ABUJA/Nigeria: The Anioma Stakeholders’ Summit held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Nnebisi Convention Centre in Asaba, Delta State, has been described as a resounding success by Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko.
The Senator made this known in a thank you statement on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, and made available to Ndokwa Reporters Online. The Senator While acknowledging the success of the summit, however apologized on the error that was noticed in the published communique in a national Newspaper on Monday, September 9, 2024.
The event, organized to rally support for the creation of Anioma State, witnessed overwhelming participation from traditional rulers, community leaders, political figures, and various socio-cultural organizations.
Senator Nwoko, the initiator of the Bill for Anioma State creation, expressed his profound gratitude to all attendees for their support, emphasizing that the movement for Anioma State, which has now passed its first reading in the 10th Nigerian Senate, is gaining momentum. He noted that the agitation for Anioma predates his involvement and began over 50 years ago, spearheaded by figures like Sir Dennis Osadebay, the first premier of the Midwest region, and other prominent Anioma leaders.
“I did not start the fight, but I will finish it!” Nwoko declared, reaffirming his commitment to the Anioma cause. He praised the extensive participation at the summit, which included over 100 different organizations from across Delta North and beyond. The involvement of traditional rulers such as the Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Keagborekuzi, and the Obi of Owa, HRM Emmanuel Efiezomor II, added both spiritual and moral weight to the event.
In addition to the royal presence, the summit attracted notable political figures, including Hon. Ngozi Okolie of the House of Representatives and Hon. Engineer Emeka Nwaobi, Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly. Senator Nwoko also thanked various socio-cultural groups such as Izu Anioma, Ndokwa-Neku, and Onu-Ika for their steadfast support.
The senator lauded the presence of faith-based organizations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim adherents, for their prayers and goodwill. He further recognized the vibrant youth associations that attended, highlighting the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Anioma Youth Forum, and other groups that lent their voices to the call for Anioma State.
Looking ahead, Senator Nwoko emphasized that the success of the summit is just the beginning. He urged continued unity and participation in the quest for Anioma State, announcing that a high-powered Technical Committee would soon be constituted to advance the process. “Anioma is a good land, blessed with excellent human capacity and natural resources,” he stated, calling on all Anioma citizens to remain dedicated to the cause.
In closing, Nwoko reaffirmed his belief that the creation of Anioma State is a noble pursuit, one that must be approached with dignity, love, and oneness for the benefit of future generations. “Thank you all for your support yesterday, today, and tomorrow,” he said, signing off with a hopeful message for the future of Anioma.
Full text of the Thank You Message on the summit witnessed by Anioma traditional rulers,eminent personalities and over 100 socio-cultural and pressure groups is as follows:
“ANIOMA STAKEHOLDERS’ SUMMIT: THANK YOU ALL.
I respectfully wish to express my profound gratitude on the huge success of the ANIOMA STAKEHOLDERS’ SUMMIT, held on Saturday 31st August 2024 at Nnebisi convention centre, Grand Hotel, Asaba, Delta State.
The Summit which I deemed very important, became necessary to allow for all-embracing conversations and consultations on my Bill for the Creation of ANIOMA STATE, which has passed first reading on the floor of the 10th Nigerian Senate.
I am so happy and fulfilled with the impressive outcome of the Anioma Stakeholders’ Summit.
The groundswell of support from pro-ANIOMA stakeholders including traditional rulers, community leaders, elders, serving and former members of the state and national assemblies, youths, women, socio-cultural organisations, religious bodies and various pressure groups is overwhelming, having spread to virtually all quarters in Delta North and far afield. It is remarkable that over 100 different organizations graced the summit.
The agitation for Anioma predated my resolve as it started over 50 years. The oldest state creation move in Nigeria’s historical experience. Pioneered by legendary Sir Dennis Osadebay, of blessed memory, the first premier of Midwest region, the quest had continued over the years with other Anioma illustrious potentates like late Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, Obi of Owa, His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Efiezomor II and Senator Nosike Ikpo among others, gallantly leading the movement at various times.
The renaissance of Anioma state creation is a movement I am proud to reboot for the common good.
Like I often say, I DID NOT START THE FIGHT, BUT I WILL FINISH IT!
The epoch-making Summit has particularly emboldened me in the renewed quest for the creation of Anioma state.
Never before in the annals of the Anioma struggle, had the movement been so fervent in participation, acceptance and appeal.
The attendance of the Summit was epic and colourful.
My special appreciation to our revered traditional rulers/royalty-Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Keagborekuzi, Ogbueshi (Engr) Loius Nwabunwanne Edozien,Ochendo Asagba of Asaba,Obi of Ubulu-Unor,HRM Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu, Obi of Idumuje-Unor, HRM Charles Chukwuwike Anyasi III, Ezemu of Emu Kingdom, HRM Obuenwe Johnson Ekpechi,Obuzor of Ibusa, HRM Obi Professor Chielunor Lious Nwaoboshi, Obi of Ejime,HRM Godwin Nzemeke Opune Adayere 1, Obi of Ejime-Aniogor,, HRM Anthony Ogboli, Obi of Ezi, HRM Obi Oluome Mohanye, Obi of Obior, HRM Kingsley Ugochukwu Ofuokwu III, Obi of Atuma-Iga, HRM Chukwuka Daniel Ogbudu, Obi of Obomkpa, HRM Onyemaechi Josiah Kanyinaga I and Obi of Ukala, HRM Clement Oseji Ejiofor among others. Their royal presence gave deep spiritual and moral blessings to the summit.
I also wish to thank Hon. Ngozi Okolie, a member representing Aniocha/Oshimili constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Ossai Ossai, former member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani at the House of Representatives and Hon.Engineer Emeka Nwaobi, majority leader, Delta State House of Assembly, for being part of the historic summit.
My thanks go further to personalities like Chief Chris Agbobu, former federal minister, Professor Leroy Edozien, Professor
Mrs.Julie Umukoro,Mazi Omeife Omeife and others too numerous to mention.
I also recall with immense gratitude, the massive presence of strategic groups like Izu -Anioma led by Pastor Dr. Kingsley Ojie, Ndokwa-Neku (NNU) led by General Mike Ndubisi (Rtd.) and Onu-Ika under the leadership of Elder Daniel Usifor, all representing the peoples of Aniocha/Oshimili, Ndokwa/Ukwuani and Ika ethnic nationalities. Their support is humbling and highly commendable.
My appreciation to the President Generals (PGs) of all Anioma communities, under the chairmanship of Prince Igwe Nzekwe for mobilizing the inhabitants of various towns and villages to the Summit.
Also worthy of profuse appreciation for their outstanding solidarity at the summit are Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, Ohaneze Women and Youth wings, as well as leaders of United Igbo Elders Council worldwide- His Lordship Hon.Justice Anthony Iguh, (CON.) Fmr. Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, His Lordship Justice A.Ikpeama, H.E. Pastor Obiereka, Major General Collins Ihekire (Rtd.) Prof. Obasi Igwe and Bishop Ban Chinwuba
The roll call of recognition also includes the Arewa group among other socio-cultural organizations who came from across the country. It is remarkable that over 100 different organizations graced the Summit.
My salute to the chiefs and representatives of Igbanke and Ekpon communities who came to the Summit to lend a strong voice to the creation of Anioma state.
I must also appreciate the large presence of the OMUS from the various Anioma communities for their sacred motherly roles in making the occasion successful.
Gratitude to faith-based associations – Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN ) and Muslim adherents for their prayers and goodwill.
Kudos to the vibrant legion of Youth associations that attended, including members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria
(NYCN), Anioma Youth Forum, Agitators of Anioma State, Aniocha /Oshimili Youth Movement, Ndokwa Ukwuani Youth Association, National Association of Delta state students, (NADESTU) and so on.
I must not forget the enthusiastic participation of indigenes- men, women, boys girls from several villages and wards drawn from the nine local government areas of Delta North – Aniocha North,Aniocha South ,Oshimili North, Oshimili South,Ika North East,Ika South,Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West and Ukwuani .
I whole heartedly thank the organizing committee of the Anioma Stakeholders’ Summit led by Chief Dan Okenyi for their efforts and sacrifice.
According to Shakespearean dictum, what touches us ourselves shall be last served. My affectionate thanks to my darling wife, Regina Daniels Nwoko for standing elegantly beside me every step of the way. Her support in every sense of the world remains my mainstay.
Above all compliments, I give solemn heartfelt gratitude to God, the Supreme for the amazing success of the Summit.
Let me emphasize that the resounding accomplishment of the Anioma Summit is just the beginning of our journey.
We must redouble our commitment towards the creation of Anioma state. Our cause is noble. Anioma is a good land. Anioma ranks among the richest on planet earth, blessed with excellent human capacity and limitless natural resources.
Let us make Anioma state a reality. I must restate for the avoidance of doubt that my focus, like most well-meaning Anioma citizens is the creation of Anioma state, first and foremost. What is clear from the Summit is that everyone wants Anioma. It was agreed that we should not dwell on zoning as it is not an issue but should be determined by the government of the day at the appropriate time. This clarification has become inevitable to set the records straight and correct whatever misrepresentation that may have gone out in the public domain as contained in the communique dated Monday 9, September 2024.
While thanking everyone and every group for their overwhelming support, I enjoin all to remain united and resolute in the quest for Anioma.
Ensure full-fledged participation in all debates, public hearings, meetings and mobilizations.
A high-powered TECHNICAL COMMITTEE endorsed at the Stakeholders’ Summit would soon be constituted to drive the process of Anioma state creation.
From the depth of my heart, I salute your unwavering loyalty and dedication to the Anioma cause. We are a people of dignity cultured by good breeding. We must continue to pursue our desire with all decorum to maintain the clarity of our vision towards the dawn of Anioma. We must do this in love and oneness for the benefit of our forebears, present and future generations.
Thank you all for your support yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Oganihu Anioma!”
SENATOR PRINCE NED MUNIR NWOKO.
Dated:
10 September 2024.
