By Tony Okafor
The Database Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) has revealed that its records now contains over two million non-indigenous residents in the state.
According to Prince Chigozie Nweke, President of ANIAS, the association has been working tirelessly to capture the data of non-indigenes living in Anambra State.
This effort, he explained, was prompted by allegations that non-indigenes were responsible for the insecurity in the state.
During a visit to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, at his office, Nweke disclosed that the data capturing exercise commenced last year.
He emphasized that the goal of the exercise was to expose the bad elements among the non-indigenes in the state.
Nweke revealed that ANIAS is a diverse association comprising members from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, as well as West African countries.
He expressed pride in the progress made so far, stating that over two million members have been captured in the database, with the number still growing.
The ANIAS President highlighted that all registered members had their voters’ cards, indicating their commitment to participating in the democratic process in their adopted state.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Ibezim, commended ANIAS for its efforts in promoting unity and harmony in the state.
He encouraged the association to continue its good work, assuring them of the government’s support in their endeavors.
The visit also provided an opportunity for ANIAS to brief the Deputy Governor on its activities and challenges.
Nweke seized the occasion to appeal for support from the government in addressing some of the challenges faced by non-indigenes in the state.
The meeting was attended by other executive members of ANIAS, who expressed their appreciation for the warm reception accorded them by the Deputy Governor.
They reiterated their commitment to working with the government to ensure peace and development in Anambra State.
The total population of Anambra State is 4,177,821, as of 2006 census figures. However, it’s estimated to be around 6,953,500 in 2022 . The state is the 8th most populated state in Nigeria and is the 2nd most densely populated state in Nigeria after Lagos State
