Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has called on the Anioma people to embrace their Igbo identity and unite with Igbo-speaking communities across Nigeria to foster a stronger, more cohesive nation.
Speaking at the Igbo Unification Movement event in Asaba on Friday, organized by the Ndi na Asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organization, Senator Nwoko emphasized the theme “Igbo Bu Ofu” (Igbos are One).
The event, held in collaboration with Ogbako-Igbo Zara Igbo Oru na Ndida, drew advocates for 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 strong advocacy platforms championing the cultural, historical, and political unity of Igbo-speaking communities across Nigeria.
These communities include Anioma in Delta, Igbanke in Edo, and other border areas. The groups argue that reclaiming a collective Igbo identity is crucial to political strength, cultural revival, and correcting decades of identity distortion.
“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.”
Nwoko, who recently sponsored a bill for the creation of Anioma State, clarified that the push transcends party politics, focusing instead on justice 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 Igbo state.
Reflecting on the Nigerian Civil War, Nwoko recounted how Anioma communities faced ethnic persecution, forcing many to deny their Igbo heritage.
He urged a move toward truth and reconciliation, praising scholars like Professor Abigail Ogwezzy for research affirming Anioma’s Igbo linguistic and historical ties.
“The Igbo identity is universal, whether in Delta, Imo, or Abia,” Nwoko said, likening it to the enduring identity of the Chinese diaspora.
He called on cultural organizations to intensify advocacy and mobilization to achieve Igbo unity and secure Anioma State.
The senator’s remarks underscore a growing movement to strengthen Igbo solidarity and address historical imbalances, with Anioma State as a pivotal goal.
