By Godfrey Odogwu
It is deeply regrettable to read the recent piece by Basil Okoh, laced with bile, hate, and deliberate falsehoods, aimed at discrediting both the renewed quest for the creation of Anioma State and the person of Distinguished Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, who has been at the forefront of this historic struggle.
What makes the attack even more disappointing is that it comes from someone who claims to be an Anioma son and a journalist.
For over 70 years, the people of Anioma have agitated for a state of their own. This long-deferred dream found new life when Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko was elected to represent Delta North in the 10th Senate.
Beyond sponsoring more than 30 bills of national significance, Senator Nwoko placed the creation of Anioma State at the very top of his legislative priorities.
With passion, courage, resources, intellect, and unwavering love for Anioma, he successfully sponsored the Anioma State Creation Bill through its first and second readings in the Senate, followed by an unprecedented public hearing in July 2025.
That historic hearing witnessed a massive turnout of Anioma stakeholders: professionals, youths, women associations, artisans, captains of industry, and more than 25 traditional rulers, all speaking with one voice in favour of Anioma State.
Their united memorandum left no doubt about Anioma’s collective resolve. Today, over 90 senators have already endorsed the creation of Anioma State, further strengthening the momentum behind the cause.
As the process nears the finish line, it is unfortunate that a handful of detractors, some from within Anioma itself, are working tirelessly to undermine Senator Nwoko’s efforts and the will of the Anioma people.
Yet, no amount of cynicism can erase the truth of who we are or derail this divine project.
For decades, Anioma people have been variously described as Western Igbo, Midwest Igbo, Bendel Igbo, and now Delta Igbo. These identities were never contested, because they reflected reality.
Our names, language, food, market days, festivals, and intermarriages affirm our kinship with the wider Igbo family of Southeast Nigeria.
Denying this truth has only stunted our political relevance. Anioma is Igbo, proudly Anioma Igbo, and it is on this foundation that our future must rise.
It is therefore a matter of justice, equity, and federal balance that Anioma State should emerge as the sixth state of the Southeast zone and the 37th state of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Anioma State will not be a burden on any region. Rather, it will be a self-sustaining, prosperous state, harnessing its resources for the benefit of its people across its nine local government areas.
To disparage Senator Ned Nwoko, a brilliant, accomplished, and courageous Anioma son, simply because of his bold leadership on this cause is to fight against the destiny of Ndi Anioma.
From Chief Dennis Osadebay in 1954 to every Anioma leader who has carried this torch, the spirit of our forebears continues to guide this struggle. Anioma State is not just a political project; it is a divine mandate whose time has come.
Anioma State is coming. The end of marginalisation is coming. A new dawn of pride and prosperity is coming , and we shall celebrate together.
And to those who arrogantly declare, as Basil Okoh did, that “Anioma State will not be created, not under the watch of Senator Ned Nwoko,” I ask: who is he to play God? Anioma’s destiny is not in the hands of detractors. The truth shall prevail. Anioma State shall be created.
