill for the creation of Anioma State.
Excerpt
The quest for the creation of Anioma State is a legitimate and longstanding aspiration deeply rooted in history and anchored in the collective will of a district people . This is not a novelty agitation. It predates Nigeria independence.
Dating back to 1954 when the people of Anioma made a formal request to the colonial government in London for the creation of the Western Niger Region. The appeal, which came decades before the eventual formation of most states in Nigeria, was a bold and visionary step by a people determined to chart their own course and shape their destiny within the emerging Nigerian Federation
Although that early efforts did not yield the desired outcome, it laid a moral and political foundation that remained solid today.
The Anioma people who inhabit the northern part of the present day Delta State, have sustained this call through generations, driven not by ethnic sentiment or regional rivalry but by deeply felt need for administrative autonomy, cultural recognition and equitable development.
The name ANIOMA is an acronym representing Aniocha, Ndokwa , Ika, and Oshimili , four culturally and linguistically connected blocks that share centuries of history, kinship and sociopolitical identity. The nine local governments that make up the Anioma State, Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East, and Ukwuani, are not mere grouped by geography. They are united by language, values, customs, and aspirations.
The advocacy for Anioma State was championed by respected national figures, notably chief Dennis Osadebay, one of Nigeria’s first premiers, whose vision for a state that could harness the potential of the he Anioma people remains unfinished
Today, that torch has been passed to this generation. As the sponsor of SB 481, (see) I am merely a custodian of that vision, standing on the shoulders of those who came before me and answering the call of those who continue to believe that a state of their own will enable them to contribute more meaningfully to the Nigerian project
The push for Anioma State is underpinned by several irrefutable facts.
First, Anioma is a culturally cohesive matured region, and secondly, Anioma is economically viable. The region hosts significant oil and gas resources, particularly in Ndokwa East and West, where multinational companies such as Agup and Sterling Global currently operate. The national resources alone guarantee that the proposed state would not be in financial liability to the Federation but rather a strong contributor to the national economy .
In addition to oil and gas, Anioma is blessed with fertile agricultural land capable of producing cassava, yam, rice maize, and palm produce in commercial quantity.
The area is already a key player in Delta State Agricultural profile and has the capacity to feed itself and contribute to national food security
With dedicated state=level agricultural policies, Anioma could transform into one of Nigeria ‘s leading food producing hubs
The human capital base of Anioma is equallyg impressive. The region has produced some of Nigeria ‘s most accomplished professionals in law, medicine, education, public administration, and the creative industries. These are men and women who have made immense contributions both within and outside Nigeria and who can be relied upon to help build a well governed , forward-looking state.
The cal for the creation of Anioma State is also strongly supported by traditional institutions and civil society. The stakeholders’ summit held in Asaba on 31st August 2024 reaffirmed the overwhelming concensus among Anioma leaders and citizens on the need for statehood. The summit was attended by traditional rulers’ political actors , technocrats, youth groups, and community leaders who spoke with one voice in support of this cause. *It is not a partisan movement. It transcends political affiliation and ethnic considerations. It is a people’s demand grounded in history, equity, and the democratic right to self-determination within the boundaries of Nigeria ‘s Constitution.
Importantly , the creation of Anioma State requires no dismemberment or disruption of existing states. It presents a natural and logical administrative unit with defined bothers and a compact, manageable landmass of approximately 5,930 square kilometers It has urban centers like Asaba, Ogwashi=Uku, Agbor, and Kwale that already possess the infrastructure necessary for effective state administration. With existing institutions such as the Asaba International Airport, tertiary education centers, healthcare facilities, and road networks, Anioma has a clear head start on the road to sustainable development.
Senate Bill 481, which I have the honor to sponsor, was read for the first time in the chamber on 2nd July 2024. Its purpose is not only to correct a structural imbalance but to fulfill a historical obligation. As lawmakers , we are entrusted with the duty to listen to the people, to correct past oversights, and to make decisions that promote unity, fairness, and development . The creation of Anioma State will deepen national cohesion, ensure fairer representation,and unleash the economic potential of a region that has waited patiently for far too long.
I urge my colleagues in the National Assembly, as well as all patriotic Nigerians, to rise above the politics of convenience and embrace this opportunity to make history. Let us not be remembered as the generation that heard a just call and ignored it. Let us instead be the Senate who responded with wisdom, courage, and justice. In supporting this bill, you are not merely creating a state. You are correcting a historical oversight, empowering people, and strengthening the foundation of our great nation.
Thank you.
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko,
Delta North
Culled from
ANIOMA STATE, A Cse For Justice, Balance, and National Progress
A Strategic Proposal For The Creation Of Anioma State.
A Memorandum for the creation of Anioma State, Submitted To the Senate Committee on The Amendment Of The Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria, during its public hearing at Ikot Ekpene 4th-5thJuly2025
Please share
