Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has formally submitted a compelling memorandum to the ongoing National Public Hearing on State Creation, passionately advocating for the long-awaited creation of Anioma State. The hearing, which commenced on Friday, July 4, 2025, and continued through Saturday, July 5, in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, was part of a nationwide constitutional review exercise overseen by the Nigerian Senate.

 

Presiding over the South-South zonal public hearing was Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who emphasized the significance of the exercise as a crucial step towards “restructuring Nigeria into a more just, equitable, and united federation.” The proposed Anioma State, which would be carved out of the current Delta North Senatorial District, gained significant traction at the hearing, with its bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North.

 

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The OYC, represented by Comrade Onuoha Eberechukwu, Chairman of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (Anambra State), and Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, National President, presented a detailed document outlining the historical, ethnic, and developmental justifications for Anioma State.

The memorandum, dated July 5, 2025, asserts that the creation of Anioma State is not merely a constitutional matter but a rectification of long-standing injustices against the Anioma people, who despite their distinct Igbo cultural and linguistic heritage, have been politically displaced.

 

The OYC’s submission highlighted key arguments for the new state, including:
1. Geopolitical and Administrative Feasibility: Anioma possesses a contiguous territory, a homogeneous ethnic identity, viable economic structures, and existing infrastructure.

2. Youth Inclusion, National Security, and Development: The OYC believes the new state will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for youth, open new opportunities in various sectors, reduce political agitation, and foster a new development hub in the Southeast.

3. Rectifying Historical Injustice: The Anioma agitation is described as one of Nigeria’s oldest, dating back 71 years to the colonial era.

 

Addressing potential objections, the OYC robustly countered arguments that “Delta is part of the South-South,” asserting that ethno-cultural identity should guide state creation. They also dismissed concerns about destabilizing Delta State, arguing that the reorganization would lead to re-balanced development without disruption.

 

The Ohanaeze Youth Council concluded its plea by urging the National Assembly and the Federal Government to:

• Approve the creation of Anioma State from Delta North Senatorial Zone.
• Recognize the Igbo ethnic identity of the Anioma people.
• Complete the six-state structure of the South East for constitutional equity.
• Utilize this opportunity to foster national unity and healing.

 

While the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has previously maintained a neutral stance on specific state creation demands, the spirited presentation by the OYC at the Ikot-Ekpene hearing underscores the powerful and widespread demand for Anioma State, particularly among the younger generation.

 

The Senate has assured that all memoranda received will be thoroughly reviewed, with a report expected to be transmitted to state assemblies before December 2025.