We Were Forced To Deny Being Igbo – Ned Nwoko

The senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Prince Ned Nwoko, has urged the people of Anioma in Delta State to fully embrace their Igbo identity and join hands with their eastern brothers to build a stronger and more united Nigeria.

He made the call in Asaba while addressing participants at a conference organised by the Igbo Unification Movement in collaboration with the Ndi na Asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organisation with the theme “Igbo Bu Ofu” (Igbos are One).

The groups said reclaiming a collective Igbo identity was crucial to political strength, cultural revival and correcting decades of identity distortion.

Speaking at the event, Senator Nwoko commended the organisers for their courage and vision, noting that their efforts aligned with his long-standing philosophy on Anioma identity and the need for an Anioma State carved out of Delta North.

Nwoko recalled his childhood experience during the Nigerian civil war when Anioma communities faced ethnic cleansing and were compelled to deny their Igbo identity to survive.

He said the lingering identity crisis from that era must now give way to truth and reconciliation.

He further praised academics and activists, including Professor Abigail Ogwezzy of the University of Lagos, whose research on Anioma linguistics and history has shed light on the people’s Igbo roots.

He said, “There is no argument about our Igboness. 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. Time has come for us to reverse the old narratives that separated us from our brothers across the Niger,” Nwoko said.

The lawmaker, who recently sponsored a motion for the creation of Anioma State in the National Assembly, said the agitation was not about politics or personal ambition but about correcting historical imbalances.

“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 recognised Anioma as one of the Igbo states,” he said.

Highlighting the wider significance of the gathering, Nwoko said: “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.”

The senator urged the Igbo Unification Movement, Ndi na Asu Bia and other cultural organisations to continue their advocacy, education and mobilisation, stressing that only through such collective effort can the dream of a united Igbo nation and the creation of Anioma State be realised.

The organisations have become strong advocacy platforms for the cultural, historical and political unity of Igbo-speaking communities across Nigeria, including Anioma (Delta North senatorial district), Igbanke in Edo and other areas.