Agboje Chuks
The drive for the creation of Anioma State has taken a major step forward with the formal inauguration of a high-powered 200-member technical committee charged with steering the process to fruition.
The diverse and highly influential committee, inaugurated on Sunday evening in Asaba, brings together a broad coalition of traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, youth representatives, and professionals drawn from across the Anioma region.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Barr. Azuka Paul Maduemezie, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, who administered the oath of office to the newly appointed members.
The committee is jointly chaired by two esteemed traditional monarchs — the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN), and the Dein of Agbor, HRM Dr. Benjamin Keagborekuzi I. Supporting them as Vice Chairman is HRM Obuenwe Johnson Ekpechi, the Ezemu of Emu Kingdom.
Membership of the committee is intentionally inclusive and regionally representative, featuring:
All traditional rulers and local government chairmen within the Anioma region
Key political figures including Hon. Ngozi Okolie (Member representing Oshimili Federal Constituency), former Deputy Governor Chief Benjamin Elue, and Chief Alanza Uche Ugboma
Influential community leaders such as Chief Emmanuel Ejiofor, the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku, and Obi Ada Biosah, the Omu of Asaba
Representatives from youth organizations, legal and media professionals, socio-cultural groups, and the Igbanke people, further broadening the committee’s reach and impact
Delivering a keynote address titled “The Road to Anioma State: Prospects and Challenges”, Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, declared the creation of Anioma State a “done deal.”
He expressed firm confidence in the movement’s success, stressing that Anioma State would not only foster greater political inclusion but also ignite socio-economic transformation across the region, affirming that top national leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have shown clear support for the initiative.
“The creation of Anioma State is not merely a political objective, it is a generational mission,” Senator Nwoko declared. “Every Anioma son and daughter must rise above political or ethnic divisions and embrace this shared cause.”
In his remarks, Professor Azinge (SAN) reinforced the call for unity and unwavering commitment among committee members and the wider Anioma populace, urging them to work in harmony towards realizing this long-standing dream.
Also speaking, Ambassador Ushi Israel, youth representative on the steering committee, praised Senator Nwoko’s tireless efforts and described him as a visionary leader whose influence and advocacy have inspired hope well beyond Delta North.
He noted that with the inauguration of this strategic committee, the quest for Anioma State has entered a decisive phase, disclosing that the move is driven by collective will, regional solidarity, and a renewed determination to shape the region’s political destiny.
