Abuja Set for Historic Anioma Cultural Festival
The Izu Anioma Towns Union in Abuja has officially announced plans for the first-ever Anioma Cultural Festival, scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Old Parade Ground in Area 10, Garki, Abuja. This landmark event marks a significant moment for the Anioma community in the Federal Capital Territory.
Distinguished Honorees and Cultural Celebrations
As a centerpiece of the celebrations, the Union will confer special recognition upon Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, who represents Anioma in the Senate and serves as Patron of the Union. The award acknowledges his substantial contributions to the development, cultural promotion, and advancement of Anioma heritage.
Several other prominent sons and daughters of the region will also receive awards for excellence, patriotism, and dedicated service to the Anioma people both at home and in the diaspora.
Festival Highlights and Cultural Showcases
Chief (Barr.) Luke Enelichi, President of the Union, revealed during a media briefing that the festival has been designated as a biannual cultural event in the Federal Capital Territory. The primary objective is to showcase the rich history, unique customs, and enduring resilience of the Anioma people from Delta North Senatorial District in Delta State.
The event will feature vibrant cultural displays by groups representing the four major Anioma communities:
- Aniocha
- Ndokwa
- Ika
- Oshimili
Attendees can expect to enjoy traditional dance performances, indigenous craft exhibitions, artistic showcases, and various other expressions that highlight the diverse cultural tapestry of Anioma land.
A major highlight of the festival will be the prominent exhibition of the revered Akwa Ocha (white cloth), the traditional attire of the Anioma people that symbolizes purity, honour, hospitality, and cultural identity.
Distinguished Guests and Union Mission
The event is expected to attract high-profile guests including the Governor of Delta State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd). The occasion will also bring together other dignitaries, traditional rulers, and cultural enthusiasts.
The Izu Anioma Towns Union, popularly known as Izu Anioma, functions as a socio-cultural organization representing the Anioma people of Delta State. Its core mission involves unifying Anioma associations, clans, and town unions across Nigeria and the diaspora to advance shared social, cultural, and political interests.
The Union serves as a collective voice for Anioma communities, actively fostering cultural preservation, social cohesion, and political participation. It has been a strong advocate for the recognition and development of Anioma interests, including the long-standing campaign for the creation of an Anioma State.
Through its active chapters, including the significant Abuja branch, the Union continues to play a vital role in cultural advocacy and socio-political dialogue within the Federal Capital Territory. The organization's cultural programs, community development initiatives, and advocacy efforts consistently promote unity among Anioma communities while supporting the preservation of their heritage, political recognition, and broader cultural renaissance.
