Anioma is the indigenous Igbo people of Delta State. They make up about one-third of Delta State, and for administrative purposes they are referred to as Delta North thus contrasting Delta Central and Delta South densely inhabited by the Urhobo, Ukwuani, Isoko, Ijaw, and Itsekiri, the other ethnic groups inhabiting Delta State. The Anioma region has a total population of 1,114,055.[1] The population figure quoted here does not include those of Anioma communities located outside Delta state.

Some Anioma population can be found in neighboring Edo State specifically in Igbanke (Igbo Akiri), Oza and Ekpon. The term Anioma means 'Good Land' in Igbo and is also an acronym derived from the four original local governments i.e. (A) for Aniocha, (N) for Ndokwa, (I) for Ika, (O) for Oshimili, M and A are common denominators found in the four original local governments. The coinage was made by the founding father, Chief Dennis Osadebay in 1951 and has since remained the preferred indigenous name by which the people collectively refer to themselves. Thus, A-N-I-O-M-A. Sentimentally, there are also Anioma people in Anambra State i.e. Onitsha, Ogbaru, Akwukwu Obosi, Ozobulu, Ogidi. Some are in Imo State i.e. Oguta, Rivers State i.e. Ndoni. Anioma people who had one destiny prior to the coming of the Europeans were balkanized after they lost the Ekumeku War of resistance against the British imperialism in 1914 after 31 years of fighting.

The Ekemeku War was the longest resistance against British imperialism in Nigeria.


Geography

Anioma is the Western portion of Igboland. It is located in the areas of the West Basin of River Niger, south-south within the present Delta state of Nigeria, it encompasses a land mass of about 6,300 km2. In the political matters of the state, Anioma is often referred to as Delta North as against the other peoples known as the Delta south and delta central in the same state. Anioma is bounded on the East by Anambra State, south-east by Imo and Rivers States, south Bayelsa State, south-west by Isoko, west by Urhobo people, north-west by Edo State and north by Kogi State. Anioma may therefore be regarded as highly contiguous to very many neighbours ethnic groups. The people have drawn experiences as a result of lying contiguous to numerous other towns, communities and states which characterizes the Anioma as one of the most peaceful regions in the country.


Languages

The Federal Government of Nigeria recognises Igbo, Ukwuani and Ika as distinct ethnic nations but are classified as a group of languages with linguistical similarities(igbo and igboid languages). Nigerians can always refer to the constitution whenever the need arises. Igbo language, Ukwuani language, and Ika are the indigenous languages spoken in Anioma with varying dialects that include Enuani, and Aboh, etc. Other languages spoken are: Ozzara, Igala.

Traditional life and culture


Anioma social structure is dominated by the use of lineages which are based loosely on the concept of uno, eboh', and idumu, which are major blood lineages; while ogbe and obodo are open and much more political. Uno is a small family unit comprising husband, wife, and children. The next lineage was Eboh, which includes the primary or nuclear family, the daughter or son in law, and the grandparents and the grandchildren. The Ogbe is a large structure which allowed non-blood relatives; it comprises the Idumu and some outsiders and it is best classified as a quarter in terms of demographics. The maximal concept is one that looks like a small town; this is the Obodo.

Nigerian-Biafran war


Main article: Nigerian Civil War
The Biafran war caused disaster for the people of Anioma in several ways even though, the region was not included in the map of Biafran at the declaration of the young republic. One was the federal recapture of the Midwestern region after it was invaded and occupied by the Biafran troops commanded by Colonel Victor Banjo on August 12, 1967. Here Biafran troops encountered the Nigerian troops attempting to take over Onitsha which also caused disaster for the people of this region. The Federal troops stationed at Umunede on the main Benin-Asaba road and pushing through Isele-Uku, finally took over the Anioma town of Asaba on 8 October 1967. The special Biafran force headed by Colonel Ogbugo Kalu which later grew into the 63 Brigade, from across the Niger moved northwards and westwards to take over other Anioma towns. Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa and Oku where also reportedly captured with many enemy stores and equipment also found by the Biafran troops, many of these equipment which could not be brought into Biafra were destroyed. However, the Biafran Army was able to re-establish their presence once again in the region.

"Colonel Nwawo was quickly dispatched to assemble whatever troops he could find and organise them into a fighting force. While 2 Division was carrying out massive public execution of all adult males in Asaba..."[3] This region at the time of the Nigerian civil war was invaded and declared the "Republic of Benin" which lasted six weeks (8 August-20 September 1967) In essence, the Anioma region was volatile to both Biafran and Nigerian troops during the Nigerian civil war.

Some of the Biafran war commanders were of Anioma origin but the most famous of them all were Colonel Joseph Oseloka "Hannibal" Achuzie (Retd) and Capt. Anuku, who was the commander of Biafran Navy. Achuzie was a militiaman who played active roles in the invasion of Midwestern region which included his home town, Asaba. Achuzie can again be remembered for the very active roles he played in the defense of Onitsha against series of attacking efforts made by Colonel Murtala Mohammed to take over the city and constitute threat to the Biafran bids. He was often accused of propaganda gem. There was also Colonel (Later Brigadier) Conrad Nwawo another Anioma indigene who was Administrative Officer, Biafran Army Headquarters, former Divisional commander of the Biafran Army and a one time Nigerian Defence Attache in London. Others are Major Ananaba who effectively defended the main Uzuakoli-Umuahia road which was effectively achieved, Colonel Michael Okwechime was another Division commander of the Biafran army and once the Adjutant-General. Colonel Ben Nwajei formerly of the 53 Brigade was the first commander of the 14 Division, as the commander of 53 Brigade he never lost any battle for a relatively short time. He finally captured Oguta for Biafra. He was soon removed from command of 14 Division and all military duties by Colonel Ojukwu after he lost Owerri and told some members of delegates that visited him that it was so because he had no ammunition. Ojukwu accused him of demoralizing the civilians and attached him to Civilian Fuel Directorate. There still numerous numbers of Anioma indigenes who commanded the Biafran Army.

Civil War Genocides

[b] The genocide of Anioma by Gen. Murtala Mohammed and Major Gen. Ibrahim Haruna (Retd), during the Nigerian Civil War started on the 21 of September, 1967 on the recapture of Benin City from the Biafrans sweeping large Anioma towns of Asaba, Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Otutu, Ishiagu, Igbodo, Aboh and Ushisha but the massacres carried out in Asaba remains the most severe and unforgettable in which mostly helpless women, youths and children were killed in rapidity by the federal troops. It has been noted that the massacres were organized and mostly carried out under the supervision of Maj Gen Ibrahim Haruna (Retd) and the reason was that Gen Murtala Muhammed was aggrieved and suspicious of the Anioma as having aided their Igbo kinsmen to invade the Mid west.

Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Retd) the then Head of State would later apologize to the Igbo community, while Major-General Ibrahim Haruna, the General officer Commanding (GOC) Two Division of the Army during the Civil War while testifying at the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission Panel aka Oputa Panel held in 2004, insistently maintained that he had no regret for the Asaba massacres in which the Igbo were killed by his troops since it was motivated by sense of duty to protect the unity of the country, he stated this under cross examination by Ohanaeze Ndiigbo group. [/b]

State creation


After the independence of Nigeria, A few Nigerian groups desired their own identity separate from forced colonial political and social institutions. The Anioma were no exception. As a wave of demand for state creation in the 1970s permeated the Nigerian political landscape, included in this movement was the yearning for Ndi-Anioma, land of the Aniomas as a separate political state for the Anioma people.[2] This agitation gave birth to the demand of Anioma State, which though remains unrealized. In 2007, the National Assembly of Nigeria announced its willingness to allow the creation of one more State for the Igbo people, a committee to adopt a State for the Igbo was set up and led by Chief Emmnauel Iwuanyawu, this committee which failed in adopting any State for the region, threw out Anioma, stating that the creation of Anioma State would amount to an additional State for South-South region of the country. The Anioma people have renewed this agitation once again following another recent announcement by the National Assembly that seven more States may be created in the country to create balance among the various geopolitical regions in the country.Among pro Anioma Activist is Henry Ogochukwu have been promoting the creation of Anioma State through Anioma Peoples Association. Henry Ogochukwu is the President General of Anioma Peoples Association.

Anioma in Delta state

Asaba (an Anioma city) has been the capital of Delta state since the creation of the state in August 1991, by the then Military president, Gen Ibrahim B. Babangida (Retd). This development continues to generate criticism from the people of the Delta south notably Professor Itsay Sagay, an Itsekiri, Dr. Temi Akporhonor and Professor Obaro Ikime backed by Urhobo Historical Society. In an article in The Guardian, August 15, 2002 Professor Itsay Sagay openly campaigned for the relocation of the state capital from the Anioma city of Asaba to the town of Warri in Delta south. This was preceded by the reaction of Dr Cyril Uchenna Gwam published in the defunct Post Express Newspaper of June 1999 and several internet forums in reaction to the publication of Obaro Ikime in which he argued amongst others that centrality factor had never been the major criteria for the location of State or Federal capitals.[4] This was also followed by another article be Clem Okonji published in The Guardian, July 8, 2002 in which he maintained that Asaba had come to stay as the capital of Delta state. He further stressed that the peoples constituting the state are all located within the Delta region. Reactions in favour of the stay of Asaba as the capital of the state has since been supported by Henry Ogochukwu, Michael Ozah, Emeka Esogbue, Tony Odiadi, Emma Okocha and others alike. Dr. Temi Akporhonor would call for a political arrangement whereby governorship power would remain with what he termed 'The real Deltan' because according to him the capital of the state is located in the Igbo speaking town of Anioma. (Whither Delta state?, The Guardian, May 23, 2002) The strong resistance of this call has ensured that Asaba remains the state capital. Though all would unilaterally admit that a separate creation of another state from the present Delta state to constitute Anioma with the capital at Asaba, and Delta with state capital at Warri is necessary.

Anioma in Ohanaeze Ndiigbo

On November 29, 2008, Ohanaeze Ndiigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization announced the election of Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, an Anioma indigene as its President-General to pilot its affairs for the next two years. He was nominated by Delta State branch of Ohanaeze as their consensus candidate in a resolution reached at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba after the position was zoned to Anioma, one of the seven units that make up Ohanaeze NdiigboBut in his acceptance speech, Uwechue expressed gratitude to all and called for unity among Igbo, which is said to possess the talent to and wealth it would take to take to address national issues, while also noting that the position given to him has created confidence that the Igbo from Delta State are accepted as brothers and sisters in Ohanaeze. Finally, he promised not to disappoint Anioma people as the race is for Anioma home and abroad. The leadership of Ambassador Uwechue has come under severe criticism by the people of Anioma over his acceptance to administer the Pan-Socio Organization.

Economic prospects

Anioma has abundant oil deposits particularly in Ndokwa land, Akumazi, Umunede, Ute-okpu, Ute-erume, Ute-Ogbeje, Ekuku-Agbor, Nsukwa, Olodu, Ewulu, Idumuesah, Ejeme and other Anioma regions. Records also indicate that oil was discovered in Ubulu-Uno and Ubulu-Uku in 1958 by Shell B P Petroleum Company two years after the first discovery was made in Oloibiri now in Bayelsa state, but exploration of the oil was not carried out by the Federal Government. Anioma region is also rich in other mineral resources such as rubber.

For more details
Source : https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anioma_people

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food don done

forgiveness:
food don done

Yoruba people wouldn't see this educative thread now ....

Their deceit has been bursted once again

WHO SAY BUHARI NO DEY FEAR?
THE ALLISONS VS BUHARI
"Why Has Buhari and His APC Attack Dogs Quietly Retreated From Attacking Diezani Alison-Madueke?What does Buhari want to be kept a secret concerning his cowardly withdrawal from the media lynching of the former Petroleum Minister and first female OPEC President?As you may be aware, Alison-Madueke's husband is Rear Admiral Allison Amaechina Madueke, a retired Nigerian naval officer. He was military governor of Anambra State from January 1984 to August 1985, and then of Imo State until 1986.The husband of the former Petroleum Minister is a retired General just like Buhari and the whole attacks on his wife by the APC finally came to a head about a month ago.Madueke booked an appointment to see Buhari and Buhari was happy to see him thinking he wants to come and beg, so they can carry news of their meeting as propaganda as this irresponsible government often does.When he got to Aso Rock, Madueke warned Buhari over the attacks on his wife.Sources in Aso Rock say, Buhari was apologizing, that he didn't send anyone to do what they are doing. Madueke said that if they think his wife went to school for nothing they are mistaken. Or that in her 5 years in the petroleum ministry she didn't uncover corruption during Buhari's time, then he is mistaken.That if he hears one more assault on his wife from Buhari and the APC, in any format, he will personally call a world press conference and expose all their dirty oil deals dating back to the very beginning of discovering oil.He threatened that when he exposed how the Northern has raped this country's petroleum resources, they can kiss Nigeria goodbye, because the people of the Niger Delta will know the extent of the injustice done to them by Northerners.People who witnessed this meeting say Buhari was shaking. Begging, that he never attacked Diezani. He never sent anybody to write anything. The man told him off, saying, "But you read those reports that said my wife was running after you in the tarmac, that she greeted you and you did not answer her greeting?! Did you disclaim them?!! Did you tell people it did not happen?!" They said, Buhari was apologising that Madueke should calm down.Madueke finished what he had to say and walked out. Buhari's aides were stunned.Since then, nobody has even tweeted anything about oil, Diezani, etc.

copiescopy:

Euro31:
Yoruba people wouldn't see this educative thread now ....

Their deceit has been bursted once again

ok....don't mind the historically confused yerrobers.......let them come and tell us where Oduduwa came from,and who Obatala was.......i lol when they said Anioma is not Igbo,,,,, i was like what does "ANIOMA" mean in Benin Language? Since yerrober claimed they are from Benin.God bless Op and Biafra at large.

SOUNDKING:
ok....don't mind the historically confused yerrobers.......let them come and tell us where Oduduwa came from,and who Obatala was.......i lol when they said Anioma is not Igbo,,,,, i was like what does "ANIOMA" mean in Benin Language? Since yerrober claimed they are from Benin.God bless Op and Biafra at large.

yea
Thank u

copiescopy:
WHO SAY BUHARI NO DEY FEAR?
THE ALLISONS VS BUHARI
"Why Has Buhari and His APC Attack Dogs Quietly Retreated From Attacking Diezani Alison-Madueke?What does Buhari want to be kept a secret concerning his cowardly withdrawal from the media lynching of the former Petroleum Minister and first female OPEC President?As you may be aware, Alison-Madueke's husband is Rear Admiral Allison Amaechina Madueke, a retired Nigerian naval officer. He was military governor of Anambra State from January 1984 to August 1985, and then of Imo State until 1986.The husband of the former Petroleum Minister is a retired General just like Buhari and the whole attacks on his wife by the APC finally came to a head about a month ago.Madueke booked an appointment to see Buhari and Buhari was happy to see him thinking he wants to come and beg, so they can carry news of their meeting as propaganda as this irresponsible government often does.When he got to Aso Rock, Madueke warned Buhari over the attacks on his wife.Sources in Aso Rock say, Buhari was apologizing, that he didn't send anyone to do what they are doing. Madueke said that if they think his wife went to school for nothing they are mistaken. Or that in her 5 years in the petroleum ministry she didn't uncover corruption during Buhari's time, then he is mistaken.That if he hears one more assault on his wife from Buhari and the APC, in any format, he will personally call a world press conference and expose all their dirty oil deals dating back to the very beginning of discovering oil.He threatened that when he exposed how the Northern has raped this country's petroleum resources, they can kiss Nigeria goodbye, because the people of the Niger Delta will know the extent of the injustice done to them by Northerners.People who witnessed this meeting say Buhari was shaking. Begging, that he never attacked Diezani. He never sent anybody to write anything. The man told him off, saying, "But you read those reports that said my wife was running after you in the tarmac, that she greeted you and you did not answer her greeting?! Did you disclaim them?!! Did you tell people it did not happen?!" They said, Buhari was apologising that Madueke should calm down.Madueke finished what he had to say and walked out. Buhari's aides were stunned.Since then, nobody has even tweeted anything about oil, Diezani, etc.

These better be real!!!!

copiescopy:
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Why spamming all threads with this post with no source except i guess you were there at the meeting.
And who your post help na for this thread.

Question: How many are the Igbo? Answer: The Igbo are very numerous. There is educated guess that if Nigeria's census is properly enumerated, the Igbo could easily be the largest ethnic group in the country. They may number up to 40 million. Everything right now, is speculation. Nobody knows the true stratification or ethnic populations in Nigeria. The Igbo are the only ethnic group found in large numbers everywhere in Nigeria, and foreign countries more than any other ethnic group in Africa.

zuchyblink:
Question: How many are the Igbo?
Answer: The Igbo are very numerous.
There is educated guess that if Nigeria's
census is properly enumerated, the Igbo
could easily be the largest ethnic group in
the country. They may number up to 40
million. Everything right now, is speculation.
Nobody knows the true stratification or
ethnic populations in Nigeria. The Igbo are
the only ethnic group found in large
numbers everywhere in Nigeria, and
foreign countries more than any other
ethnic group in Africa.

imagine during census they will count igbos as people in SE ... What of igbos in Lagos ? Nd SS?

This country is messed up

zuchyblink:
Question: How many are the Igbo?
Answer: The Igbo are very numerous.
There is educated guess that if Nigeria's
census is properly enumerated, the Igbo
could easily be the largest ethnic group in
the country. They may number up to 40
million. Everything right now, is speculation.
Nobody knows the true stratification or
ethnic populations in Nigeria. The Igbo are
the only ethnic group found in large
numbers everywhere in Nigeria, and
foreign countries more than any other
ethnic group in Africa.

Any group of people who are majority in their region and second majority in other regions are easily the most populous. The Igbos are the majority, it's common sense. Unfortunately in the zoo, common sense is not common. The minority fulani will never allow a census that will include Ethnicity because it will threaten their dominance as fulani will be counted as fulani, hausa as hausa, Igbo as Igbo their slaves the hausas and yoruba will also not use their brains. I really feel for the sofisticated dafts that call themselves yorubas.

zuchyblink:
Question: How many are the Igbo?
Answer: The Igbo are very numerous.
There is educated guess that if Nigeria's
census is properly enumerated, the Igbo
could easily be the largest ethnic group in
the country. They may number up to 40
million. Everything right now, is speculation.
Nobody knows the true stratification or
ethnic populations in Nigeria. The Igbo are
the only ethnic group found in large
numbers everywhere in Nigeria, and
foreign countries more than any other
ethnic group in Africa.

Thank you very much. In North as a whole, separate hausas from fulani and other tribes there, Igbos would likely beat them all in population there in the North. Talk about Swest, u'll find out that Igbos are the second populous tribe there in d whole west. Now outside Nigeria, start from neighbouring nations like Togo to Far East and West, ur guess is right alredy.

Yorubas know that if it's about war again that the zoo is as good as forgotten, reason they try all their best to do to Igbos what North achieved in South, at same time they try to quench the Biafran spirit by reminding us what we lostin the war and what we stand to lose if Biafra should come. Their fear won't allow them reason on the path of what we all stand to gain should Biafra come today and the possibility o fachieving it peacefully.




In Yorubas mind, seccession is tantamount to exact repetition of 1967, but God is seriously playing them, making them with their masters hardened in their stance against Biafra in order to punish them severely and make name for Himself. It shall be like days of Israel's freedom from Egypt. I only pity their innocent ones who in no way stood against Biafra.

If baboons and monkeys in the zoo can upgrade their reasoning a little, they will take the path of referendum and seek way to strengthen ties amongst nations that will emerge from Nigeria, but no, they rulers are after their pockets and present life. Who says they won't live a hundred and ..yrs and see their children children and equally remain in power.


North can always live and manage their poverty life after break up, yorubas that should even consider many things to support Biafra knowing that despite our disagreements, we both can't do without each other( lagos alone binds us with them) and will do both tribes good if we discuss how to maintain a mutually benefitting rltionship once we break out, yet they are the ones bringing up propagandas to break Biafran spirit. Nigeria will break soon and it will be bad for Yorubas if Hausas should support Biafra b4 them.


Viva Biafra.

Very informative thread for Yorubas...terrible understanding of Nigeria geography and ethnic makeup.

zuchyblink:
Question: How many are the Igbo?
Answer: The Igbo are very numerous.
There is educated guess that if Nigeria's
census is properly enumerated, the Igbo
could easily be the largest ethnic group in
the country. They may number up to 40
million. Everything right now, is speculation.
Nobody knows the true stratification or
ethnic populations in Nigeria. The Igbo are
the only ethnic group found in large
numbers everywhere in Nigeria, and
foreign countries more than any other
ethnic group in Africa.

i ve said this b4 but they just wouldnt believe me..
My prayer is that,if they want to start another population census, let the igbos returns home immediately before enumeration.

Anioma suffered severely from murtala muhammed's anti-igbo genocidic attacks.
The civil war was also devastating there along with the rest of the east.

People keep saying certain tribes/ethnic groupings,e.g Ikwerre,Ukwuani,were recognized by the Constitution,I have a copy and have gone thru it but haven't found any section,chapter nor schedule where ethnic groups were listed.Maybe I'm missing something,can someone well versed point me in the right direction please?.