Delta state governor, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, highlighted the historic contributions of the Igbo people to Nigeria’s growth and development.
The governor said the Igbo unification initiative was seen as a positive development for the region’s future.
The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, during an event in Asaba, Delta state capital, organised by the Igbo Unification Movement in collaboration with Ndi N’asu Bia said the initiative could potentially foster greater cooperation, economic development, and social progress in the region.
He commended the organisers of the movement for promoting unity and harmony among the Igbo.
Oborevwori expressed disappointment over the absence of senators and key government officials from Igbo-speaking states at the Igbo Unification Movement.
He noted that aside from Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), no other senator or government functionary from the 13 Igbo-speaking states attended the high-profile gathering.
According to him, “I’m proud that the Senator representing Delta North is here among you people,” Oborevwori said.
“But I was expecting other Igbo Senators and government functionaries from across the Igbo-speaking states to be present at this ceremony, since it was meant to involve all Igbo-speaking states,” he lamented.
The event, aimed at fostering unity among the Igbo people regardless of geographic boundaries, drew traditional leaders, academics, and community stakeholders from across the Southeast and other parts of the region.
In his remarks, Senator Nwoko stressed the need for cultural and ideological closeness between the Anioma people of Delta North and the wider Igbo community.
“Anioma and Ndi Igbo are similar, sharing the same philosophy and ideals. We are all Igbo, wherever we are,” he said.
Senator Nwoko however, said discussions were ongoing among stakeholders to create an additional state for the Igbo as a matter of equity and fairness.
In his keynote address, Prof. Timothy Uzodinma Nwala endorsed the unification movement and the creation of Anioma state.
He stressed the need for inclusive recognition of all Igbo-speaking communities.
“Igbos acknowledged to be one of the ten great and dominant nations of the world; the genius, industry, courage and drive of her citizens recognized and respected all over the world;
“A people highly adaptable and self-reliant, a nation of warriors, humble but shrewd and aggressive commercial class, highly devoted clerical class, with a literati whose creativity, inventiveness and intellectual accomplishments continue to dazzle the world,” he said.
