History, Origin, Culture and Tradition of Nkanu East Local Government Area in Enugu state

 
Nkanu East is a Local Government Area (LGA) in Enugu State, situated in the southeastern region of Nigeria. It shares its eastern boundary with Ebonyi State. The administrative center of the LGA is Amagunze. Nkanu East operates on West Africa Time (WAT), which is UTC+1, and its designated postal code is 402. The area is coded NG.EN.NE under the ISO 3166 classification.

The region spans approximately 795 square kilometers and features largely swampy terrain, although the soil is notably fertile, supporting a thriving agricultural sector. The land is also rich in limestone, a key resource in cement manufacturing.

Nkanu East lies roughly between latitude 6°30' North and longitude 7°30' East, standing at an estimated elevation of 763 feet above sea level. Historical records from the now-defunct State Ministry of Works, Lands, and Transport estimate the broader Nkanu East clan area at around 1,602.22 square kilometers.

##Economy and Occupation
The people of Nkanu East are primarily engaged in farming and trading, with agriculture being the cornerstone of the local economy. Crops like cassava, rice, and palm produce are widely cultivated.

##Communities within Nkanu East
The LGA is made up of several towns and villages, including:

Akpawfu

Amankanu

Amechi Idodo

Ihuokpara

Amagunze

Mburubu

Nara

Nomeh

Nkerefi

Ugbawka

Ogbahu

Umuode

Onicha Agu

Oruku

Owo


Among these, Akpawfu stands out for its deep cultural heritage, particularly its traditional masquerade (Omaba), a unique style of palm wine tapping known as Akwuru Akpawfu, and its production of palm oil, kernels, and nuts. Like much of the area, it is agriculturally rich and also active in trade.

##Geographic Boundaries
Nkanu East is surrounded by various communities:

North: Bordered by Amazi, Obeagu, Umuhu, and Umuaro in Isi-Uzo LGA

South: Neighbors Uburu (Ohaozara LGA in Ebonyi State) and Isu (Onicha LGA in Abia State)

Southwest: Shares borders with Nnewe, Oduma, Ogbaku, and Agbogugu in Awgu LGA

West: Adjacent to Udi and Ngwo in Udi LGA

East: Borders the Ezza communities of Ebonyi State


A railway line running from Port Harcourt to Makurdi cuts through the LGA, and several roads provide access to various parts of the region, though infrastructural development remains limited.

##Nkerefi Community
Nkerefi lies along the boundary with the Ohaozara community of Ebonyi State and is reportedly the largest community in Nkanu East by landmass. The inhabitants are well-known for cultivating rice and cassava.

##Infrastructure and Development
Despite its establishment around 1983, Nkanu East has seen limited infrastructural progress. Challenges persist in areas such as road construction, electricity, healthcare, housing, and education.

##Population Statistics
Historical census data shows the population of Nkanu has fluctuated over the decades:

1932–1934: Approximately 119,500

1953: 163,374 (76,147 males and 84,227 females)

1963: 329,263

1985: 743,509 males

1986: 761,971

1987: 791,654

1988: 822,608 males

1989: 854,895

1990: Over 888,574

2006 Census: 148,774