Afuze

Afuze
Town
Afuze Location in Nigeria
Coordinates(Town Hall): 6°57′04″N6°07′34″E / 6.9510°N 6.1261°E / 6.9510; 6.1261
Country	Nigeria
State	Edo State
LGA	Owan East
Government
• Type	Local Government
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT)
Postal code	313001
Climate	Aw

Afuze is a town located in the Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria and serves as the administrative headquarters of the Owan East Local Government Area. ^{[1] [2]}

History

The town's name is Afen- su -Uze (meaning the clan of Uze, a type of water cane). Its origins can be traced to be established by Imoigan, one of the descendants of Imah and Uzuanbi. Initially it was a farm camp later, its establishment served as a key trading center along the historic trans-regional trade routes of West Africa. ^{[3] [4]} These routes facilitated the exchange of goods such as ivory, spices, and textiles, creating an economy that contributed to Afuze's growth. ^{[5] [6]}

Historical records indicate that Afuze was a link in the trade network connecting the Benin Kingdom with other West African societies, including the Yoruba and Igbo regions. ^[7] This strategic positioning facilitated cultural exchange and the sharing of ideas, influencing Afuze's identity. ^[8]

In the 19th century, Afuze encountered the impacts of the transatlantic slave trade and British colonial expansion. Subsequently, the town emerged as a focal point for anti-colonial movements and played a role in Nigeria's independence. ^[9]

Geography

Afuze is positioned in the northern part of Edo State. The town's landscape is characterized by a combination of undulating terrain and regional vegetation. ^[10]

Demographics

Afuze has a heterogeneous population consisting of several ethnic groups, some native to Edo State and others from different regions. ^[11] This diversity has been shaped by historical trade and migration patterns. ^[12]

References

1. Molua, O. C.; Emagbetere, J. U. (2005). "Determination of water table using electrical sounding technique: A case study of Afuze Edo State, Nigeria" . Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics. 9: 457–464. doi:10.4314/jonamp.v9i1.40082. ISSN   1116-4336.
2. Molua, O. C.; Emagbetere, J. U. (2005-01-01). "Determination of water table using electrical sounding technique: A case study of Afuze Edo State, Nigeria". Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics.
3. "Edo State | Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries". zodml.org. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
4. Ogbomo, Onaiwu W. (1994). "Constructing a Precolonial Owan Chronology and Dating Framework" . History in Africa. 21: 219–249. doi:10.2307/3171887. ISSN   0361-5413. JSTOR   3171887.
5. Senbore, Samson S; Oke, Saheed A (2021-03-01). "Geophysical and Geochemical Assessment of Afuze Bentonitic Clay: Implication for Mud Drilling Additive in Drilling Industry". IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 690 (1): 012034. doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/690/1/012034 . ISSN   1755-1307.
6. "Afuze and Nigeria's culture of abandonment". Businessday Nigeria. 2016-02-13. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
7. "The history of Owan People Edo state Nigeria". www.edoworld.net. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
8. Okosun, Freeman Eseigbe; Okosun, Solomon Kehinde; Okosun, Isaiah Eromosele (1999). A Short History of Ubiaja. Freeman Productions.
9. "Owan people of northern part of Edo State, Nigeria". www.edoworld.net. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
10. "Owan East Local Government Area". www.finelib.com. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
11. Klein Goldewijk, Kees; Beusen, Arthur; Doelman, Jonathan; Stehfest, Elke (2017-12-01). "Anthropogenic land use estimates for the Holocene – HYDE 3.2". Earth System Science Data. 9 (2): 927–953. doi: 10.5194/essd-9-927-2017 . ISSN   1866-3508.
12. "Afuze, Owan East - Postcode - 313001 - Nigeria Postcode". www.nigeriapostcode.com. Retrieved 2023-08-29.