Fanfare in Asaba as Lecture Unites Anioma Communities

Story By Emeka Esogbue

Asaba, the state capital was on Friday agog as Anioma people from all shades of life gathered for a lecture program.

The event was the maiden edition of the Anioma Legacy Lecture organized by the Anioma Watch Social Association (AWASA). The event, rich and colourful was held under the distinguished Chairmanship of Prof Andy Egwunyenga, the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University.

Lectures were delivered by leading resource persons from Anioma. Sir Anthony Awunor talked on "Preservation of Anioma Ancestral Heritage: A Fresh Look at the Indiscriminate Sale of Land."

Awunor who described Anioma as inhabited by people imbued with a sense of purpose and hard work as selling points advised against indiscriminate sales of land in the region.

"To achieve this, a robust land administration regime should be adopted through a holistic reform of the land use laws."

"In the same vein, the indigenous people of Anioma should take caution and deal with land issues transparently and reasonably and within the ambit of the laws of the land."

"By doing so, the government would be left with no other option than to acknowledge and recognize the rights of the indigenous people to their natural heritage and guide through mutual understanding on how resources should be managed on a sustainable basis," the multiple award-winning Journalist concluded.

Deacon Fidelis Chimokwu's topic was

"Leadership Cultivation: Imperative Recipe for Socio-political and Economic Advancement of Anioma Nation" and he made several recommendations among which were that the three Federal Constituencies of Aniocha-Oshimili, Ika, and Ndokwa-Ukwuani should have better relationships in nurturing and giving vent to Anioma national reality.

"Our political and traditional leaders should frequently meet to review, renew, and energize Anioma Unity."

"A quasi-Anioma extra-ordinary parliament should be constituted to resolve issues that need urgent attention. This body is to act as a standing committee that will ensure that the demand for Anioma State becomes a reality."

He called on political representatives of Anioma - elected and non-elected to have the overall interest of the Anioma Nation, irrespective of their political parties and sympathies as a way to move the region forward.

Hon Sir Egnr Tony Nammor who was represented by Comrade Austin Nwulia took to the floor to speak on the topic, "The Man: Rev Fr. Dr. Kunirum Osia, His Memorial Ideals and Determined Pursuit of Anioma Selfhood in Contemporary Nigeria" on the Occasion of Anioma Legacy Lecture on December 22, 2023, in Asaba, Delta State.

The paper described the late Dr. Kunirum Osia from Obomkpa as one whose works and commitment to Anioma spanned over 50 years.

According to the speaker, he was born on December 27, 1940, to Afamefune Osia and Nebenmor Aninye. He was also a believer and fighter

He listed Rev Fr Emechete from Ezi, Dr. Don Ohadike from Ibusa, and a host of others as people who have made sacrifices for Anioma and called for their immortalization.

Meanwhile, reactions from the Anioma people trailed the event.

A prominent Anioma Clergy, Vicar Samson Anwasa who gave his view yesterday said "We thank the organizers and sponsors of the programme. You have done well. God will bless you all and all those who attended. Let's take it that it was because of the fact that it was a maiden issue. There's always a next time. But we must not allow other tribes in Delta to dominate us. Our people must mobilize. Anioma must rise. Anioma bu ofu. Oganihu Anioma ya k'anyi cho. Chukwu Nna ga agozi Ndi Anioma. Ife Anioma sor anyi. Dalu nu."

Awele Oranye said, "may our ancestors bless those that made it to the lecture yesterday and those who wanted to but due to unforeseen circumstances and also bless every Anioma sons and daughters who love our people and land."

Dr. Anthony Ezeagbor, a member of the Board of Trustees of Anioma Watch was full of gratitude for the successful hosting of the program.

"Thanking everyone for the successful hosting of the AWASA Legacy lecture yesterday.. thanks to all the organizers, especially my good friend, Penmaster, and all the attendees. Daalu nu o," he wrote on the Association's platform.

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