Emekukwu
|
Emekukwu Emeke Ukwu |
|
|---|---|
| LGA | |
| Country |
 Nigeria
|
| State | Imo State |
| Time zone | WAT (UTC+1) |
Emekuku, correctly pronounced "Emeke Ukwu" is a town in Owerri North Local Government of Imo state in South-Eastern Nigeria.
"OMEE-KU-UKWU" is the correct Igbo name for this town, but it was anglicized "Emekuku" by the Colonial Masters. The town is located near the city of Owerri. It is also regarded as the birthplace of the Roman Catholic Church in the now Owerri Arch-diocese and Port Harcourt Diocese. Emekuku has 10 villages that make up the town, namely: Ezeogba, Ezedibia, Okwu Emeke, Akalovo, Umuakuru, Azara-owala, Azara-egbelu, Ubowala, Uboegbelu, and Umuocham.
There are two great rivers in Emekukwu: Okitankwo and Oramuru- ukwa. Emekuku people belong to a group of people generally referred to as 'Owerri people' sharing the same tonal dialect and similar cultures with this larger group. Nkwo Emeke is the biggest market in Emekuku land and trading activities peak on Nkwo days (Igbo calendar). Orie Nwinyi Emeke is another important market in Azara Egbelu one of the ten villages that make up the town. The most important festival in Emekuku town is called 'Ugu Uzo' Emeke. It is usually celebrated in the month of November of every year. Its celebration date is usually determined by the custodians of the tradition from Ezedibia village and communicated to a group of elders from the town known as 'Ndi Oha Emeke'. It is a celebration which starts with the clearing of the paths to each constituent community's stream and peaks with merry making, feasting and the chanting of an ancient song known as 'Nwa Uri ala'. Emekuku shares boundary with many autonomous communities viz: Emii, Mbaoma, Awaka, Ihitta Ogada, Enyiogugu Mbaise.
Some prominent people from Emekuku include: His Royal Highness Eze Ugochukwu P. Obi (III). Eze Peter Ugochukwu Obi is the current traditional ruler of the town. He is the third Obi (the Royal family) in order of succession to rule the town. Others include, Dr Sylvanus.O.Amaechi, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, Chief Innocent Ihenacho (aka. Risky), Chief Martin Agbaso, Most Rev.Dr A.J.V.Obinna-Archbishop of Owerri, Dr.Victor o. Anyaso, Dr. Mrs Kema Chikwe, Mr. Vincent Emeribe, Dr. Sebastian Okechukwu Mezu, Dame Comfort Obi, HE Ambassador Chigozie F. Obi-Nnadozie, Dr Ray Megwa, Dr. (Engr.) Eze Megwa, Chief. Jude Abaso (Former Deputy Governor of Imo State),Sir jude Ejiogu (Secretary to Imo State Government), Hon. Paddy Obinna (Special Adviser Arts and Culture Imo State), Chief Charles Ugwuadu, Chief George Opara. Lolo Salomi Marwa, professor Gab osuji, Chief Henry Megwa, Professor Levi Ohale, Dr. Eronini R. Megwa, Dr. F Soribe, Late Nze Christopher Amadi, Late Min. Hon Raymond Amanze Njoku, Late Justice Sylvester Amadi-Obi Late Chief K. G. Amadi-Obi. Others include Hon. Simple Iheanyichukwu Ugorji, (Special assistant Operations Imo State Government) to mention but a few.
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