Our goal with this series is to help Igbo descents worldwide reconnect with their roots and gain a clearer understanding of who they are.

Do you know the name of your town and village? What kindred your family belongs to, both maternally and paternally? How did your surname come to be, and what stories shape your cultural identity?

We hope this series inspires you to explore, document, and preserve your history for generations to come. Enjoy!

Enugwu-Ukwu Town Overview

Enugwu-Ukwu is an Igbo community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. It shares borders with Abagana, Nri, Nimo, Agulu, Nawfia and Enugwu-Agidi.

Main Villages in Enugwu-Ukwu

Enugwu-Ukwu is divided into two major quarters, Ifite and Akaezi.

The villages under Ifite include:

Osili
Awovu
Urukpaleke
Uruokwe
Ire
Uruogbo
Urualo
Enuagu
Umuatulu
Akiyi
Umuakwu
Orofia

The main villages in Akaezi include:

Uruekwo
Avomimi
Urunnebo
Orji

Major Deities

Ngene Awovu
Ochichi
Ngene Nnebuaka
Nemkpa Nne-eze

Rivers and Streams

Mmili Ochichi
Mmili Akpuruka
Ngene Ocha
Mmili N’ofia
Mmili Nwakalaaku

Masquerades

Izaga
Akuebilisi
Okwomma
Ijele
Akwunaechenyi
Igah

Main Market Day

The main market day in Enugwu-Ukwu is Nkwo. The popular market is called Nkwo Enugwu-Ukwu. Burial ceremonies are not allowed on Nkwo day.

Major Festivals

Onwa Asato Festival: This is the New Yam Festival of Enugwu-Ukwu.
Okike Festival: This festival is usually held in October every year. It is a communal festival of veneration and prayer to the ancestors of Enugwu-Ukwu. The people ask the spirits of the land for good fortune and protection in the coming year.
Ana Enugwu-Ukwu Festival: This is a two-day festival held to honour the Enugwu-Ukwu Earth deity. It begins with the ‘Aja-Ana’ veneration on Orie market day. On this day, the indigenous women do not eat the sacrificed animals. The next day, which is Afo, the whole community cooks food in large quantities, shares it among themselves, and celebrates with cultural activities. This festival marks the official end of the Enugwu-Ukwu calendar year and is usually held in December.
Ngene Awovu Festival: This is the official festival celebrating Ngene Awovu, the most revered deity in the town. It also marks the official beginning of the new year in Enugwu-Ukwu.

Communal Taboos

Murder
Eating of Edi (people of Enugwu-Akwu who have the Arobinagu or Akwali Omumu deity in their ancestral homes do not eat Edi)
Dying with the eyes open
Dying in an upstairs room (this is considered the same as committing suicide)
Abortion
Incest
Eating of dogs
Killing of Eke (python)
Suicide
Women climbing palm-trees (Nkwu).

Founder and History

According to oral history, the people of Enugwu-Ukwu are descendants of Nri. Nri Namako na Ogboodudu (also known as Nri Ifikuanim) was the father of a man called Okpalanakana Ukabia. Okpalanakana Ukabia migrated a short distance from Nri and settled on a hilltop area, which was named Enugwu-Ukwu. The people of Nri, Enugwu-Ukwu, and Nawfia all share the same paternal ancestry, which links back to the mythical Igbo ancestor called Eri.

Major Occupations

Farming
Building contracting

Local Government Area

Enugwu-Ukwu is part of Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.

Did we miss any key details or get something mixed up?

Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

What else do you know about Enugwu-Ukwu that isn’t covered here? Let us know below. Daalu!

Source:

Ichie Adolphus Arinzechukwu Okeke

Research Credit:

Chinualumogu

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Everything You Need to Know About Enugwu-Ukwu!