Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), has called on the Anioma people of Delta State to fully embrace their Igbo heritage, while urging greater unity with their Eastern Nigerian counterparts to build a stronger and more inclusive nation.
Speaking in Asaba at a conference jointly organised by the Igbo Unification Movement and Ndi na Asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organisation, themed “Igbo Bu Ofu” (Igbos are One), Nwoko said the time had come to shed old divisions and embrace historical truth.
In a statement from his office on Friday, he praised the organisers for their “courage and vision,” noting that the conference reflects his long-standing commitment to Anioma identity and his advocacy for the creation of Anioma State out of Delta North.
“These groups have become strong voices advocating for the cultural, historical, and political unity of Igbo-speaking communities,” the statement noted, referring to areas such as Anioma (Delta North), Igbanke in Edo, and other border communities.
The goal, according to the groups, is to rebuild cultural identity, enhance political leverage, and reverse decades of historical distortion.
“There is no argument about our Igbo-ness. I understand history very well. I have a degree in history. I know the migration of the Igbo people, and I know clearly that we, the Anioma, are Igbo,” Senator Nwoko said.
“Time has come for us to reverse the old narratives that separated us from our brothers across the Niger.”
The senator reiterated that his drive to establish Anioma State in the National Assembly stems from the need to restore justice, not political ambition.
“This is not about APC, PDP, or Labour Party. It is about identity, justice, and fairness. I have no interest in being governor, but I want Anioma to stand tall with its own state, with Asaba as its capital. That way, we also fulfill the dream of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which has always recognized Anioma as one of the Igbo states,” he explained.
Nwoko also reflected on his personal experiences during the Nigerian Civil War, recalling a painful chapter of ethnic cleansing endured by Anioma communities.
He said people were often forced to deny their Igbo heritage in order to survive, a situation that has had long-lasting effects on their collective identity.
“The lingering identity crisis from that era must now give way to truth and reconciliation,” he urged.
He acknowledged the academic contributions of individuals like Professor Abigail Ogwezzy of the University of Lagos, whose linguistic and historical research has strengthened the understanding of Anioma’s Igbo origins.
“The Igbo man is Igbo everywhere, whether from Delta, Imo, or Abia. Just like a Chinese man remains Chinese anywhere in the world, Anioma must rise to embrace its identity. That is the only way we can achieve unity and political relevance,” he said.
Senator Nwoko, who also chairs the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, encouraged the Igbo Unification Movement, Ndi na Asu Bia, and similar groups to continue their work in advocacy, education, and mobilisation.
He emphasized that unity and persistence would be key to realising both the dream of an Anioma State and a unified Igbo nation.
