The long-standing aspiration for the creation of Anioma State has reached a critical milestone as the 10th Nigerian Senate schedules a public hearing on the matter for Friday, July 4th, and Saturday, July 5th, 2025, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The public hearing follows the successful first and second readings of the Anioma State Creation Bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is expected to attend the historic session alongside Senator Nwoko and a host of other lawmakers.
The event will also feature active participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, opinion leaders, academics, youth and women groups, and socio-cultural organizations who have been mobilized to make formal presentations.
In a bid to lend technical depth to the movement, Senator Nwoko recently constituted a high-powered committee led by the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, as Chairman, and the Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, as Co-Chairman.
Speaking ahead of the hearing, Senator Nwoko described the event as a pivotal step in the legislative journey toward realizing Anioma State.
He called for robust participation from all concerned, emphasizing that the demand for Anioma is deeply rooted in the historical aspirations of the people of Delta North.
“This is not just a legislative process, it is a compelling historical movement,” Senator Nwoko stated.
“Icons like Sir Dennis Osadebay, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, and Senator Nosike Ikpo laid the foundation for this agitation more than 50 years ago.
“I may not have started this struggle, but I am committed to seeing it through. This is about our collective identity, not personal ambition.”
Expressing optimism, Nwoko thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and acknowledged the cooperation of both chambers of the National Assembly.
He expressed confidence that the majority of states in the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones would back the creation of Anioma State.
Public anticipation is high, buoyed by the historical weight of the agitation and Senator Nwoko’s unwavering commitment to nation-building, a role he has actively played since his emergence as a standout member of the House of Representatives in 1999.
Now serving as Senator for Delta North since 2023, Nwoko also chairs the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, among other legislative responsibilities.
His continued advocacy for the Anioma cause has further cemented his reputation as a steadfast voice for equity, justice, and national inclusion.
