The name ‘Anioma’ is a coinage made by Chie Denis Osadebe when the movement for the actualization of the creation of the state was born. It is in fact an acronym derived from the names of the geo-political areas in existence then namely: Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika and Oshimili all of who are culturally, historically and linguistically related and have been relating from time immemorial.
Location
The Anioma are group are located in the West Basin of the River Niger in the present South-south, Delta state, Nigeria. Anioma beautifully runs from Ubulubu to Ebu. Anioma is often referred to as Delta North within the state of Delta. Anioma is bounded to the East by Anambra state; to the southeast by lmo and Rivers States; to the south by Bayelsa State; to the southwest by lsoko ethnic group; to the west, by Urhobo ethnic group; to the northwest by Edo State and the north by Kogi State.
Origin/History
Much of the Anioma communities trace their origin to the Igbo as their original homes, thus the reason for the common reference to these people as Delta Igbo. This may also refer to the dialect of the people. Though it may be argued that the Anioma people posses diverse history, natural course of events have certain united and helped in no small way to homogenize the culture and linguistics of these people. While the origin of these group of people can largely be traced to the Igbo like Ibusa partly from Nshi (Nri) and Ogwashi –Uku from Nri, there still some whose history can be traced to the Bini where Ezechima was said to have migrated founding areas like Onitsha (now in the South-East), Issele-Uku, Onicha-Ugbo and others alike.
The dialects of Anioma can adequately be grouped into Ukwuani (mostly spoken by the Ndokwa and Ukwuani), Enu-Ani (Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Asaba, parts of Igbodo, Ilah, Issele-Uku etc), Ika (Agbor) and Aboh (spoken mostly by the Aboh and the communities around it) however, there is no doubt that all the Anioma towns and communities understand and speak the Igbo language effectively.
There are Anioma people in Edo state of Nigeria (Igbanke), Anambra state (Onitsha, Ozobulu, Obosi, Oraifite) Imo state (Oguta), Rivers state (Ndoni, Ogba) amongst several others. The British following the defeat of the Anioma people by them during the years of Ekwumekwu wars imperialistically carried out this great harm of balkanization. This situation was further worsened by the Federal Government of Nigeria who has through series of marginalization policies of the Igbo directly encouraged the division of the Igbo, annexing some of these oil rich towns and villages to other states with distinct history and culture. A perfect example is the sudden emergence of the ‘six geo-political’ phrase, which has led to the division of the once Eastern region majestically ruled by the Igbo.
Some Anioma towns and communities
ABAH, UNOR, ANIFEKIDE, EJEME-AGBOR, IGBUKU, OBOMKPA, ONICHA-UGBO, UKALA-OKPUNOR, ABALA ANIKOKO, EJEME-ANIOGO, ILLAH, OBI, ANUREGU, ONITSHA-UKWUANI, UKALA-OKWUTE, ABAVO, ANINWAMA-JETA, EJEME-UNOR, ISELEGU, OBIKWELE, ONOGBOKOR, UKWUANI, ABI, ANINWALO, EKPON, ISHEAGU, OBINUMBA, ONUSETI, OLIGBO, UKWUNZU, ABODEI, ANIOFU, EMU, ISIKITI-ISHIAGU, OGBE, ONYA, UKWU-OBA, ABOH, ANIOGO, EZI, ISA-OGWASHI, OGODE, OTOLOKPO, UNOR, ADAI, ANIOMA, EZIOKPOR, ISSELE-AZAGBA, OGWASHI-UKU, OTULU, UMU-EBU ADONISHAKA, ANWAI, EZIONUM, ISSELE-MKPITIME, OGUME, OWA-ABI, UMUABU, ADONTA, ASABA, EWULU, ISSELE-UKU, OKO-AMAKOM, OWA-ALERO, UNUAJA, AFOR, ASABA-ASE, EKPECHO, ISUMPE, OKO ANALA, OWA NTA, UMUKWEM, AGBOR, ASABA-UBULU, EMUHU, KWALE, OKO/OGBELE, OWA-OFIE, UMUKWOTA, AKAKPAN-ISUMPE, ASHAKA, ETUA ETITI, MBIRI, OKOTOMI, OWA-OYIBO, UMUNEDE, AKARA,I ASHAMA, ETUA UKPO, NDEMIRI, OKPA, OWERRI-OLUBOR, UMUOLU, AKOKU, ATUMA, IBODONI, NDOKWA, OKPANAM, UDUMEJE, UMUTE, AKUKU-AKUMAZI, ATUMA-IGA, IBRODE, NKPOLENYI, OKWE, UGBOBA, UMUTU, AKUMAZI-UMUOCHA, AZAGBA-OGWASHI, IBUSA, NSUKWA, OLIGBO, UGBODU, USHIE, AKWUKU-IGBO, EBEDI, IDUMUESAH, OBETI, OOLOR-OGWASHI, UGBOLU, UTAGBA-OGBE, ALIDINMA, EBU, IDUMU-OGO, OBODO-ETI, OLOR-USISA, UBULU-UKWU, UTAGBA-UNOR, ALIHAGU, EDO-OGWASHI, IDUMUJE-UNOR, OBI ANYIMA, OLU-ODU, UBULU-OKITI, UTCHI, ALASIME, EGBUDU-AKAH, IDUMUJE-UGBOKO, OBIARUKU, OMAJA, UBULU-UNOR, UBULU-OKITI, UTE ARU, AMAI, EGBUDU-OGWASHI, IGBANKE, OBIOR, ONICHA-UKU, UBULUBU, UTE ENUGU, ANAKWA, EKWUEMUSANA, IGBODO, OBI UMUTU, ONICHA OLONA, UGILIAMAI, UTEGBEJE, USISA, UTUOKU, UTE-OKPU.
Local Government Areas
The Anioma region does not comprise of a single Local Government Area but are situated in nine different Local Areas within Delta state which comprises of 25 local government areas in all and are as follows:
(i) Aniocha North
(ii) Aniocha South
(iii) Ika south
(iv) Ika North-East
(v) Ndokwa East
(vi) Ndokwa West
(vii) Ukwuani
(viii) Oshimili North
(ix) Oshimili South
Agitation for the creation of Anioma state
The agitations for the creation of a separate state for this Igbo people of Anioma have yielded nothing but at best the situation of the people in the present Delta state. This agitation began in 1951 when Hon. Frank Oputa Ututu and and Hon Oki from Ndokwa both moved a motion for the then Western House of Assembly in which they canvassed for a separate province for the people. It is remarkable to note that at this time the people were largely balkanized and merged with Benin and Warri provinces the British even defeating Anioma during the Ekwumekwu wars because they feared that if left united the Anioma people could once again rise and formidably defeat them. Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his Action Congress Group was to disallow the creation of a separate province for Anioma, an action seriously viewed as a serious threat and marginalization of the Igbo way back. Ever since, the last has not been heard of the agitation for the creation of Anioma state.
Marginalization of the Anioma region
Anioma like their Igbo kith and kins in the Southeast are currently being marginalized in the present federal state of Nigeria. Anioma thus remains one of the least developed regions of Nigeria. Infrastructures and basic amenities are lacking in the region and good roads can hardly be found in towns and communities of Anioma. It is surprising that oil abounds in commercial quantities in parts of Anioma but the federal government of Nigeria has done nothing to uphold the standard of amenities in this region. Several of the towns and communities of this region are lacking of good roads that vehicles can access. The Oniocha-Obomkpa road for instance, has since stopped to exist and individuals in the town can hardly point to where the road was hitherto lying. The greatest threat to the existence of towns like Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Ilah, Akwukwu-Uku, are lack of water. Sadly the indigenes of these big towns still visit streams to fetch drinkable water for consumption.
Similarly, a town like Okpanam has only one road in which the town can be accessed. The presence of the state government is not being felt in all of these areas. It is appalling that streetlights cannot be found in almost every part of Anioma excepting Asaba not even in Ibusa, which are only some few miles away from the state capital. Roads and bridges are also not found connecting the various towns and communities of the region, the therefore takes a very long time to network even the nearest neighbouring communities. This is the fate of Anioma people.
This area has been marginalized politically, economically and educationally too. Ibusa as a town very close to Asaba cannot boast of as much as six public schools. Far less of this number of schools exists in Oko-Anala and the other three Oko communities. Worse still, seats and desks are highly in less existence in these schools. Politically, the governments of Nigeria from the years of Awolowo and his Action Group have continued to deny the people the creation of Anioma state as demanded by the people in spite of the clarity that a group of people are given definition or recognition on the basis of their history, culture and history and geography. This basis has been utilized in the creation of states in Nigeria. But the fate of the Anioma people have been grotesquely denied, repressed and seemingly rejected for no just reason but only because it is part of the marginalization of the Igbo. Even as we are aware that a people are defined by the way they perceive themselves. Early philosophers and thinkers of since justified this. For the Anioma people of Nigeria it is a different game.
It is also a known fact that the political activities and ambitions of these people have always ended below the executive leadership of the state because of certain feelings that the Igbo region cannot have their one of their towns as the state capital and another of their person as the governor of the state. This feeling implicitly and explicitly creates a development that may never see any Anioma indigene emerge as the governor of the state if left unattended.
The Anioma people and Associations will definitely need to put up social and political fights to address this ugly situation. Only a dynamic leadership of the Anioma can help achieve this. The Anioma again will need to congregate wherever they find themselves and seek credible and potent means of battling the development bereft of violence though we know that the region has never in its entire history been linked to any kind of violence. The region should maintain this clean sheet. Individuals and organizations must develop Anioma homeland. The region has only seen a twilight of development through self-development be the social and political organizations of the region must do much more to attract the interest of the state and federal governments to the flight of the people.
Happily, the Organization For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) and the Anioma Association USA and many more Organizations have begun this step in the right direction to see to the development of the area. These various Associations should come up with developmental projects to develop these communities but care should be taken not to duplicate the efforts of those at home and concentration on any particular area of the region to the detriment of others must also be avoided. The Western Igbo who live in the South-south must be separated through the creation of Anioma state. The Anioma must work harder towards this area. Let every Anioma sons and daughters be aware of this.
Some personalities of Anioma origin
The Anioma region is blessed with abundant human resources all of who have served this country in different endeavours. Some of them are as follows:
(i) Professor Pat Utomi
(ii) Chief Sabastine Adigwe
(iii) Chief Godwill Obielum
(iv) Professor Augustine Esogbue
(v) Chief Sunny Odogwu,
(vi) Chief sunny Okogwu
(vii) Hon. Ndudi Elumelu,
(viii) Professor Buchi Emecheta
(ix) Tony Elumelu
(x) Austine Jay Jay Okocha
(xi) Nduka Ugbade
(xii) Professor Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
(xiii) Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi
(xiv) Dr. Ify Okowa
(xv) Mr. Frank Atuche
(xvi) Mr. Jim Ovia
(xvii) Dr. Ifeanyi Okpalobi
(xviii) Chief Benjamin Elue
(xix) Dr Kanirum Osia
(xx) Chief Tony Azuya
Anioma People, Towns and Communities
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Are We Really One World? German Au Pairs and Cultural Differences
With the rising costs of childcare, American families are hosting au pairs in staggering numbers. There has been an increase in the number of au pairs with nearly 22,000 young women residing in the USA last year, up 44% from 2004! This is a dramatic increase and the trend appears to be growing despite the weak economy.
The French term, au pair, denotes a young woman who “lives as an equal” with her host family. Au pair agencies recruit young women from over 55 countries, with China as the newest “hot” placement for sophisticated American families seeking to expose their children to Mandarin.
Despite global connections between countries and the politcally correct phrase “we are all one world” cultural differences exist across Europe, Asia and South America - top areas au pair agencies recruit from. These cultural differences add flavor and spice to the host family’s year with their au pair and both benefit from cross-cultural experiences.
Knowledge of cultural differences is critical to a host family’s success with their au pair -American behavior may be viewed as rude or insulting to an au pair, and Americans can often misinterpret an au pair’s interactions with their children, etc.
One of the more popular countries that Americans prefer when hosting an au pair is Germany. Let’s take a look at why this is true:
The idea of traveling to the United States to become an au pair is a very familiar concept in Germany. These young women are motivated by several factors including a desire to become more independent, to improve their English skills, and to experience American culture. German youth are fascinated with American music, TV programs, Hollywood stars and movies. In addition, young German women know that a year abroad that improves her English is a significant plus on her resume, greatly increasing her job potential once she returns home. Therefore, the au pair program continues to be a highly popular gap year for young women who usually return to Germany to continue at University. Approximately 37% of all au pairs who arrive in the United States are from Western Europe and 23% of that number are from Germany (although in recent years, that trend seems to be declining).
German Culture
Young people in Germany have much more freedom from their families to socialize and date compared to their American peers. Socializing with friends is very important and German youth go out to pubs from the early age of 16. If your German au pair likes to go out and socialize, do not misinterpret this as ”party girl” – she will most likely be sitting in a Starbucks talking with other German au pairs or visiting our nation’s famous sights to expand her knowledge of America. Curfews are not common and there is generally a relaxed and accepting attitude between parents and their adolescent children. German youth are generally open-minded, well mannered and tend to be ambitious regarding their careers. Germans take family life very seriously and most German families eat together for all meals, including lunch. Government rules allow all shops and businesses to close each day for from 12 noon to 2 o’clock so the family can come together for lunch. No one is late for meals. Germans are very private people and greatly value their time alone. It would not be unusual for your German au pair to keep her door shut while she is on her time “off” and during these times you should make sure the children are not barging in and bothering her. She may interpret this behavior as very rude and intrusive.
Childcare
Discipline techniques include talking to the child, taking sweets away, taking away television or video privileges, or sending the child to their room. Corporal punishment is forbidden in Germany German au pairs tend to be highly organized and responsible and catch on quickly to the family’s routine. Applicants obtain their childcare experience through formal training (in kindergartens, etc.) and babysitting for friends and family. German parents (either mother or father) typically stay home with their young children at least until they are old enough to attend kindergarten. Working at home is very common for German parents. Your German au pair will expect the children to treat her with respect, to comply with her instructions and to follow the house rules. Unruly or bad behavior is a sign of disrespect and a child who is overly indulged by parents (with toys, sweets, privileges not earned) is considered spoiled as result of poor or failed parenting.
Driving Skills
Most West German au pairs are excellent drivers. They receive their license at age 18 and the test is much more demanding and time consuming compared to their American peers. Most driving pupils need 20-30 lessons in order to pass the test and there is an hour practical driving test! If any German fails the test more than 3 times, a psychological test is then required by the state. Most parents have a car for the teen to practice on and they support their teenagers in getting the license and becoming good, safe drivers. German au pairs are exclusively sought out by host parents for their excellent driving skills making them one of the most popular au pairs.
English Skills – West German Au Pairs get an A+
English is a compulsory subject at the age of 10, but many children start as early as kindergarten. As a result, German youth have competent English skills with many having no or a very slight German accent. German au pairs are popular with host parents for their English skills. Host parents typically expect them to help the children with homework and German au pairs are generally very competent in this area. West Germans’ proficiency in English is generally better compared to Germans from East Germany – East Germans get a C- in English!
Health
Germans are typically very healthy. They have good medical and dental insurance. Most young women are not inoculated or tested for TB (tuberculosis). Eating disorders are not very common in Germany. Most young people in Germany eat meat and lots of vegetables and fresh foods are preferred to fast foods/processed foods. A growing number of German youth are becoming vegetarians and you should ask your au pair if she eats meat.
Religion
The two most common religions in Germany are Catholic and Protestant Most young people in Germany do not practice their religion on a regular basis
Other Useful Information
Most German families have at least one computer with access to the internet and most young Germans have their own cell phones; contacting prospective au pairs is relatively easy during the interviewing process Family members usually speak English and can take messages from you if the au pair is not home which is a great plus for you as a host parent. German students end their academic year in June and most of the young women apply to arrive in the USA during the summer months but before our school term starts here in the USA so plan to have your German au pair arrive in early or mid August so she can sign up for fall courses at your local college. German au pairs are typically serious students and will expect to sign up for courses immediately upon arrival. German au pairs will expect flexibly from her host parents so she can attend her classes without interruption. West Germans are generally more educated, are more experienced drivers and possess better English skills compared to East Germans. Generally, German au pairs have less trouble assimilating into American culture and do not generally suffer from culture shock. They genuinely like American culture and look forward to their year abroad. Most Germans will not extend beyond the 12 months – they will return home to continue their education, start a business or look for a professional job.
With the growing trend of using au pairs as their #1 childcare option, American families are competing with one and another for au pairs who are responsible, mature, good drivers and who speak good, competent English. German au pairs generally meet all of these criteria while adding old world charm mixed with a youthful and modern perspective. Germans are proud of their culture and are usually delighted with our America experience – a wonderful combination for any host family!
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Alaska cruises are the most popular summer cruise destinations in the world!
The Alaska cruise season runs from May through September, and demand is high. Resplendent with natural beauty and steeped in adventure, today Alaskan cruises are popular with couples, honeymooners, families, and both new and experienced cruise goers. Life is different in Alaska!
Alaska, an overwhelming landscape of glaciers and endless forests, sunlight shines at midnight, towering snowy mountains, forest-covered islands and isolated villages, blue and humpback whales, grizzly and polar bears, and the rare bald eagle.
Alaska’s Ice Age Glaciers: The glaciers of College Fjord, Tracy Arm Fjord, Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park offer some of the most spectacular sights and sounds you will experience on your Alaska cruise vacation.
Alaska cruises can be expensive, but the joy of seeing this exciting American wilderness is well worth the extra dollars. Many non-cruisers also love to choose this beautiful part of the world.
Alaska’s National Parks: One-half of all U.S. National Park land is located in Alaska, the most popular national parks are Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park and Wrangell St. Elias National Park.
Alaskan cruises normally sell for a higher price than any other popular cruise destinations including the Caribbean. The shorter season and high demand add up to a more expensive cruise.
The limited number of Alaskan cruises departure ports is another reason why these voyages often fill up more quickly than other itineraries.
Alaska Highlights: Seeing Alaska’s spectacular coast with cruise ships is the perfect choice. Enjoy a cruise to Alaska along the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park or Prince William Sound. Incredible scenery, glaciers, whales, fishing, native culture, and of course, shopping!
Alaska’s coastline is one of the most enthralling waterways in the world. This northern frontier still boasts pristine landscapes filled with majestic wildlife, it’s truly a land of epic proportions.
For a total Alaskan adventure, combine your Alaska cruise with a land tour is the best. Visit Alaska Today!
