– by Chuks Ibegbu
The Anioma people of the Delta North Senatorial Zone are comprised of Igbo groups, including Ika, Oshimili, Ndokwa, and Aniocha. Vibrant in culture and diplomacy, Anioma is the land of the Elumeku warriors. When the British colonialists arrived through the Royal Niger Company, they made Asaba in Anioma the Headquarters of the Royal Niger Company. It was from Asaba that the capital was moved to Calabar.
Ekumeku
The Anioma people have never doubted their Igboness, and their son Dennis Osadebey, who later became the Premier of the old Midwestern region, played a critical role in the struggle for Igbo Renaissance, being a one-time Secretary General of Igbo Union. During the anti-colonial struggles, Anioma sons like Nduka Eze played a significant role. During the unfortunate Biafra war, Anioma provided more than forty percent of Biafra war commanders. The gruesome Asaba massacre is clear evidence of the tragedy that befell the Anioma people as a result of their igboness. Anioma land is also a melting point of Nigerians, hence in all Anioma towns and villages, Nigerians from all crevices are living and doing their Businesses happily. It is for all these reasons and many others that the Anioma state deserves to be created.
Anioma State creation will satisfy the structural marginalization of the South East, which has only five states, and it will remain a melting point of all Nigerians. I will note end this work without lauding Distinguished Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing the Delta North Senatorial zone, who initiated the bill for the creation of Anioma state and is facilitating the trajectory vigorously. History and posterity will honor him for not allowing the Dreams of the founding fathers of Anioma land and the historical reality to die.
Ndigbo and Nigerians should all come together to make Anioma state a reality
To God be the glory.
— by Chuks Ibegbu
Former Spokesman, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide; and Coordinator, Anioma State Creation Supporters Movement.
Ibegbu is from Umuawa Alaocha, Umuahia, Abia state.
