The vision for the creating of Anioma State is gaining momentum with the formal inauguration of a powerful 200-member technical committee tasked with steering the process toward realisation.

The inauguration ceremony, held in Asaba, on Sunday evening, saw a diverse and influential gathering of traditional leaders, political figures, and community representatives sworn to an oaths of office by the Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, Mr. Azuka Paul Maduemezie.

The committee is chaired by the revered Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN), with the Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Keagborekuzi I, serving as Co-Chairman. The Ezemu of Emu Kingdom, HRM Obuenwe Johnson Ekpechi, was named Vice Chairman.

Other prominent members include all traditional rulers and Council Chairmen across the Anioma region, as well as key political stakeholders such as Hon. Ngozi Okolie, representing Oshimili Federal Constituency, former Delta State Deputy Governor Chief Benjamin Elue, and Chief Alanza Uche Ugboma. Influential community leaders such as the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku, Chief Emmanuel Ejiofor, the Omu of Asaba, Obi Ada Biosah, and representatives from youth, legal, media, social groups and the representative of the Igbanke people.

In a keynote address, titled, “The Road to Anioma State: Prospects and Challenges,” Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, declared the creation of Anioma State a “done deal.”

He emphasised that top national leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, have expressed support for the initiative.

Speaking at the Ogwa Uku, Ahaba in Asaba, Senator Nwoko expressed strong optimism that the proposed state would be a catalyst for regional economic growth, enhanced political representation, and broader socio-economic transformation.

He underscored the importance of unity and collective effort, cautioning against politicising the movement, as the envisioned benefits would extend to future generations.

“The creation of Anioma State is not just a political goal, but also a generational mission. So, every Anioma son and daughter must rise above political and ethnic divides to embrace this common cause,” he said

Echoing this call for unity, Professor Azinge urged committee members and the broader Anioma community to remain committed and united in pursuit of the long-standing aspiration.

Several committee members, including the traditional ruler of Ubulu Unor and 2nd Vice Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, Obi Henry Afamefuna Kikachukwu Ph.D., Comrade Marcus Enudi, Chief Chukwudi Odelle, and Ambassador Ushi Isreal, praised Senator Nwoko’s relentless advocacy.

They described him as a visionary and impactful leader whose contributions have resonated far beyond the Delta North region.