The Anioma State Creation Technical Committee has renewed calls for widespread support towards the realisation of Anioma State, urging all sons and daughters of the region to rally around a cause that promises equity, development, and inclusive representation.

In a statement released by the Media and Publicity Director of the Technical Committee, Chief Tonnie Oganah, the committee revealed 15 compelling facts tracing the historical, political, and constitutional roots of the agitation, dating back to the early 1950s.

Calling for unity, love, and collective prayers, Chief Oganah highlighted that the Anioma struggle goes beyond partisan interests, noting that creating a new state could address historical imbalances and promote development throughout the region.

“All Anioma citizens should support Anioma State creation in love, unity and progress, with prayers to God, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its genuine members are truly supporting this noble aspiration,” he declared.

According to the statement, the idea of creating a state for the Anioma people was first proposed in 1951 under the name Lower Niger State. The agitation was championed by revered Anioma leaders, including Chief Barr. Dennis Osadebe, the first Premier of Nigeria’s defunct Mid-Western Region and grandfather of Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, the then Obi of Idumuje Ugboko, Chief Idisi Dafe of Obiaruku, Chief Humphrey Iwerebon of Ika, and Senator Nosike Ikpo of Ibusa.
“These were visionary leaders who believed in Anioma’s distinct identity and its right to self-determination within a federal Nigeria.

“They were also prominent members of the Igbo Union, which later evolved into Ohaneze Ndi Igbo after the civil war,” Oganah stated.

He further noted that the agitation predates the creation of Nigeria’s present-day geopolitical zones and is thus not bound by current zoning conventions.

Oganah dismissed zoning as a legal or constitutional constraint to state creation, explaining that the concept was introduced by the late Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme during the Second Republic and later gained traction during the 1999 transition to democracy.

“The 1999 Constitution does not mention zoning. Fiscal allocations in Nigeria are distributed based on states and local governments, not on geopolitical zones,” he argued.

He maintained that creating Anioma State would align with constitutional principles and ensure a more equitable distribution of national resources.

Chief Oganah highlighted the transformative potential of Anioma State, stating that its creation would bring about new employment opportunities for youths, contracts for entrepreneurs, and empowerment for women and marginalised groups.

“We plan to expand the current nine local governments to 18, guaranteeing grassroots development and representation across all communities,” he said.

The committee also addressed internal concerns within Anioma, particularly the perceived marginalisation of some subgroups under the current Delta State configuration.

Chief Oganah pointed out that while the Aniocha and Oshimili divisions have historically led the advocacy for Anioma identity, political and economic benefits have disproportionately favoured the Ika axis.

“We’ve had a Deputy Governor and a Governor from Ika. Meanwhile, Aniocha Oshimili has carried the torch for Anioma identity but has not received commensurate benefits,” he stated.

He also drew attention to the Ndokwa-Ukwuani region, describing it as the most underdeveloped part of Anioma, despite having the largest landmass, population, and resource base.

Chief Oganah dispelled the perception that Senator Ned Nwoko’s political ambitions drive the campaign.
“This movement is not about any one individual. Once Anioma State is created, the benefits will be shared by all Anioma citizens, regardless of political or social status,” he affirmed.

The statement praised the APC and other political stakeholders for their consistent support, describing their commitment as a sign of growing national acceptance of the Anioma cause.

He called on traditional rulers, youth organisations, civil society groups, and the broader Anioma populace to amplify advocacy efforts and ensure the movement gains national traction.

“The time is now. Let us rise in unity and purpose to support this noble aspiration. Anioma State is not just a dream, it is a legitimate quest rooted in history, backed by law, and driven by the will of the people,” he concluded.