Asaba, Delta State – A major milestone was recorded in the agitation for the creation of Anioma State as a Technical Committee was officially inaugurated on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba, a traditional hall in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The well-attended event drew together traditional rulers from Delta North, youth leaders, House of Assembly members, local government chairmen, and other notable stakeholders across the proposed Anioma territory. A total of over 109 members were nominated to serve on the newly formed Technical Committee.
The Azagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, was named Chairman of the Committee, while the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Benjamin Ikenchuku, Keagborekuzi I, was appointed Co-Chairman. Members of the Committee include all local government chairmen and House of Assembly members from the nine local government areas within Delta North. The inauguration oath was administered by the Chairman of the Asaba branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Senator Ned Nwoko Reveals Inside Track on Anioma State Push
At the ceremony, Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, provided an in-depth update on his efforts and the progress of the Anioma State movement. He revealed that the prospects for creating Anioma State are very high, stating that his switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was strategically motivated to gain federal backing.
“Before joining the APC, I held meetings with the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, and the APC National Chairman. They all gave their support for Anioma State—but on one condition: I must join the APC,” Senator Nwoko explained. “I agreed, and here I am—fully committed to the Anioma Project.”
He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu and other national leaders are on the same page with him, promising to support the constitutional process once the required steps—including the referendum—are completed.
On Constitutional Hurdles and the ’24-State Requirement’
Senator Nwoko, a legal practitioner, spoke extensively on the often-debated constitutional requirement that at least 24 state Houses of Assembly must approve the creation of a new state.
“Many see this as impossible, but not me,” he said confidently. “The President has 23 APC-governed states backing him. Bayelsa, Osun, and friendly governors like Soludo (Anambra), Alex Otti (Abia), and Enugu’s governor are all supportive. With strategic coordination, we’ve already crossed the threshold.”
He also assured the audience that he would facilitate a meeting between the Senate President and the Technical Committee to ensure all stakeholders are aligned.
‘Anioma State: A Justified Case’
Senator Nwoko addressed a key national concern: Why Anioma State? Why now?
“We are not asking because we are more special than others, but because this is our moment. The President wants to correct the imbalance in state distribution among the geopolitical zones. The South East has only five states, while others have six or more.”
He noted that the creation of Anioma State would give the South East six states—equally matching other zones and correcting a long-standing inequality.
“Historically, Anioma has shared in the Igbo identity and struggles—even during the Biafran War. Many of our people, from Okpanam to Ejeme, were massacred for being labeled as Igbos. We are part of the South East in spirit and blood and must be remembered when national justice is being done.”
Progress Within the Senate
Senator Nwoko revealed that Anioma State is the only proposed new state currently included in the ongoing Constitutional Amendment document within the National Assembly. As a member of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment, he affirmed:
“There are 36 proposed amendments in the document—only Anioma State has made it this far. Our first retreat took place in Kano because the Deputy Senate President, who chairs the committee, is from there. The public hearing was moved to Uyo because the Senate President is from Akwa Ibom.”
He clarified that state creation is not about regional government, but rather about correcting constitutional and developmental imbalances.
A Call for Unity, Sacrifice, and Focus
Senator Nwoko urged all Anioma stakeholders—traditional rulers, youth, politicians, and community leaders—to avoid playing politics with the project.
“I have no ambition to be the Governor of Anioma State. In fact, I believe the first Governor should come from the Ndokwa nation or wherever our people decide. My interest is in delivering the state for our people.”
He reiterated that the time to act is now.
“Let us not miss this visible and viable opportunity. The President has indicated that only one new state will be created, and Anioma is in the lead. We must stay united and focused.”
The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment from royal fathers, youth leaders, and community members, all pledging their support to see the Anioma dream come to life.
Background: Anioma, made up of the nine local government areas in Delta North Senatorial District—namely Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani—has long agitated for statehood to reflect its cultural and ethnic identity within the broader national framework.
The Technical Committee is now tasked with coordinating advocacy, community mobilization, documentation, and legislative steps towards the actualization of Anioma State, possibly the 37th state of the Nigerian federation.
