Everything You Need to Know About Neni!
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!
Neni Town Overview
Neni is an Igbo town located in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. It shares its borders with Nri, Obeledu, Nimo, Akwaeze, Aguluzigbo, Agulu, Adazi-Nnukwu, Adazi-Ani, Ichida, Oraukwu.
Main Villages in Neni
There are ten main villages in Neni:
Okofia
Umunri
Eziaja
Umuabani
Umudioka
Etitinabo
Ezineni
Umueze
Umukabia
Ugwudunu
Major Deities
Okwu-Oye Neni
Akpu Eziaja
Ogwugwu Neni
Rivers and Streams
Mmili Ogbuchelekwe.
Masquerades
Ejiabadikeogu
Kpukirikpu
Enufie
Aguenweoyi
Agwa-Agu
Anyaelo
Oriaja (Mmonwu Anuka)
Okonofia
Main Market Day
The main market day in Neni is Oye (Orie), and the market itself is locally known as Oye-Neni. Burial ceremonies are prohibited in Neni on Orie day.
Major Festivals
Awamji Neni: This is the annual New Yam Festival in Neni, celebrated every August. It is celebrated on Orie market day in the Oye-market square where the Igwe performs the required rituals to allow the people begin selling and eating of the new yams in Neni.
Eziaja Day: This is celebrated on the 26th of December annually. It is the celebration of the heritage of Eziaja village of Neni.
Communal Taboos
Killing or eating of Eke (python)
Use of evil charms or poison to harm another human in any way
Abortion
Intercourse with a married woman
Incest
Murder
Women climbing palm-trees (Nkwu) or any other economic trees
Founder and History
The people of Neni come from different ancestral groups. The main founder was Neni (or Eneni) who brought his family and followers to settle on the land in present-day Anaocha. Over time, other groups joined them to live together as one community.
These different villages came from various places. The people of Okofia village are said to be indigenous to Neni land while a significant group from Eziaja village traces its roots to Amakwa Ozubulu and Awka-Etiti before migrating to Neni. Similarly, those from Umudioka village in Neni are said to come from Umudioka village in Umudioka Ukpo town, and the people of Umueze village are said to have migrated from Uga village.
Major Occupations
Commerce, alongside waning Blacksmithing.
Local Government Area
Neni is a part of Anaocha 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 Neni that isn’t covered here? Let us know below. Daalu!
Sources:
Mr. Aguiyi Egbosiuba
Research Credit:
Chinualumogu
Join Odinani Mystery School for access to Exclusive in-depth teachings on ancient Igbo wisdom and mystical sciences!
