ASABA/Nigeria: Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has called on the Anioma people to embrace their Igbo heritage and unite with other Igbo-speaking communities across Nigeria to build a stronger and more cohesive nation.
Speaking on Friday at the Igbo Unification Movement in Asaba, organized by the Ndi na Asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organization in collaboration with Ogbako-Igbo Zara Igbo Oru na Ndida, Nwoko emphasized the theme “Igbo Bu Ofu” (Igbos are One), stressing the need to reclaim a shared cultural and political identity.
“As an historian, I know our roots. Anioma is undeniably Igbo,” Nwoko declared. “It’s time to reject old narratives that divided us from our brothers across the Niger.”
The senator, who recently sponsored a bill for the creation of Anioma State, clarified that his push transcends partisan politics, insisting it is about justice, fairness, and identity. “I have no ambition to be governor. My dream is for an Ndokwa son or daughter to lead Anioma State, with Asaba as its capital,” he said, aligning his vision with Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s recognition of Anioma as an integral part of Igboland.
He recalled how Anioma communities suffered ethnic persecution during the Nigerian Civil War, leading many to deny their Igbo heritage. He urged reconciliation through truth-telling and praised scholars such as Professor Abigail Ogwezzy for affirming Anioma’s deep linguistic and historical ties to the Igbo nation.
“The Igbo identity is universal, whether in Delta, Imo, or Abia,” Nwoko said, likening it to the enduring pride of the Chinese diaspora. He urged cultural groups to intensify advocacy, mobilization, and enlightenment campaigns to promote Igbo unity and secure the creation of Anioma State.
The Asaba event drew prominent voices championing the cultural and political unity of Igbo-speaking regions, including Anioma in Delta and Igbanke in Edo. The Igbo Unification Movement and Ndi na Asu Bia have, in recent years, become leading platforms advancing the cause of correcting historical distortions, fostering cultural revival, and building political solidarity across Igboland.
Nwoko’s remarks reflect growing momentum for Igbo unity and underline Anioma State as a pivotal goal in addressing historical imbalances and ensuring greater representation within Nigeria’s political framework.
