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{{Short description|Ethnic group in Nigeria}}
{{Short description|Ethnic group in Nigeria}}

The '''Anioma''' '''people''' are a predominantly [[Igboid languages|''Igboid speaking'']] [[Ethnicity|ethnolingustic group]] located in present day [[Delta State]], [[Nigeria]].
They encompass and are native to the communities which span across the 9 northeastern Local Government Areas of Delta State. Politically, the Anioma occupy the [[Delta North Senatorial District]] where they are the majority group. Today, the senatorial district consists of the [[Enuani dialect|Enuani]] (Oshimili/Aniocha), and [[Ukwuani people|Ukwuani]]/[[Ndokwa East|Ndokwa]] and [[Ika people|Ika]] geographical and linguistic zones of Delta State.

⚫
An ancient and industrious [[nation]], the Anioma are estimated today at a total population of approximately 1.8 million people.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Federal Republic of Nigeria, Official gazette |issue=24 |year=2007 |volume= 94}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=About|url=https://www.aniomavoice.org/about/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=ANIOMA VOICE WORLDWIDE FOUNDATION|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427210444/https://www.aniomavoice.org/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The largest Anioma settlement and [[urban area]] is the [[Asaba|Delta State Capital Territory]] which incorporates the [[Asaba|city of Asaba]] along the [[Niger River|Niger]], with Okpanam and [[Igbuzo|Igbuzor]] and surrounding communities.


{{Infobox ethnic group
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Anioma People
| group = Anioma People
| native_name = <i>Ndi Aniọma</i>
| native_name = <i><b>Ndí Ániọ̀mà</b></i>
| population = 1,800,000
| population = 1,800,000
| genealogy = 2,100,000
| genealogy = 2,100,000
Line 16: Line 11:
| related_groups = [[Igbo people|Igbo]], [[Bini people|Bini]], [[Esan people|Esan]], [[Igala people|Igala]], [[Yoruba people|Yoruba]]
| related_groups = [[Igbo people|Igbo]], [[Bini people|Bini]], [[Esan people|Esan]], [[Igala people|Igala]], [[Yoruba people|Yoruba]]
}}
}}

The '''Anioma people''' (''[[Help:IPA/English|/æˈniːomɑː/]] [[Help:Pronunciation respelling key|ah-NEE-o-ma]], [[American English|US]]: [[Help:IPA/English|/əˈniːomɑː/]] [[Help:Pronunciation respelling key|uh-NEE-o-mah]];'' [[Igbo language|Igbo]]'': Ndí Ániọ̀mà'') are a West African people and a predominantly [[Igboid languages|Igboid speaking]] [[Ethnicity|ethnolingustic group]] indigenous to present day [[Delta State]], Nigeria.
The Anioma people encompass and are native to the nine northereastern [[Local government areas of Nigeria|Local Government Areas]] of Delta State. Politically, the Anioma occupy the [[Delta North Senatorial District]] where they are the majority group.

⚫
Today, the population of the Anioma is estimated today to be at approximately 1.8 million.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Federal Republic of Nigeria, Official gazette |issue=24 |year=2007 |volume= 94}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=About|url=https://www.aniomavoice.org/about/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=ANIOMA VOICE WORLDWIDE FOUNDATION|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427210444/https://www.aniomavoice.org/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The largest Anioma settlement and [[urban area]] is the [[Asaba|Delta State Capital Territory]], which incorporates the [[Asaba|city of Asaba]] along the [[Niger River]], with Okpanam, [[Igbuzo|Igbuzor]] and surrounding communities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NED NWOKO’S STATE CREATION BILL – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/07/26/ned-nwokos-state-creation-bill/ |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The term '''Anioma''' is an acronym etymologically derived from the diverse cultural realms that comprise the Western Igbo speaking regions flanking the western basin of the [[Niger River|Niger]] in south central Nigeria: the ''Aniocha (A)'', ''Ndokwa (N)'', ''Ika (I)'' and the ''Oshimili'' peoples''(O).''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-19 |title=How the term ‘Anioma’ was derived |url=https://freshangleng.com/10745/how-the-term-%E2%80%98anioma%E2%80%99-was-derived |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=Freshangle News |language=en}}</ref> The coinage was made in 1951 by [[Chief Dennis Osadebay]], founding father of the Anioma state movement and has since remained the preferred indigenous name by which the people collectively refer to themselves.

In Igbo, the term can be transliterated into ''<nowiki/>'<nowiki/>''Good Land''','' and thus the Igbo intonation of the actual word forms the basis for official pronunciation.


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
The Anioma are located immediately south of the [[Edo State|Edo]] Central Plains on the floodplains and hills of the western basin of the [[Niger River]] within the present Delta State of Nigeria. The homeland of the Anioma encompasses a land mass of about 6,300&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> {{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}. Politically, Anioma is often referred to in state affairs as [[Delta North Senatorial District|''Delta North'']], as against the people of the [[Delta South Senatorial District|''Delta South'']] and [[Delta Central Senatorial District|''Delta Central'']] senatorial districts within Delta. Anioma is bounded on the East by [[Anambra State]], south-east by [[Imo State|Imo]] and [[Rivers State]]s, south by [[Bayelsa State]], south-west by [[Isoko region|Isoko]], west by the [[Urhobo people|Urhobo ethnic nation]], north-west by [[Edo State]] and north by [[Kogi State]]. Anioma may therefore be regarded as highly contiguous to its very many neighbours ethnic groups.
The Anioma are located immediately south of the ''Edo'' ''Central Plains'' on the floodplains and hills of the western basin of the [[Niger River]] within the present Delta State of Nigeria. The homeland of the Anioma encompasses a land mass of about 6,300&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> {{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}. Anioma lies contiguous with [[Anambra State|Anambra]] in the East, [[Imo State|Imo]] and [[Rivers State|River]]s in the south-east, [[Bayelsa State|Bayelsa]] in the south, and within the Deltan south-west by the [[Isoko region|Isoko]], west by the [[Urhobo people|Urhobo ethnic nation]], north-west by [[Edo State|southern Edo]] and north by [[Kogi State|southern Kogi]].
The people have drawn their culture and experiences as a result of lying contiguous to numerous other ethnicities and communities which characterises Anioma as a relatively peaceful region in terms of national affairs.<ref>Kunirum Osia, ''Anioma Association Inc,'' USA, May 24, 1997</ref> Today, the Anioma celebrate this identity annually with a cocktail of traditional dances organized by the [https://www.ofaac.org Organization for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC)]. First held in 2003, the cultural fiesta yearly brings together all local council areas in Aniomaland to celebrate their common identity.
The people have drawn their culture and experiences as a result of lying contiguous to numerous other ethnicities and communities which characterises Anioma as a relatively peaceful region in terms of national affairs.<ref>Kunirum Osia, ''Anioma Association Inc,'' USA, May 24, 1997</ref> Politically, Anioma is often referred to in state affairs as [[Delta North Senatorial District|''Delta North'']], in line with the people of the [[Delta South Senatorial District|''Delta South'']] and [[Delta Central Senatorial District|''Delta Central'']] senatorial districts within Delta.


There are 25 Local government areas in [[Delta State|Delta]] State, and the nine underneath make up the Anioma region:
Out of the 25 Local government areas in [[Delta State|Delta]], the nine northeastern make up the Anioma region:


# Aniocha North
# [[Aniocha North|''Aniocha North'']]
# Aniocha South
# [[Aniocha South|''Aniocha South'']]
# Ika North-East
# [[Ika North East|''Ika North-East'']]
# Ika South
# [[Ika South|''Ika South'']]
# Ndokwa East
# [[Ndokwa East|''Ndokwa East'']]
# Ndokwa West
# [[Ndokwa West|''Ndokwa West'']]
# Oshimili North
# [[Oshimili North|''Oshimili North'']]
# Oshimili South
# [[Oshimili South|''Oshimili South'']]
# Ukwuani
# [[Ukwuani, Delta State|''Ukwuani'']]


== Language ==
== Language ==
Anioma people predominantly speak Igbo language with varying native dialects including the [[Enuani dialect]] spoken in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Isheagu, [[Asaba]], parts of Igbodo, Illah, Issele, Idumuje, Onicha etc., [[Ika language (Nigeria)|Ika]] dialect of Agbor, Umunede, Owa, Igbanke, Boji-Boji etc. with heavy linguistic influence from Bini, an [[Edoid languages|''Edoid'' language]], [[Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni language|Ukwuani-Aboh]] dialect of the [[Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni language|Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni cluster]] mostly spoken by the peoples of Ndokwa. There are minority Anioma peoples in [[Edo State|Edo]] (Igbanke), Ute-Oheze, Iru, Owariozor, Obagie N’Oheze, Ekpon, Owanikeke, Iyenle, Anambra ([[Onitsha]], Ozobulu, Obosi, Oraifite) and Imo states (Oguta). Minorities of historically non-Igbo speakers exist with a [[Igala language|Igala]] minority in the northernmost extremities of the Anioma homeland at Ebu on the border with [[Edo State|Edo]] State and Umuebu in [[Ukwuani people|Ukwuani]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=EBU, THE IGALA- SPEAKING COMMUNITY IN ANIOMA |url=https://nairapen.com/posts/ebu-the-igala-speaking-community-in-anioma/amp |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=nairapen.com}}</ref> as well as the ''[[Yoruboid languages|Yoruboid]]'' [[Olukumi people|Olukumi]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Agborh |first=Alphonsus |date=2022-07-24 |title=Yoruba community in the heart of Igbo-speaking Delta produces own Bible, dictionary |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/yoruba-community-in-the-heart-of-igbo-speaking-delta-produces-own-bible-dictionary/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB}}</ref> of [[Aniocha North|Aniocha]].
Today, Anioma people predominantly speak the ''western Igboid languages'' with varying native dialects including the [[Enuani dialect|Enuani dialects]] spoken in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Isheagu, [[Asaba]], parts of Igbodo, Illah, Issele, Idumuje, Onicha etc., [[Ika language (Nigeria)|Ika]] of Agbor, Umunede, Owa, Igbanke, Boji-Boji etc. with heavy linguistic influence from Bini, an [[Edoid languages|''Edoid'' language]], [[Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni language|Ukwuani-Aboh]] dialect of the [[Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni language|Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni cluster]] mostly spoken by the peoples of Ndokwa. There are minority Anioma peoples in [[Edo State|Edo]] (Igbanke), Ute-Oheze, Iru, Owariozor, Obagie N’Oheze, Ekpon, Owanikeke, Iyenle, Anambra ([[Onitsha]], Ozobulu, Obosi, Oraifite) and Imo states (Oguta). Minorities of historically non-Igbo speakers exist with a [[Igala language|Igala]] minority in the northernmost extremities of the Anioma homeland at Ebu on the border with [[Edo State|Edo]] State and Umuebu in [[Ukwuani people|Ukwuani]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=EBU, THE IGALA- SPEAKING COMMUNITY IN ANIOMA |url=https://nairapen.com/posts/ebu-the-igala-speaking-community-in-anioma/amp |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=nairapen.com}}</ref> as well as the ''[[Yoruboid languages|Yoruboid]]'' [[Olukumi people|Olukumi]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Agborh |first=Alphonsus |date=2022-07-24 |title=Yoruba community in the heart of Igbo-speaking Delta produces own Bible, dictionary |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/yoruba-community-in-the-heart-of-igbo-speaking-delta-produces-own-bible-dictionary/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB}}</ref> of [[Aniocha North|Aniocha]].


== The Ekumeku Movement (1883-1914) ==
⚫
== List of Anioma towns and communities<!-- This section is a bit overwhelming and should be condensed or otherwise improved. -->==
''See also [[Ekumeku Movement]]:''
⚫
'''Anioma towns and communities alphabetically arranged below:'''<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Anioma People - A History Lesson in Five Minutes (by Bolaji Aluko)|url=https://groups.google.com/g/usaafricadialogue/c/0Yo08l_gOf4?pli=1|access-date=2021-09-16|website=groups.google.com}}</ref>

The '''Ekumeku War''' is unique in Anioma history and Igbo history in general for two reasons.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Igbafe |first=Philip A. |date=1971 |title=Western Ibo Society and its Resistance to British Rule: The Ekumeku Movement 1898–1911 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-african-history/article/abs/western-ibo-society-and-its-resistance-to-british-rule-the-ekumeku-movement-18981911/98F109352E8BB896055C1866BC45F91C |journal=The Journal of African History |language=en |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=441–459 |doi=10.1017/S0021853700010872 |issn=1469-5138}}</ref> First, the movement's duration involved military campaigns spanning thirty-one years against the British.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Igbafe |first=Philip A. |date=1971 |title=Western Ibo Society and its Resistance to British Rule: The Ekumeku Movement 1898–1911 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0021853700010872/type/journal_article |journal=The Journal of African History |language=en |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=441–459 |doi=10.1017/S0021853700010872 |issn=0021-8537}}</ref> Secondly, it exemplifies an effort amongst the Igbo people to unify previously fragmented states in resistance to the british colonial army.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Igbafe |first=Philip A. |date=1971 |title=Western Ibo Society and its Resistance to British Rule: The Ekumeku Movement 1898–1911 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0021853700010872/type/journal_article |journal=The Journal of African History |language=en |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=441–459 |doi=10.1017/S0021853700010872 |issn=0021-8537}}</ref>

== Towns & Communities ==
⚫
<!-- This section is a bit overwhelming and should be condensed or otherwise improved. -->
⚫
Anioma towns and communities are listed alphabetically below:<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Anioma People - A History Lesson in Five Minutes (by Bolaji Aluko)|url=https://groups.google.com/g/usaafricadialogue/c/0Yo08l_gOf4?pli=1|access-date=2021-09-16|website=groups.google.com}}</ref>


Abah, Abala Anikoko, Abavo, Abi, Abodei, Aboh, Adai, Adonta, Afor, Agbor, Akakpan-Isumpe, Ankara, Akoku, Akuku-Akumazi, Akumazi-Umuocha, Akwukwu-Igbo, Alasime, Alidinma, Alihagu, Amai, Anakwa, Anifekide, Aninwalo, Aninwama-Jeta, Aniofu, Aniogo, Anioma, Anuregu, Anwai, Asaba, Asaba-Ase, Asaba-Ubulu, Ashaka, Ashama, Atuma, Atuma-Iga, Azagba-Ogwashi, Azagba-Ubieni, Boji-Boji, Ebedi, Ebu, Edo-Ogwashi, Egbudu-Akah, Egbudu-Ogwashi, Ejeme-Agbor, Ejeme-Aniogo, Ejeme-Unor, Ekpecho, Ekpon, Ekwuemusana, Emu, Emuhu, Etua Etiti, Etua Ukpo, Ewulu, Ezi, Eziokpor, Ezionum, Ibodoni, Ibrode, Ibusa, Idumuesah, Idumuje-Ugboko, Idumuje-Unor, Idumu-Ogo, Igbanke, Igbodo, Igbogiri, Igbuku, Illah, Iru, Isa-Ogwashi, Iselegu, Isheagu, Isikiti-Ishiagu, Issele-Azagba, Issele-Mkpitime, Issele-Uku, Isumpe, Kwale, Mbiri, Ndemiri, Ndokwa, Abbi, Inam-Abbi, Eziunm, Nkpolenyi, Nsukwa, Obeti, Obi Anyima, Obi Umutu, Obi, Obiaruku, Obikwele, Obinomba, Obior, Obodo-Eti, Obomkpa, Ogbe, Ogode, Ogume, Ogwashi-Uku, Oko Anala, Oko/Ogbele, Oko-Amakom, Okotomi, Okpa, Okpanam, Okwe, Oligbo, Oligbo, Olor-Usisa, Olu-Odu, Omaja, Onicha Olona, Onicha-Ugbo, Onicha-Uku, Onitsha-Ukwuani, Onogbokor, Onuseti, Onya, Oolor-Ogwashi, Otolokpo, Otulu, Owa Nta, Owa-Abi, Owa-Alero, Owa-Ofie, Owa-Oyibo, Owerri-Olubor, Ubulubu, Ubulu-Okiti, Ubulu-Okiti, Ubulu-Ukwu, Ubulu-Unor, Udumeje, Ugboba, Ugbodu, Ugbolu, Ugiliamai, Ukala-Okpunor, Ukala-Okwute, Ukwuani, Ukwunzu, Ukwu-Oba, Umuabu, Umu-Ebu Adonishaka, Umuhu, Umukwem, Umukwota, Umunede, Umuolu, Umute, Umutu, Unor, Unor, Unuaja, Ushie, Usisa, Utagba-Ogbe, Utagba-Unor, Utchi, Ute Aru, Ute Enugu, Ute Erumu, Utegbeje, Ute Obagie N’Oheze, Ute-Oheze, Ute-Okpu, Utuoku.
Abah, Abala Anikoko, Abavo, Abi, Abodei, Aboh, Adai, Adonta, Afor, Agbor, Akakpan-Isumpe, Ankara, Akoku, Akuku-Akumazi, Akumazi-Umuocha, Akwukwu-Igbo, Alasime, Alidinma, Alihagu, Amai, Anakwa, Anifekide, Aninwalo, Aninwama-Jeta, Aniofu, Aniogo, Anioma, Anuregu, Anwai, Asaba, Asaba-Ase, Asaba-Ubulu, Ashaka, Ashama, Atuma, Atuma-Iga, Azagba-Ogwashi, Azagba-Ubieni, Boji-Boji, Ebedi, Ebu, Edo-Ogwashi, Egbudu-Akah, Egbudu-Ogwashi, Ejeme-Agbor, Ejeme-Aniogo, Ejeme-Unor, Ekpecho, Ekpon, Ekwuemusana, Emu, Emuhu, Etua Etiti, Etua Ukpo, Ewulu, Ezi, Eziokpor, Ezionum, Ibodoni, Ibrode, Ibusa, Idumuesah, Idumuje-Ugboko, Idumuje-Unor, Idumu-Ogo, Igbanke, Igbodo, Igbogiri, Igbuku, Illah, Iru, Isa-Ogwashi, Iselegu, Isheagu, Isikiti-Ishiagu, Issele-Azagba, Issele-Mkpitime, Issele-Uku, Isumpe, Kwale, Mbiri, Ndemiri, Ndokwa, Abbi, Inam-Abbi, Eziunm, Nkpolenyi, Nsukwa, Obeti, Obi Anyima, Obi Umutu, Obi, Obiaruku, Obikwele, Obinomba, Obior, Obodo-Eti, Obomkpa, Ogbe, Ogode, Ogume, Ogwashi-Uku, Oko Anala, Oko/Ogbele, Oko-Amakom, Okotomi, Okpa, Okpanam, Okwe, Oligbo, Oligbo, Olor-Usisa, Olu-Odu, Omaja, Onicha Olona, Onicha-Ugbo, Onicha-Uku, Onitsha-Ukwuani, Onogbokor, Onuseti, Onya, Oolor-Ogwashi, Otolokpo, Otulu, Owa Nta, Owa-Abi, Owa-Alero, Owa-Ofie, Owa-Oyibo, Owerri-Olubor, Ubulubu, Ubulu-Okiti, Ubulu-Okiti, Ubulu-Ukwu, Ubulu-Unor, Udumeje, Ugboba, Ugbodu, Ugbolu, Ugiliamai, Ukala-Okpunor, Ukala-Okwute, Ukwuani, Ukwunzu, Ukwu-Oba, Umuabu, Umu-Ebu Adonishaka, Umuhu, Umukwem, Umukwota, Umunede, Umuolu, Umute, Umutu, Unor, Unor, Unuaja, Ushie, Usisa, Utagba-Ogbe, Utagba-Unor, Utchi, Ute Aru, Ute Enugu, Ute Erumu, Utegbeje, Ute Obagie N’Oheze, Ute-Oheze, Ute-Okpu, Utuoku.

== Festivals ==
Today, the Anioma celebrate their identity annually with a cocktail of traditional dances organized by the [https://www.ofaac.org Organization for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC)]. First held in 2003, the cultural fiesta annually brings together the local council areas of ''Aniomaland'' to celebrate their common identity.


== Notable people ==
== Notable people ==
Line 46: Line 60:
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
* [[Joseph Achuzie|Joseph "Hannibal" Achuzie]], military personnel and civil war veteran<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nwafor |date=2018-04-14 |title=Achuzia,"Hannibal", buried in Asaba |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/achuziahannibal-buried-asaba/ |access-date=2022-09-07 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* [[Joseph Achuzie|Joseph "Hannibal" Achuzie]], military personnel and civil war veteran<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nwafor |date=2018-04-14 |title=Achuzia,"Hannibal", buried in Asaba |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/achuziahannibal-buried-asaba/ |access-date=2022-09-07 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* [[Ifeanyi Okowa]] Former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former Governor of Delta State, Nigeria 2015 - 2023
* [[Hanks Anuku]], Veteran Nollywood actor{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}
* [[Hanks Anuku]], Veteran Nollywood actor{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}
* [[Phillip Asiodu]], former Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}
* [[Phillip Asiodu]], former Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}
Line 51: Line 66:
* [[Joseph Chike Edozien|Prof Joseph Chike Edozien]], the Asagba of Asaba{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}
* [[Joseph Chike Edozien|Prof Joseph Chike Edozien]], the Asagba of Asaba{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}
* [[wikidata:Q16945811|Augustine Esogbue]], Professor Emeritus in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at [[Georgia Tech]].
* [[wikidata:Q16945811|Augustine Esogbue]], Professor Emeritus in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at [[Georgia Tech]].
* [[Sam Obi]] Former Member Delta State House of Assembly, Former Acting Governor of Delta State, Nigeria
* [[Tony Elumelu]], Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa, Transcorp and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation<ref>{{Cite web |title=TONY ELUMELU: Exiting UBA as CEO at Age 47 was a Blessing – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/05/09/tony-elumelu-exiting-uba-as-ceo-at-age-47-was-a-blessing/ |access-date=2022-09-07 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}</ref>
* [[Tony Elumelu]], Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa, Transcorp and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation<ref>{{Cite web |title=TONY ELUMELU: Exiting UBA as CEO at Age 47 was a Blessing – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/05/09/tony-elumelu-exiting-uba-as-ceo-at-age-47-was-a-blessing/ |access-date=2022-09-07 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}</ref>
* [[Paul Dike|Air-Marshal Paul Dike]], former Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria NASA{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}
* [[Paul Dike|Air-Marshal Paul Dike]], former Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria NASA{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}
* [[Buchi Emecheta]], Nigerian-born British novelist
* [[Buchi Emecheta]], Nigerian-born British novelist
* [[Godwin Emefiele]], the former Governor of the [[Central Bank of Nigeria]]
* [[Faze (musician)|Faze]], Nigerian Musician
* [[Faze (musician)|Faze]], Nigerian Musician
* [[Lucky Irabor]], Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria
* [[Elizabeth Isichei]], prominent historian
* [[Elizabeth Isichei]], prominent historian
* [[Alex Iwobi]], football player
* [[Alex Iwobi]], football player
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* [[Stephen Keshi|Stephen Okechukwu Keshi]], former Super Eagles captain and Malian National Football Team Coach
* [[Stephen Keshi|Stephen Okechukwu Keshi]], former Super Eagles captain and Malian National Football Team Coach
* [[Demas Nwoko]], prominent Sculptor of Nigeria
* [[Demas Nwoko]], prominent Sculptor of Nigeria
* [[Ned Nwoko]], former senator
* [[Ned Nwoko]], present senator
* [[Sam Obi]], Former Acting Governor of Delta State and former Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly
* [[Nduka Obaigbena]], Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of the THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel
* [[Nduka Odizor]], former Lawn tennis player
* [[Nduka Odizor]], former Lawn tennis player
* [[Timothy Ogene]], writer
* [[Timothy Ogene]], writer
* [[Joy Ogwu]], former Managing Director of Nigeria Institute of International Affairs
* [[Joy Ogwu]], former Managing Director of Nigeria Institute of International Affairs
* [[Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala]], the current Director-general of the [[World Trade Organization]]
* [[Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala]], the current Director-general of the [[World Trade Organization]]
* [[Ifeanyi Okowa]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-12 |title=Okowa: 60 Garlands for An Indefatigable Performer |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/07/12/okowa-60-garlands-for-an-indefatigable-performer/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=THISDAYLIVE |language=en-US}}</ref> former Nigerian Senator and current Governor of Delta State
* [[Jay-Jay Okocha|Austine "Jay-Jay" Okocha]], former Captain of Super Eagles of Nigeria
* [[Jay-Jay Okocha|Austine "Jay-Jay" Okocha]], former Captain of Super Eagles of Nigeria
* [[Sunday Oliseh]], former Captain of super Eagles of Nigeria
* [[Sunday Oliseh]], former Captain of super Eagles of Nigeria
* [[Lisa Omorodion]], Nollywood Actress, producer and entrepreneur
* [[Lisa Omorodion]], Nollywood Actress, producer and entrepreneur
* [[Dennis Osadebay|Dennis Osadebe]], politician, poet, journalist and former premier of the now defunct Mid-Western Region of Nigeria, which now comprises Edo and Delta State.
* [[Dennis Osadebay|Dennis Osadebe]], politician, poet, journalist and former premier of the now defunct Mid-Western Region of Nigeria, which now comprises Edo and Delta State.
* [[Jim Ovia]], M/D Zenith Bank
* [[Zulu Sofola]], the first published female Nigerian playwright and dramatist and first female Professor of Theater Arts in Africa.
* [[Zulu Sofola]], the first published female Nigerian playwright and dramatist and first female Professor of Theater Arts in Africa.
* [[Nduka Ugbade]], Nigeria's former football player and the first African to lift the world cup
* [[Nduka Ugbade]], Nigeria's former football player and the first African to lift the world cup

Revision as of 00:59, 6 September 2024

Anioma People
Ndí Ániọ̀mà
Total population
1,800,000 (est. 2022, 2,100,000) 2,100,000 (including those of ancestral descent)
Regions with significant populations
Nigeria (Delta State with minorities in Edo State, Anambra State)
Religion
Predominantly Christian,
minority African Traditional Religion
Related ethnic groups
Igbo, Bini, Esan, Igala, Yoruba

The Anioma people (/æˈniːomɑː/ ah-NEE-o-ma, US: /əˈniːomɑː/ uh-NEE-o-mah; Igbo: Ndí Ániọ̀mà) are a West African people and a predominantly Igboid speaking ethnolingustic group indigenous to present day Delta State, Nigeria. The Anioma people encompass and are native to the nine northereastern Local Government Areas of Delta State. Politically, the Anioma occupy the Delta North Senatorial District where they are the majority group.

Today, the population of the Anioma is estimated today to be at approximately 1.8 million.[1][2] The largest Anioma settlement and urban area is the Delta State Capital Territory, which incorporates the city of Asaba along the Niger River, with Okpanam, Igbuzor and surrounding communities.[3]

Etymology

The term Anioma is an acronym etymologically derived from the diverse cultural realms that comprise the Western Igbo speaking regions flanking the western basin of the Niger in south central Nigeria: the Aniocha (A), Ndokwa (N), Ika (I) and the Oshimili peoples(O).[4] The coinage was made in 1951 by Chief Dennis Osadebay, founding father of the Anioma state movement and has since remained the preferred indigenous name by which the people collectively refer to themselves.

In Igbo, the term can be transliterated into 'Good Land', and thus the Igbo intonation of the actual word forms the basis for official pronunciation.

Geography

The Anioma are located immediately south of the Edo Central Plains on the floodplains and hills of the western basin of the Niger River within the present Delta State of Nigeria. The homeland of the Anioma encompasses a land mass of about 6,300 km2 [citation needed]. Anioma lies contiguous with Anambra in the East, Imo and Rivers in the south-east, Bayelsa in the south, and within the Deltan south-west by the Isoko, west by the Urhobo ethnic nation, north-west by southern Edo and north by southern Kogi. The people have drawn their culture and experiences as a result of lying contiguous to numerous other ethnicities and communities which characterises Anioma as a relatively peaceful region in terms of national affairs.[5] Politically, Anioma is often referred to in state affairs as Delta North, in line with the people of the Delta South and Delta Central senatorial districts within Delta.

Out of the 25 Local government areas in Delta, the nine northeastern make up the Anioma region:

  1. Aniocha North
  2. Aniocha South
  3. Ika North-East
  4. Ika South
  5. Ndokwa East
  6. Ndokwa West
  7. Oshimili North
  8. Oshimili South
  9. Ukwuani

Sprache

Today, Anioma people predominantly speak the western Igboid languages with varying native dialects including the Enuani dialects spoken in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Isheagu, Asaba, parts of Igbodo, Illah, Issele, Idumuje, Onicha etc., Ika of Agbor, Umunede, Owa, Igbanke, Boji-Boji etc. with heavy linguistic influence from Bini, an Edoid language, Ukwuani-Aboh dialect of the Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni cluster mostly spoken by the peoples of Ndokwa. There are minority Anioma peoples in Edo (Igbanke), Ute-Oheze, Iru, Owariozor, Obagie N’Oheze, Ekpon, Owanikeke, Iyenle, Anambra (Onitsha, Ozobulu, Obosi, Oraifite) and Imo states (Oguta). Minorities of historically non-Igbo speakers exist with a Igala minority in the northernmost extremities of the Anioma homeland at Ebu on the border with Edo State and Umuebu in Ukwuani[6] as well as the Yoruboid Olukumi[7] of Aniocha.

The Ekumeku Movement (1883-1914)

See also Ekumeku Movement:

The Ekumeku War is unique in Anioma history and Igbo history in general for two reasons.[8] First, the movement's duration involved military campaigns spanning thirty-one years against the British.[9] Secondly, it exemplifies an effort amongst the Igbo people to unify previously fragmented states in resistance to the british colonial army.[10]

Towns & Communities

Anioma towns and communities are listed alphabetically below:[11]

Abah, Abala Anikoko, Abavo, Abi, Abodei, Aboh, Adai, Adonta, Afor, Agbor, Akakpan-Isumpe, Ankara, Akoku, Akuku-Akumazi, Akumazi-Umuocha, Akwukwu-Igbo, Alasime, Alidinma, Alihagu, Amai, Anakwa, Anifekide, Aninwalo, Aninwama-Jeta, Aniofu, Aniogo, Anioma, Anuregu, Anwai, Asaba, Asaba-Ase, Asaba-Ubulu, Ashaka, Ashama, Atuma, Atuma-Iga, Azagba-Ogwashi, Azagba-Ubieni, Boji-Boji, Ebedi, Ebu, Edo-Ogwashi, Egbudu-Akah, Egbudu-Ogwashi, Ejeme-Agbor, Ejeme-Aniogo, Ejeme-Unor, Ekpecho, Ekpon, Ekwuemusana, Emu, Emuhu, Etua Etiti, Etua Ukpo, Ewulu, Ezi, Eziokpor, Ezionum, Ibodoni, Ibrode, Ibusa, Idumuesah, Idumuje-Ugboko, Idumuje-Unor, Idumu-Ogo, Igbanke, Igbodo, Igbogiri, Igbuku, Illah, Iru, Isa-Ogwashi, Iselegu, Isheagu, Isikiti-Ishiagu, Issele-Azagba, Issele-Mkpitime, Issele-Uku, Isumpe, Kwale, Mbiri, Ndemiri, Ndokwa, Abbi, Inam-Abbi, Eziunm, Nkpolenyi, Nsukwa, Obeti, Obi Anyima, Obi Umutu, Obi, Obiaruku, Obikwele, Obinomba, Obior, Obodo-Eti, Obomkpa, Ogbe, Ogode, Ogume, Ogwashi-Uku, Oko Anala, Oko/Ogbele, Oko-Amakom, Okotomi, Okpa, Okpanam, Okwe, Oligbo, Oligbo, Olor-Usisa, Olu-Odu, Omaja, Onicha Olona, Onicha-Ugbo, Onicha-Uku, Onitsha-Ukwuani, Onogbokor, Onuseti, Onya, Oolor-Ogwashi, Otolokpo, Otulu, Owa Nta, Owa-Abi, Owa-Alero, Owa-Ofie, Owa-Oyibo, Owerri-Olubor, Ubulubu, Ubulu-Okiti, Ubulu-Okiti, Ubulu-Ukwu, Ubulu-Unor, Udumeje, Ugboba, Ugbodu, Ugbolu, Ugiliamai, Ukala-Okpunor, Ukala-Okwute, Ukwuani, Ukwunzu, Ukwu-Oba, Umuabu, Umu-Ebu Adonishaka, Umuhu, Umukwem, Umukwota, Umunede, Umuolu, Umute, Umutu, Unor, Unor, Unuaja, Ushie, Usisa, Utagba-Ogbe, Utagba-Unor, Utchi, Ute Aru, Ute Enugu, Ute Erumu, Utegbeje, Ute Obagie N’Oheze, Ute-Oheze, Ute-Okpu, Utuoku.

Festivals

Today, the Anioma celebrate their identity annually with a cocktail of traditional dances organized by the Organization for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC). First held in 2003, the cultural fiesta annually brings together the local council areas of Aniomaland to celebrate their common identity.

Notable people

See also

References

  1. ^ "Federal Republic of Nigeria, Official gazette". 94 (24). 2007. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. ^ "About". ANIOMA VOICE WORLDWIDE FOUNDATION. Archived from the original on 2021-04-27. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
  3. ^ "NED NWOKO'S STATE CREATION BILL – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  4. ^ "How the term 'Anioma' was derived". Freshangle News. 2020-05-19. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  5. ^ Kunirum Osia, Anioma Association Inc, USA, May 24, 1997
  6. ^ "EBU, THE IGALA- SPEAKING COMMUNITY IN ANIOMA". nairapen.com. Retrieved 2023-11-21.
  7. ^ Agborh, Alphonsus (2022-07-24). "Yoruba community in the heart of Igbo-speaking Delta produces own Bible, dictionary". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
  8. ^ Igbafe, Philip A. (1971). "Western Ibo Society and its Resistance to British Rule: The Ekumeku Movement 1898–1911". The Journal of African History. 12 (3): 441–459. doi:10.1017/S0021853700010872. ISSN 1469-5138.
  9. ^ Igbafe, Philip A. (1971). "Western Ibo Society and its Resistance to British Rule: The Ekumeku Movement 1898–1911". The Journal of African History. 12 (3): 441–459. doi:10.1017/S0021853700010872. ISSN 0021-8537.
  10. ^ Igbafe, Philip A. (1971). "Western Ibo Society and its Resistance to British Rule: The Ekumeku Movement 1898–1911". The Journal of African History. 12 (3): 441–459. doi:10.1017/S0021853700010872. ISSN 0021-8537.
  11. ^ "The Anioma People - A History Lesson in Five Minutes (by Bolaji Aluko)". groups.google.com. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
  12. ^ Nwafor (2018-04-14). "Achuzia,"Hannibal", buried in Asaba". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  13. ^ "TONY ELUMELU: Exiting UBA as CEO at Age 47 was a Blessing – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2022-09-07.

Further reading

  • Udeani, Chibueze. (2007). Inculturation as Dialogue: Igbo Culture and the Message of Christ. p. 11. ISBN 978-9042022294.
  • Ikime O. (ed). Groundwork of Nigerian history. Heineman educational books (Nigeria) PLC, Ibadan, 1980: 89-121.
  • Onwuejeogwu MA. Igbo civilization: Nri kingdom and hegemony; London, Ethnographica, 1981.
  • Obi Efeizomor II (Obi of Owa). Community development in Owa kingdom – the Nigerian factor. University of Benin press; Benin City-Nigeria; 1994: 303.
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