By Austin Ogwuda
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THE Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Professor) Epiphany Azinge (SAN), has commended Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North at the National Assembly for vigorously pursuing the creation of Anioma State, saying “we hope it becomes a reality in fullness of time”.
Receiving the Delta North Senator on a courtesy visit to his palace on Sunday, a month after his coronation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba, the Asagba commended Senator Nwoko for strategic strides taken for the betterment of Anioma, Delta and Nigeria.
His words: “I appreciate your industry. I commend you for the Anioma project. We hope it becomes a reality in fullness of time.
“We thank you for your efforts to make Federal College of Education Asaba a full-fledged University. Asaba is the only State capital in Nigeria without a Federal university. It was the wish of my predecessor (Obi Prof Chike Edozien) that a Federal University be sited at Asaba as a compensation for the war- time massacre of Asaba people in October 7, 1967.
“We pray for you (Nwoko) to succeed. We are prepared to support you in the service of the people. You have excelled so far. As a broad-minded Senator, you relate across political parties and tribal inclinations. We know you as a man of class and a go-getter.
“On behalf of Asaba kingdom, we must tell you that we are happy and proud of you. Continue to propagate the Anioma identity and philosophy”, said the Asagba.
Earlier, Senator Nwoko told the Monarch that “Anioma State state is important to me and would be actualized by concerted action. I am also committed to building lasting infrastructure while empowering the people.
“Ogwashi Uku dam and Okpai electricity projects remain dear to me. I have made substantial efforts to ensure the completion of the projects.
“The dam”, he went on, “will get on steam to boost irrigation for agriculture and provide water to over 66 Anioma communities. I am concerned about the Okpai Power Plant because the benefits are immeasurable to Anioma people. The Oko road linking several communities would be constructed among other vital initiatives”, he assured.
…. Igbanke, Obazagbon monarchs, others rally behind Nwoko, say they understand what freedom is
In a related development, the country home of Senator Ned Nwoko in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North local government area of Delta State, Nigeria has once again become a gathering place for solidarity visits, with various groups and dignitaries coming to show their support and appreciation for his work in the Senate.
The Lawmaker, who represents Delta North at the National Assembly arrived at Asaba Airport on Saturday and has since welcomed numerous guests to Mount Ned, his residence, to discuss matters of shared interest and also to acknowledge his effective representation.
Among the notable guests who visited on Sunday, were His Royal Highness Dr. Isitor Julius, the King of Ottah-Igbanke, and His Royal Highness Evans Anthony, the King of Obazagbon Community. Both monarchs voiced strong support for the creation of Anioma State and shared their desire for their communities to be part of this new State.
In his address, HRH Dr. Isitor Julius, King of Ottah-Igbanke, delivered a powerful endorsement of the Anioma State movement, said, “Anioma State will come and stay; it is a movement and I say God will be behind you. All of us will be behind you. We, who are here and those of us at home are solidly behind you. We are not kings who say one thing and then do another. Many of us are learned, we understand what freedom is, we know what slavery is. What our forefathers suffered we will not suffer.
“We know there was a mistake in the past because of the ignorance of our fathers; some of them were not enlightened. But now, we thank God that we have moved around and gathered enough information and knowledge. We can read, we can write, and we understand what it means to fight for freedom.
“If someone like you (Nwoko) has taken it upon yourself to champion this fight”, he went on, “the rest of us will stand solidly behind you and put our hands on your shoulder.
Igbanke people are ready. Our people are still expecting you because we are fully behind you”, he added.
On his part, HRH Evans Anthony, King of Obazagbon Community, similarly pledged his community’s support, stating that “The traditional rulers in our area are solidly behind you”.
In a similar vein, the Ugo Anioma Group, a socio-cultural movement dedicated to the creation of Anioma State also paid a courtesy visit to the Senator. During their meeting, the group reaffirmed their support and inquired about the progress of the legislative process towards the creation of Anioma State and pledged their avowed commitment to the cause.
