Everything You Need to Know About Ukpor!
Our aim with posts like this is to help Igbo people worldwide reconnect with their roots and gain a clearer understanding of who they are. A tree with deep roots stands strong through time. How deep are yours?
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 posts like this one inspire you to explore, document, and preserve your history for generations to come. Enjoy!
Name of Villages
Main Villages in Ukpor include: Amaka, Durumaduru, Anaohia.
Names of Kindreds
Kindreds within each village include the following below.
Under Amaka:
Umudim
Nzagha
Osigbu
Agbuana
Umuahano
Under Durumaduru:
Umudike
Umuhu
Umunuko
Under Anaohia:
Ndiegbu
Okpor
Umuezeana
Nchogunu
Umudara
Nsugbe
Agbagu
Please note: This list of kindreds is not exhaustive.
Names of Dieties
Major deities in Ukpor include the following: Udo Ukpor, Ogwugwu Ukpor, Onyukwu, Ulasi Umunuko.
Names of Rivers
Rivers and Streams in Ukpor include: Mmili Ulasi, Mmili Otakasi, Mmili Onyukwu, Mmili Udukpo, Mmili Ubu, Mmili Aruma.
Main Market Day
The primary market day in Ukpor is Afo, observed at Afia Ukpor. Afo serves as the general market day for Ukpor and is also considered a sacred day during which burial ceremonies are prohibited.
Major Festivals
Major festivals that take place in Ukpor include:
Iri-ji (New Yam Festival)
Igba Ota
Ima Mmonwu (Masquerade Festival)
Izuahia Okaika
Owiwe Iheubi
Asala
Communal Taboos
Incest
Harming of Pythons
Burying the dead on Afo market day
Women eating eggs
Rape
Murder
Abortion
Founder of Ukpor Town & History
Ukpor’s origin is attributed to multiple Igbo settler groups. The earliest known settlers, the Umudim kindred is said to have migrated from Oraeri, laying the foundation for the town’s development.
Masquerades
These are the main masquerades in Ukpor:
Ezeamama
Ojionu
Omiri
Aroubara
Ojiisi
Occupation They Are Known For
The major occupation of Ukpor indigenes and residents is Farming.
Local Government Area
Ukpor is a part of Nnewi South Local Government Area, in present day Anambra State.
Did we miss any key details or get something mixed up? Share your thoughts in the comments!
What else do you know about Ukpor that isn’t covered here? And which Igbo town would you like us to feature next? Let us know below. Daalu!
Source:
Nze Sunday Ezeakpi (Nwatafunanyaokwe)
Research Credit:
ChinuaXiii
