By Chidi Chukwutem
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has in recent times championed a series of bold, people-centered initiatives aimed at advancing the cause of the Anioma people.
His sustained advocacy for recognition, justice, and inclusion has rekindled a long-overdue conversation about Anioma’s identity and place within Nigeria’s political framework.
The critical question is: do these intentions deserve our support? Judging by his actions and the clarity of his vision, the answer is an emphatic yes.
Understanding the Anioma Question
Anioma refers to the nine Igbo-speaking local government areas of Delta State, Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani.
For decades, Anioma has grappled with issues of marginalisation, from uneven resource allocation to infrastructure neglect and the erosion of its cultural identity.
Much of this stems from colonial boundary demarcations and post-war political dynamics that blurred Anioma’s distinct identity and diluted its representation.
Senator Nwoko’s Intervention: Building Anioma’s Future
1. Proposal for Anioma State Creation
At the core of Senator Nwoko’s agenda is the Anioma State Creation Bill (Senate Bill 481), which seeks to carve Anioma State out of the present Delta State.
The new state would encompass all nine Anioma local government areas, creating a more balanced federation and correcting historical distortions.
2. Securing Legislative Support
Senator Nwoko’s state creation effort has gained impressive traction at the National Assembly. As of mid-2025, over 95 senators have endorsed his proposal.
The bill has successfully scaled the first and second readings and undergone public hearings in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Enugu, reflecting its growing national relevance.
3. A Campaign Rooted in Justice, Not Ambition
The Senator has consistently clarified that his mission is not driven by personal ambition but by the pursuit of fairness and justice.
He has even proposed that the pioneer governor of Anioma State should emerge from the Ndokwa region, an area often overlooked despite its significant resource endowment.
4. Cultural Revival and Identity Restoration
Beyond legislative efforts, Nwoko is championing a cultural reawakening, encouraging Anioma people to embrace their Igbo heritage, language, and traditions. He believes that reclaiming this identity is vital to strengthening unity and dignity among Anioma communities.
5. Stakeholder Mobilisation and Consensus Building
Through strategic engagement with traditional rulers, youth and women groups, community leaders, and political stakeholders, Nwoko has been fostering dialogue and consensus across the district. His approach is inclusive and transparent, ensuring broad-based ownership of the Anioma project.
Why His Intentions Deserve Support
Correcting Historical Injustices
Nwoko’s initiative is not just political; it is moral. By addressing long-standing structural neglect, he is bringing constitutional legitimacy to Anioma’s quest for self-determination and recognition.
Enhanced Representation and Development
A separate Anioma State would mean more political offices, direct access to federal allocations, and tailored development policies, from infrastructure to education and healthcare. This structural empowerment would allow the people to shape their destiny.
Cultural Reaffirmation and Pride
Restoring Anioma’s identity and historical connection to Igbo culture fosters unity, self-confidence, and stronger advocacy power at regional and national levels.
Economic and Resource Optimisation
Anioma’s vast human and natural resources, particularly in Ndokwa land, have long been underutilized. With a dedicated state government, economic development could be accelerated in a more focused, accountable manner.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Collective Responsibility
While Senator Nwoko’s intentions are noble, the journey ahead demands unity, patience, and persistence.
Unity of Purpose: All Anioma communities must speak with one voice, setting aside political and sectional differences.
Constitutional Process: State creation requires rigorous legislative approval, national consensus, and presidential assent, all of which demand sustained advocacy and diplomacy.
Avoiding Politicisation: The Anioma cause must remain people-driven and non-partisan. As Nwoko often reiterates, it is not about him but about the future of an entire people.
A Call to Action
Senator Ned Nwoko’s efforts align squarely with Anioma’s long-standing aspirations for justice, recognition, and sustainable development.
His approach, pragmatic, legislative, and unifying, provides a real opportunity for transformation.
Supporting him, therefore, means supporting a just cause, one that seeks to rewrite Anioma’s history and reposition it for greatness.
The people’s involvement, through civic participation, accountability demands, and community dialogue, will be crucial to ensuring that every Anioma citizen benefits from this collective vision.
If achieved, Anioma State would not merely be another geopolitical creation; it would stand as a symbol of justice restored and identity reclaimed.
