Professor Abigail Ogwezzy Ndisika, a native of Ndokwa land in Anioma and a passionate advocate for the creation of Anioma State in the South East, recently discussed the “Justification for making Anioma the 6th state in the South East” during a live appearance on TVC Nigeria on April 4, 2026.
She began by pointing out the linguistic affinity between Anioma people and South Easterners, emphasizing that we are all Igbos. Looking back at political history, she explained that Anioma people were referred to as Midwestern Igbos during the Midwestern era, later as Bendel Igbos, and are currently recognized as Delta Igbos in present-day Delta State which recognizes five ethnic groups and gazetted Anioma as Igbos in its constitutional framework.
She further noted that linguistic experts have confirmed that Anioma people speak dialects closely related to the other dialects of the Igbo language spoken in the South East. She pointed out similarities in names, everyday words, titles, and cultural expressions that reinforces the deep-rooted connection.
In her words, “it is time for us to join our kith and kin in Eastern Nigeria, especially in addressing the identity crisis that emerged as a consequence of the civil war”.
Professor Ndisika argued that creating Anioma State as the 6th state in the South East would address the structural imbalance of the region currently having only five states. She explained that Anioma’s inclusion would not only expand landmass but also increase population size, thereby strengthening the electoral power of the South East. She added that Anioma brings strong economic viability, including contributions from its creative industry. We have what it takes to be in the South East, she affirmed.
Responding to concerns about the River Niger serving as a geographical barrier, she clarified that water bodies should not be seen as obstacles but as opportunities for enhancing trade and connectivity. She cited examples such as Nembe and other riverine communities where rivers exist within them without disrupting unity. According to her, the River Niger does not justify exclusion but instead strengthens the case for inclusion.
She emphasized that Ndi Anioma want to identify with the South East because we have that affinity, as our culture resonates more with the Igbos of the South East.
She concluded by stating that expansion is better than maintaining the status quo, and reinforced the urgency and importance of the creation of Anioma State as the 6th State in the South East of Nigeria.
