- The Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Youth Wing supports creating an additional state in the South East to address feelings of marginalization among residents
- The group endorses Anioma State as the preferred choice, believing it meets geographical standards and promotes equity among stakeholders in the region
The Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Youth Wing Worldwide, after its 52nd Extraordinary National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, announced its support for the proposed creation of an additional state in the South East region. It stated that such a move would help address feelings of marginalization among the area’s people.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the group’s National Youth Leader, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, emphasized that the demand for the creation of a new state in the region was justified. He explained that, following thorough consultations, the group had endorsed the creation of Anioma State.
Okpalaezeukwu highlighted that the Ohanaeze Youth Wing believed Anioma State was the preferred choice among most stakeholders. It meets various standards, including geographical delineations, making it the best option for the proposed state.
He stated, “The ongoing agitation for an additional state in the Southeast is commendable but timely and unavoidable if Nigeria is to be seen as a nation that believes in equity. We commend the various interest groups and legislators who have made varying recommendations on the geographical delineation, name, and composition of the proposed sixth state in the Southeast.”
“However, after extensive consultations, deliberations, and investigations, we urge every stakeholder who believes in the progress and development of Igboland to align themselves with the Anioma State project, as it remains the most viable, equitable, and unifying option at this time.”
Okpalaezeukwu added, “To this end, we have established a powerful lobby group to join forces with other like-minded individuals and facilitate the actualization of this additional state in the South East, Anioma, by reaching out to stakeholders across Nigeria.”