Anioma State advocates push for inclusion in South East, highlight economic, structural advantages
Anioma State advocates push for inclusion in South East, highlight economic, structural advantages
By John Okezie
The Anioma State Creation Movement has renewed its call for the creation of Anioma State, arguing that the proposed state holds more strategic and economic advantages than other state creation proposals from the South East.
In a statement by the Media Director of the movement, Chief Tonnie Oganah, the group said Anioma State would bring “real value” to the South East by adding both human and infrastructural strength to the region.
According to Oganah, the proposed state capital, Asaba, already has the necessary infrastructure to function effectively as a state capital, unlike other proposed capitals.
He said the creation of Anioma State would save both time and resources since the necessary infrastructure for governance is already in place.
Highlighting its economic prospects, Oganah noted that Anioma would contribute over 6,400 square kilometres of dry land to the South East, an area the region currently lacks, as well as several rivers and railway lines that could boost trade and connectivity.
He added that the state would bring in an additional population of over two million people and contribute oil and gas resources to the South East economy, complementing the existing production in Abia and Imo states.
“With Anioma’s oil and gas deposits, the South East economy will experience a boom and crime will naturally reduce. If the Asaba end of the River Niger is dredged to accommodate bigger ships, business will thrive even more”, he said.
The group also argued that the inclusion of Anioma in the South East would help decongest overcrowded cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt as more Igbo people would return home to explore new opportunities.
Oganah said the cultural and linguistic similarities between Anioma and other South East states would foster greater unity and development.
The group further noted that the South East currently has only 95 local government areas out of Nigeria’s 774, the lowest among the six geopolitical zones.
The latest creation, Oganah said, would increase the number of local governments in the South East, ensuring a fairer share of federal allocations.
Supporters of the Anioma State creation believe the move will not only correct perceived political imbalances but also stimulate economic growth and regional stability in the South East.
