The long-standing quest for the creation of Anioma State has reached a critical milestone, as the 10th Nigerian Senate schedules a public hearing on the matter for Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The hearing follows the successful first and second readings of the Anioma State Creation Bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District. The public hearing is expected to galvanise support and deepen national discourse on the proposed state.
The event will be graced by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Nwoko, and other prominent lawmakers, underscoring the significance attached to the exercise.
In a major show of mobilisation, stakeholders from across the nation — including traditional rulers, opinion leaders, academics, youth and women groups, and socio-cultural organisations — are expected to make formal submissions in support of the state creation.
Senator Nwoko had earlier set up a high-powered Technical Committee led by the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, as Chairman, and the Dein of Agbor, HRM Ikenchukwu Kikagborekuze, as Co-Chairman.
The committee is tasked with driving the technical and historical documentation needed to support the state creation process.
Describing the upcoming hearing as a pivotal moment, Senator Nwoko appealed for mass participation.
He emphasised that the agitation for Anioma State was not a personal ambition but a deeply rooted collective aspiration of the Anioma people.
“The people of Delta North earnestly desire Anioma. Their aspiration aligns with the vision of our founding fathers. Like I often say, I didn’t start the agitation, but I hope to finish it. It is a struggle for our history and identity, not a pursuit of personal glory,” Senator Nwoko said.
He acknowledged the foundational efforts of iconic figures such as Sir Dennis Osadebay, Professor Obi Chike Edozien, and Senator Nosike Ikpo, who championed the Anioma cause over five decades ago.
Expressing optimism, Senator Nwoko added:
“I am confident that Anioma will be created. I thank President Bola Tinubu for his understanding, as well as the Senate and the House of Representatives for their support so far. I believe the majority of states across the South-South and South-East zones will back the creation of Anioma.”
Public expectations are high, given the protracted history of the Anioma agitation and Senator Nwoko’s widely acknowledged commitment to nation-building. Since his emergence as one of the most impactful legislators in the House of Representatives in 1999, and now as a Senator elected in 2023, Nwoko has remained a steadfast advocate for his people.
Currently, he also chairs the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, further cementing his role as a national voice for justice and equity.
As the historic public hearing approaches, all eyes will be on Ikot Ekpene, where history may take a decisive turn in favour of the Anioma dream.
