In what appears to be an interesting momentum on the groundswell of support for the creation of Anioma state, ONU-IKA, the umbrella socio-cultural organization of the Ika people, has endorsed the Anioma quest.
This emerged Thursday when Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District and sponsor of the Anioma state creation Bill, visited the national secretariat of Onu-Ika at Agbor in the Ika South Local Government Area.
The Head of Collective Leadership (HCL) Onu-Ika Nigeria, Elder Daniel Usifor, said the Ika nationality needed the Anioma state for greater socio-economic and political development.
Elder Usifor said he had been involved over the years in the clamour for Anioma and noted that the demand also aligned with the wishes of Ika people.
“We are in support of Anioma. Onu-Ika as the voice of Ika nation views Anioma as a proper and legitimate agitation. We regard you (Ned Nwoko) as an interactive Senator who has the interests of the people at heart.We are behind you.”
Thanking Ika people for their goodwill, Senator Nwoko said Anioma solidarity had covered all quarters in Delta North.
According to senator Nwoko: “What matters to me is the creation of Anioma. The people and government of the day have the responsibility to determine where it would belong.
Anioma is a long race. A race of five decades, but I am in a position to finish it. I know I have the experience and exposure. With the cooperation of all, Anioma would rise. Opportunites from all fronts are coming for our people.”
A Stakeholders’ Summit on Anioma state creation was hosted last Saturday by Senator Nwoko.
At the event held in Asaba, the Delta state capital, over 100 cultural and interests groups which encompassed traditional rulers, community leaders, political class, professional bodies, youths and women, overwhelmingly gave support for the creation of Anioma state.