As momentum builds for the creation of Anioma State, the Nigerian Senate has officially scheduled a two-day public hearing on the proposed state for July 4th and 5th, 2025, to be held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The hearing follows the successful first and second readings of the Anioma State Creation Bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District.
This legislative milestone marks a critical juncture in a decades-long campaign for political identity, equity, and regional development.
A Generational Aspiration Nears Reality
The public hearing is expected to draw wide participation from across the Delta North region and beyond.
Stakeholders, ranging from traditional rulers, community leaders, academics, youth and women groups, to socio-cultural organizations, are poised to make formal submissions to the Senate Committee overseeing the constitutional review and state creation process.
In a recent interview, Senator Nwoko, the principal advocate of the Anioma cause, described the hearing as “all-important,” calling on Anioma people and supporters nationwide to participate fully.
He characterized the statehood demand as a “compelling historical movement”, rather than a mere political project.
“This is not about personal glory. It is about fulfilling the wishes of both past and present generations of Anioma people,” Nwoko said.
“Legends like Sir Dennis Osadebay, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, and Senator Nosike Ikpo laid the foundation. Today, I stand for history, for equity, and for our collective dream.”
Political Winds in Favor of Anioma
Senator Nwoko expressed optimism about national support for the creation of Anioma State, citing the responsiveness of President Bola Tinubu, and a “receptive atmosphere” within both the Senate and House of Representatives.
According to him, states across the South-South and South-East zones are showing encouraging signs of backing the proposal.
A Trailblazer Behind the Push
The Anioma bill is spearheaded by a lawmaker whose track record speaks to bold national interventions.
Nwoko is widely credited with initiating the Paris Club refunds, which were instrumental in ending Nigeria’s recession.
He is also celebrated as the first black African to embark on an Antarctic expedition, and the founder of the first sports university in Sub-Saharan Africa.
With public enthusiasm rising and legislative momentum gathering pace, the upcoming Senate hearing in Uyo could mark a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s geopolitical evolution—and the realization of Anioma State