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!

Nteje Town Overview

Nteje is an Igbo community in the Oyi Local Government Area in Anambra State. It is bordered by towns such as Umueri, Awkuzu, Umunya and Ukwulu.

Main Villages in Nteje

There are three main villages in Nteje which consist of numerous sub-villages.

Ezi-Nteje
Ikenga-Nteje
Ifite-Nteje

Major Deities

Nego
Ojukwu-Agu
Udo-Nteje
Iyi-okwa
Aro-Nteje

Rivers and Streams

Mmiri Ogwe
Mmiri Nego
Mmiri Oyi
Mmiri Adu
Mmiri Imo

Masquerades in Nteje

Mmonwu Ada
Aji Busu
Mmonwu Oriokpo
Mmonwu Igah

Main Market Day‍ ‍

Eke is the most important market day in Nteje. Trading takes place at the popular Eke-Igwe market square. This day is central to community life. Nteje people do not go to the farms on Eke. Instead, it is a day dedicated to commerce or sacred rest for those not involved in trade.

Major Festivals

Iwa-Ji Festival: The New Yam Festival is held annually around the first week of September.
Ikpu-Isi Festival: A festival celebrated every three years by people between the ages of 47 and 50. Members of this age grade often celebrate by completing a community infrastructure project together.
Onwa-Ito Festival: This festival is observed immediately following the crop cultivation season.

Communal Taboos‍ ‍

Killing, harming, or eating the Eke (Python)
Suicide & Murder
Incest
Women entering specific shrines
Adultery

Founder and History

According to oral history, Nteje descended from a famous Igbo figure named Eri. There are different stories about this connection. The first story says a daughter of Eri named Iguedo founded Nteje. Another version says Nteje was a warrior and hunter (and a son of Eri) who moved from Igala and settled in the Umuefi area. He married a woman named Dunu and had three sons: Ikenga, Ezi, and Ifite. The three main villages of Nteje are named after these sons.

Major Occupations

Farming and Trading are the main occupations of indigenes of Nteje.

Local Government Area

Nteje is part of Oyi Local Government Area, in present day Anambra State.

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 Nteje that isn’t covered here? Let us know below. Daalu!

Sources:

Mrs. Onyinye Nnagboh

Research Credit:

Chinualumogu

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Everything You Need to Know About Nteje!