Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, says he is excited with the successful outcome of Saturday’s Anioma Stakeholders’ Summit, acknowledging the tremendous support of the people.
In a Thank You Message to Anioma indigenes and thousands of other participants from across the country, Senator Nwoko said the widespread goodwill had emboldened him in the agitation for Anioma State.
The lawmaker said his primary agenda was the creation of Anioma, with the capital at Asaba, not which zone the state would be domiciled.
He emphasized that the consensus of the Summit centereded on the necessity of Anioma as the geo-political zone would be determined by the government of the day.
Senator Nwoko said, “This clarification has become inevitable to set the records straight and correct whatever misrepresentation that may have gone out in the public domain in a communique dated Monday 9th September 2024”.
It would be recalled that a wrong communique at variance with the resolutions of the Anioma Summit was published in a section of the media.
Below is the full text of Senator Nwoko’s Thank You Message on the summit witnessed by Anioma traditional rulers, eminent personalities, and over 100 socio-cultural and pressure groups.
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, August 31, 2024 at the National 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 organizations, 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, 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 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, Ezechiyelugo II of Ashama, Obi Solomon, 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,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 goes 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 world wide, Ohaneze Women and Youth wings,as well as leaders of United Igbo Elders Council World wide- 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 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 every one 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.
