Nsugbe

Last updated

Nsugbe is a town in Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. [1]

Contents

Location

Nsugbe is a town situated on the eastern bank of the Niger River within the Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is surrounded by several neighboring towns and villages. To the west is Onitsha, while Nkwelle-Ezunaka and Umunya are situated to the southwest. Anam lies to the north, and to the east, there are towns such as Umuleri, Aguleri, Enugwu Aguleri, Nando, Nteje, Awkuzu, Igbariam, and Achalla. The town of Nsugbe consists of ten villages, namely Agbalagbo, Enugwu, Nnadi, Amumu, Akpalagu, Ogwuari, Amagu, Offianta, Abah, and Amaofu.

Origin

According to oral tradition, the first settlers in Nsugbe were the descendants of Omini, son of Enugwu Aguleri Eri, who migrated from Enugwu Aguleri after the death of their father and settled at Okpuno Enugwu Nsugbe, an area on the outskirts of modern-day Nsugbe. However, the leader of the group, was called back to Aguleri upon the death of his father Enini (Omini). Some of his descendants, along with his brother Nta, remained in Nsugbe and were later joined by other immigrants from Ivite Agulu-eri, establishing present-day Enugwu Nsugbe, Offianta Nsugbe, and Abah Nsugbe.

The founders of Nnadi village, according to tradition, were originally a separate town from Nsugbe. However, due to the ada war, nearly 90% of them fled to surrounding towns like Nteje, Awkuzu, and others. This war affected the entire Igboland, leaving many places desolate. The Nnadi people sought refuge among the Offianta community until 1903 when they returned to their original home in Nnadi Nsugbe. [2]

Another group of settlers came from the Awka-Achalla-Nri axis, and they are associated with Amagu village in Nsugbe. Additionally, there was a significant influx of immigrants from the Igbo-speaking parts of Delta State, who had previously lived alongside the Edo people. They eventually crossed the Niger-Anambra floodplains and settled on the eastern bank of the Niger River. Some of these settlers established villages like Agbalagbo, Akpalagu, and Ogwuari. Some immigrants from the mid-west region were linked to Eze-Chima, who fled Benin in the 15th century. The founders of Ogwuari village, for example, came from Ogwuashi-Ukwu in Delta State, not far from Benin. After crossing the Niger River, they settled between the Niger and Anambra rivers, coexisting with their Anam neighbors for many years. They owned farmlands and fishing ponds like Ojeli, Akpatayama, Aribo, and Onono. Eventually, they crossed the Niger and Anambra Rivers, establishing their settlement between Ugbo Eke and Akpaka (present-day Onitsha Forest reserve), while entrusting their lands and fishing ponds to the Anam people as caretakers through an oath.

The amalgamation of these immigrant groups in Nsugbe, drawn by the fertile land and attracted by the town's reputation as warriors and hunters, led to the foundation of present-day Nsugbe over 500 years ago. Historically, Nsugbe can be divided into two periods: the predynastic period and the dynastic period.

During the predynastic period, Nsugbe was a confederation of villages governed by three distinct groups: the Okala Okwule, the Umuotu, and the Otuogene. The Okala Okwule comprised a body of village elders, while the Umuotu consisted of energetic and able-bodied men from the town. The Otuogene was a group of elderly women. [3] The dynastic period marked the introduction of kingship or the monarchical institution in Nsugbe, which was brought by the Ogwuari people. The kings were referred to as Obi. The lineage of Obis included Obi Ezepue, Obi Ezenwigbo, Obi Nwaobi, Obi Eke, Obi Uzoka, Obi Itava, Obi Somukwu, and Obi Ovili (Ofili), who was overthrown in 1875. Obi Ovili was the last reigning Obi, following a line of succession exclusive to the Umu-Obi family of Ogwuari. His last child, Princess Nno, was born in 1875 and died in 1975.

After the overthrow of Obi Ofili, Nsugbe experienced a period of leadership crises. A group called Ndi-Eze emerged, representing a class of multiple kings and challenging the multi-eze society. This situation persisted until the British colonial administration arrived in Igbo land, which led to the era of warrant chiefs. Maka was the first appointed warrant chief, followed by Obi Meze, who assumed the position even while Maka was alive. Obi Meze died in 1935, leading to an interregnum period. In 1946, the people of Nsugbe summoned J. N. Anyansi the first to rule as the chief. He was recognized as a second-class chief in 1962 and reigned until his death in 1967. [4] Subsequently, Nsugbe faced another period of leadership crises as the Oba society emerged to challenge the multi-eze society. It was around this time that J.C. Anyansi was appointed as the chief of Nsugbe. Currently, Igwe Victor Ntorukah holds the position of Igwe of Nsugbe, although his recognition is not universal among all the villagers.

Modern status

Over the years, Nsugbe has experienced progress and development. It is the proposed administrative station of Orient Petroleum in Anambra State. Nwafor Orizu College of Education is also located in Nsugbe. The town has produced notable academics, including Rev. Sr. Uju Dibua, a professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Chkwudi Menkiti, a professor of Chemical Engineering, and Fidelis Emoh, a professor of Real Estate and Valuation, are both professors at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka. Nsugbe has also been home to prominent politicians such as Senator Alphonsus Igbeke (Ubanese) and Senator Tony Okechukwu Nwoye, both representing the Anambra North constituency. Honorable Barrister Hycinth Aniegboka Nweke and Honorable Nweke Menkiti have served as commissioners in Anambra State. Honorable Barrister Tochukwu Nweke currently serves as the legal adviser to the executive Governor of Anambra State. In the civil service, individuals like Ajulu and Dr. Dan Ezeanwu have reached the pinnacle of their careers as permanent secretaries in Anambra State. Their contributions have greatly influenced the development of the civil service in the region. Nsugbe has also made significant contributions in the realm of sports. The town has produced illustrious individuals such as the late Okechukwu Isima and Obinna Nsofor, who have left their mark in the national football team, the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Their achievements have brought pride to the community and inspired young aspiring athletes. Additionally, Nsugbe is home to the monastic presence of Our Lady of Angels, a Cistercian community. The presence of the monastery contributes to the spiritual and religious fabric of the town, offering a place of worship and spiritual guidance. [5] The town is also fortunate to have successful business experts who have positively contributed to the growth and development of Nsugbe. Chief Amechi Okeke and Dr. Stan Emoh are notable figures in the business community, leveraging their expertise and entrepreneurship to create opportunities and drive economic progress. [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anambra State</span> State of Nigeria

Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on 27 August 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State and Rivers State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north. The State's Capital is Awka, while the State’s Largest City is Onitsha which is regarded as one of the largest metropolis area in Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enugu State</span> State of Nigeria

Enugu State is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered to the north by the states of Benue and Kogi, Ebonyi State to the east and southeast, Abia State to the south, and Anambra State to the west. The state takes its name from its capital and largest city, Enugu. The city acquired township status in 1917 and was called Enugwu-Ngwo. Due to the rapid expansion towards areas owned by other indigenous communities, it was renamed Enugu in 1928.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Awka</span> Capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria

Awka is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka. The city has an estimated population of 301,657 as of the 2006 Nigerian census. The both LGAs of Awka South and North had a estimated population of 430,200 in 2022. The city is located at 199.1 kilometres (123.7 mi), by road, directly north of Port Harcourt in the centre of the densely-populated Igbo heartland in South-East Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Idoma people</span> Ethnic group in Nigeria

The Idomas are people that primarily inhabit the lower western areas of Benue State, Nigeria, and some of them can be found in Taraba State, Cross Rivers State, Enugu State, Kogi State and Nasarawa State in Nigeria. The Idoma language is classified in the Akweya subgroup of the Idomoid languages of the Volta–Niger family, which include Igede, Alago, Agatu, Etulo, Ete, Akweya (Akpa) and Yala languages of Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, and Northern Cross River states. The Akweya subgroup is closely related to the Yatye-Akpa sub-group. The bulk of the territory is inland, south of river Benue, some seventy-two kilometres east of its confluence with River Niger. The Idoma tribe are known to be 'warriors' and 'hunters' of class, but hospitable and peace-loving. The greater part of Idoma land remained largely unknown to the West until the 1920s, leaving much of the colourful traditional culture of the Idoma intact. The population of the Idomas is estimated to be about 3.5 million. The Idoma people have a traditional ruler called the Och'Idoma who is the head of the Idoma Area Traditional Council. This was introduced by the British. Each community has its own traditional chief such as the former Ad'Ogbadibo of Orokam, Late Chief D.E Enenche. The Palace of the Och'Idoma is located at Otukpo, Benue State. The present Och'Idoma, HRM, Elaigwu Odogbo John, the 5th Och'Idoma of the Idoma People was installed on the 30th of June, 2022 following the passing of his Predecessor HRH Agabaidu Elias Ikoyi Obekpa who ruled from 1996 to October 2021. Past Och'Idomas also include: HRH, Agabaidu Edwin Ogbu, who reigned from 1996 to 1997, HRH, Abraham Ajene Okpabi of Igede descent who ruled from 1960 to 1995 and HRH, Agabaidu Ogiri Oko whose reign took place between 1948 and 1959.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Igboland</span> Cultural region in Nigeria

Igboland, also known as Southeastern Nigeria, is the indigenous homeland of the Igbo people. It is a cultural and common linguistic region in southern Nigeria. Geographically, it is divided into two sections by the lower Niger River: an eastern and a western one. Its population is characterised by the diverse Igbo culture and the speakers of equally diverse Igbo languages.

Abagana is a town in Nigeria. It is the headquarters of Njikoka Local Government Area Anambra State and lies approximately 20 kilometers from Onitsha along the old Enugu-Onitsha Trunk A Road that divides the town into two halves.

Nnama is the name of an Igbo Royal family from Nibo, Awka South LGA, in Anambra State, Nigeria. Other variations include Nnama-Orjiakor. They are part of the Umu-eleh/ Umu ele clan (umunna) in Umuenechi, Umuanum, Nibo. This clan is part of the greater Umu-Nzekwe clan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oyi</span> LGA and city in Anambra State, Nigeria

Oyi is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is home to the Oyi people. The towns that make up the local government are Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Awkuzu, Ogbunike, Umuneba, Umunya and Nteje.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kingdom of Nri</span> Ancient African kingdom

The Kingdom of Nri was a medieval polity located in what is now Nigeria. The kingdom existed as a sphere of religious and political influence over a significant part of what is known today as Igboland prior to expansion, and was administered by a priest-king called an Eze Nri. The Eze Nri managed trade and diplomacy on behalf of the Nri people, a subgroup of the Igbo-speaking people, and possessed divine authority in religious matters.

Anambra East is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, south-central Nigeria. Towns that make up the local government are Aguleri, Enugwu Aguleri, Eziagulu Otu Aguleri, Enugwu Otu Aguleri, Mkpunando-otu Aguleri, Ikem Ivite, Igbariam, Umuoba Anam, Nando, Umueri, and Nsugbe.

Aguleri is a medium-sized town located within the Anambra Valley in the southeastern quadrant of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is a country on the west coast of Africa. Aguleri is the largest town in the Anambra North local government area of Anambra State in Nigeria, bordered by Umueri, Anam, and Nando in the west; Anaku, Omor, Ifite Ogwari, Igbakwu, and Umueje in the east; Iggah, Ojjor, Asaba, and Ogwurugwu communities of Uzo Uwani lga in Enugu state in the south; and in the north, it borders Obele, Odeke, and Eshonwa communities of Ibaji lga in Kogi state. Census figures put the population of Aguleri at close to 900,000 people. Aguleri has a landmass of about 380 square kilometers.

Eri is said to be the original legendary cultural head of the Umu-eri groups of the Igbo people. Eri established a community in the middle of Anambra river valley in Aguleri where he married two wives. The first wife, Nneamakụ, bore him five children. The first was Agulu, the founder of Aguleri, the second was Menri, the founder of Umunri / Kingdom of Nri, followed by Onugu, the founder of Igbariam and Ogbodulu, the founder of Amanuke. The fifth one was a daughter called Iguedo, who is said to have borne the founders of Nteje, and Awkuzu, Ogbunike, Umuleri, Nando and Ogboli in Onitsha. As one of the children of Eri, Menri migrated from Aguleri, which was and still is, the ancestral temple of the entire Umu-Eri. His second wife Oboli begot Ọnọja, the only son who founded the Igala Kingdom in Kogi State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anambra River</span> River of Nigeria

The Anambra River flows 210 kilometres (130 mi) into the Niger River and is found in Anambra, Nigeria. The river is the most important feeder of the River Niger below Lokoja. The flow of the Ọmambala River is released into the Atlantic through various outlets forming the 25,000-square-kilometre (9,700 sq mi) Niger Delta region.

Otuocha is a populated town in Nigeria and serves as the capital of Anambra East, a local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It was previously a divisional headquarters of Anambra Divisional council during the First Republic of Nigeria (1963–1966). Otuocha was located at Northern side of Biafra, a short lived nation, and was one of the food baskets of the nation due to its large market during the Nigerian Civil War. It was also regarded as the oldest Local Government headquarters of old Anambra before 1991, and was splitted to make up the four prevalent local governments: Anambra East, Anambra West, Oyi and Ayamelum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enugwu Ukwu</span> Town in Anambra State, Nigeria

Enugwu Ukwu is a large town in Anambra State, Nigeria. Enugwu-Ukwu town is geographically situated on hilly terrain; thus it is named after its geographical topography. It is predominantly occupied by the Igbo people ethnic group of Anambra State. Most of its inhabitants are Christians. It is located in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. Major villages that make up the town include Uruokwe, Enu-Avomimi, Adagbe-Avomini, Umu-Atulu, Urualor, Akiyi, Avomimi, Awovu, Enuagu, Ire, Orji, Orofia, Osili, Umuakwu, Umuatulu, Umuatuora, Umuokpaleri, Uruekwo, Urukpaleke, Urunnebo, and Uruogbo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inyi, Nigeria</span>

Inyi is a town in Enugu State, Nigeria. The name "Inyi" refers to a metaphor, which is an essential component in the creation of proverbs. It is the Igbo name for the red water tree. Due to historical events connecting the tree and the town's founder, he was given the name, which subsequently became the town's name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anaku Town</span> Place in Anambra State, Nigeria

Anaku is one of the administrative divisions of Anambra State, South-Eastern Nigeria. The town lies 6°15' North of the Equator and 6°44' East of the Greenwich Meridian. It is bordered by "Omabala," the native name of the Anambra River, which is a tributary of the River Niger (North), Aguleri, Ezu River (South), Omor and Umuerum communities (East).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ijele Masquerade</span> Traditional masquerade of the Igbo people, biggest masquerade in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ijele Masquerade, known as the biggest Masquerade in Sub-Saharan Africa, is a tradition of the Igbo people of Nigeria and was listed in the UNESCO Archives as an intangible cultural element in need of urgent safeguarding. In many communities in the state of Anambra in South-Eastern Nigeria, celebrations, burial ceremonies and other special occasions during the dry season to evoke fertility and a bountiful harvest feature the performance of the Ijele masquerade.

6°10′49″N6°46′38″E

Umulokpa is a town in Enugu State, Nigeria. It serves as the headquarters of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area (L.G.A) in Enugu State, and has a population of over 150,000.

References

  1. ↑ "Woman Stabs Husband to Death in Anambra". THISDAYLIVE. 2019-06-30. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
  2. ↑ NWEKE, P. C. (2021). HISTORY OF NSUGBE (FIRST ed.). ENUGU: SNAAP PRESS NIG. LTD., ENUGU. pp. 1–3. ISBN   978-978-910-603-5.
  3. ↑ NWEKE, P. C. (2021). HISTORY OF NSUGBE (FIRST ed.). ENUGU: SNAAP PRESS NIG. LTD., ENUGU. pp. 1–3. ISBN   978-978-910-603-5.
  4. ↑ NWEKE, P. C. (2021). HISTORY OF NSUGBE (FIRST ed.). ENUGU: SNAAP PRESS NIG. LTD., ENUGU. pp. 1–3. ISBN   978-978-910-603-5.
  5. ↑ NWEKE, P. C. (2021). HISTORY OF NSUGBE (FIRST ed.). ENUGU: SNAAP PRESS NIG. LTD., ENUGU. pp. 1–3. ISBN   978-978-910-603-5.
  6. ↑ NWEKE, P. C. (2021). HISTORY OF NSUGBE (FIRST ed.). ENUGU: SNAAP PRESS NIG. LTD., ENUGU. pp. 1–3. ISBN   978-978-910-603-5.


6°16′N6°49′E / 6.267°N 6.817°E / 6.267; 6.817

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.