Anioma communities in Delta State commend President Tinubu and APC for prioritising Anioma State creation as Senate hearing begins July 4, 2025
The Anioma people of Delta State have expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for prioritising their long-standing demand for the creation of Anioma State.
Also read: Tinubu Conference Centre Revenue Surges with Impressive Early Figures
This recognition came through a press statement issued on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, by Chief Osita Oganah, Director of Media and Publicity for the Anioma State Creation Movement.
The statement hailed the government’s commitment to inclusivity and balanced federalism as preparations for a Senate public hearing on the matter proceed.
Anioma, a region comprising nine predominantly Igbo-speaking local government areas — Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Ika North East, Ika South, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani — has long campaigned for a state of its own.
Advocates argue that the region, rich in human and natural resources, has both historical and constitutional justifications for statehood.
Chief Oganah noted, “The priority given to the Anioma State creation request has been encouraging and should help in properly balancing the federation, which is currently skewed against the Igbo nation. We thank President Tinubu and the APC for this rare opportunity.”
According to the group, the public hearing scheduled for July 4, 2025, by the Nigerian Senate marks a significant milestone in the decades-long agitation for a new state.
Supporters believe that the creation of Anioma State will address issues of marginalisation and strengthen national cohesion.
Historically, Asaba — the administrative centre of Anioma and current capital of Delta State — holds a tragic place in Nigeria’s civil war memory, having witnessed mass killings during the Biafran conflict.
Advocates of the proposed state argue that its creation would serve as a symbolic and practical step toward healing and integration.
“The proposed Anioma State already possesses the infrastructure to hit the ground running,” the statement noted.
“With a modern and functional state House, a Secretariat, commissioners’ quarters and other public facilities, the new state will not need excessive capital outlays to become operational. It is also resource-rich, with deposits of oil, gas, and solid minerals.”
The group also commended Delta Senators Joel Onowakpo and Ede Dafinone for backing the state creation effort.
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North — the region that comprises the Anioma areas — was hailed as the leading force behind the campaign.
“Senator Ned Nwoko is the arrowhead of this historic movement. He enjoys widespread support from traditional rulers, community youths, artisans, market women, academics and business leaders,” said Chief Oganah.
Political observers say the proposal has the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the South-South region and enhance Igbo representation in Nigeria’s federal structure.
With South-East Nigeria comprising only five states — compared to six or seven in other regions — proponents view the Anioma State as a way to address constitutional imbalance.
The group called on the National Assembly and other relevant authorities to view the proposal not merely as a regional demand, but as a national imperative for justice, fairness and unity.
In related developments, various town unions, youth organisations, and traditional institutions across the Anioma communities have scheduled rallies and prayer sessions to coincide with the Senate public hearing.
Also read: Tinubu Reinstates Rivers Governor in Shocking Peace Deal Ending Political Crisis
Supporters remain optimistic that, with the current political goodwill and growing national awareness of Anioma’s cause, Nigeria may soon welcome its 37th state — Anioma.
