Senator Nwoko Lauds Attendees Of Anioma Stakeholders Summit
Senator Nwoko Lauds Attendees Of Anioma Stakeholders Summit
The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Prince Ned Ned Nwoko has expressed his sincere appreciation to the various eminent personalities, officials, traditional rulers, the clergy, NGO leaders, women groups, youths and other guests who attended the recent Stakeholders’ Summit for the creation of Anioma State which took place at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, Delta State capital.
In a comprehensive post monitored by IMAGE NEWS through Senator Nwoko’s X handle on Wednesday, the influential international attorney, philanthropist and educationist restated his assertion that he is not the initiator of the process for Anioma State creation, stressing that prominent Delta North sons like the former Premier of the defunct Mid-West region, Chief Dennis Chukwude Osadebay, the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, Obi of Owa,His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Efiezomor II and Senator Nosike Ikpo among others have the undeniable credit of starting the movement.
Senator Nwoko who is the Founder of Sports University of Nigeria, Idumuje-Ugboko, the first sports university in Sub-Sahara, stated that although he did not start the agitation, he was committed to continuing and concluding the process, which would culminate in the creation of Anioma State.
Senator Nwoko disclosed that based on the recommendations of the recent stakeholders’ summit, a high-powered TECHNICAL COMMITTEE would soon be constituted to drive the process of Anioma state creation. Here’s the full statement by the top-ranked Senator:
“I respectfully wish to express my profound gratitude on the huge success of the ANIOMA STAKEHOLDERS’ SUMMIT,held on Saturday 31st August 2024 at Nnebisi 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, Ezechiyelugo II of Ashama ,Obi Solomon,Obi of Ezi,HRM Obi Oluome Mohanye,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 word 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
