11/11/2025
Governors, Southeast Lawmakers, Traditional Rulers, and Anioma Leaders to Meet in Awka to Adopt Anioma State — Senator Nwoko
The campaign for the creation of Anioma State has gained fresh momentum as Senator Ned Nwoko confirmed that key stakeholders from across the South East will convene in Awka next weekend to formally adopt Anioma as the region’s preferred candidate for state creation.
Speaking at the Izu Anioma Towns Union event in Abuja, where the maiden Anioma Cultural Festival was unveiled, Senator Nwoko disclosed that 97 senators have already signed a document endorsing the proposal. He described the level of support as “unprecedented” in Nigeria’s history of state creation.
The event also honoured prominent Anioma sons and daughters, including Senator Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and serves as the union’s patron.
Providing background on the legislative process, Nwoko explained that he introduced the Anioma State Creation Bill two years ago. The proposed state would comprise the nine local government areas in Delta North — four from Aniocha and Oshimili, two from Ika, and three from Ndokwa — while some neighbouring communities, including Igbanke, have also expressed interest in joining.
According to the senator, both the Senate and House Committees on Constitutional Amendment have agreed that the South East geopolitical zone deserves a sixth state to ensure equity and regional balance. He maintained that Anioma remains the most viable and constitutionally sound option to achieve that goal.
Nwoko further revealed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu have indicated their willingness to support the initiative once all constitutional procedures are fulfilled.
> “We have done our homework. We are still holding consultations and meeting stakeholders. Nothing is being left undone,” he stated.
He outlined the next stages of the process, which include submission of the proposal to the Presidency, endorsement by state assemblies and governors, and eventually a national referendum to allow Nigerians to vote on the creation of Anioma State.
If successful, President Tinubu is expected to sign the state creation document publicly, officially recognizing Anioma as a new state within the Nigerian federation, with Asaba proposed as its capital.
Senator Nwoko urged the Anioma people to remain united as the movement enters a decisive phase.
> “I didn’t start this struggle, but I will finish it. Anioma State will mark a new beginning,” he affirmed.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Izu Anioma Towns Union, Chief Luke Enelichi, emphasized that the agitation for Anioma State is rooted in identity and justice rather than politics. He argued that despite Anioma’s significant contributions to Delta State and Nigeria, its people still lack a state that reflects their cultural and historical heritage.
Chief Enelichi appealed to President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to support the creation of Anioma State, noting that it would enhance fair representation, deepen grassroots governance, and promote balanced national development.
> “From Aniocha to Ndokwa, Ika to Oshimili, we are one Anioma,” he declared."
