History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Aguluzigbo Town in Anambra state

 
Aguluzigbo is a town located in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It consists of six villages: Iruowelle, Etuleze, Ihulu, Ufa, Ifite, and Nduana. It shares borders with towns like Agulu, Ora-eri, Akwaeze, Igbo-ukwu, Nanka, Obeledu, and Umuona. The origin of the name "Aguluzigbo" is debated, but one interpretation is that it is a shortened version of "Agulu, nke di na uzo e si eje Igbo-ukwu," which translates to "The Agulu along the route to Igbo-ukwu," distinguishing it from the neighboring town of Agulu.

##TOWN DESCRIPTION
The town features modern amenities such as a post office, a hospital, and a health center. Several primary schools are located here, including Igweamaka Primary School, Udokamma Primary School, Ebenesi Primary School, and Community Primary School. The town's secondary school, Community High School, is popularly referred to as “Enyi Agba Oso,” meaning "an Elephant never runs." Aguluzigbo also has a bustling market, Oye Market, known locally as “Oyemma,” which serves as the town’s commercial center. It is lined with shops, restaurants, salons, mini-marts, patent drug stores, and barbershops. The town is home to two Catholic churches, Queen of All Hearts and Saint Patrick’s, both with impressive structures, as well as two Anglican churches, All Saints and Saint Mark’s, alongside various Pentecostal churches.

The annual New Yam Festival attracts dignitaries and tourists from within and outside Nigeria. Aguluzigbo is recognized for its peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained roads, and excellent town planning.

##PEOPLE
The people of Aguluzigbo are known for their intelligence and achievements across various fields. In the past, before education became widespread, Aguluzigbo people primarily engaged in trade, farming, and crafts. However, those who pursued education excelled greatly, with many now holding prestigious academic positions, including professors and PhD holders. Politically, despite the town's limited geographical size, Aguluzigbo has made notable contributions. Hon. Joseph Dimobi represented the Anaocha II constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. Chief Victor Umeh (CFR), a respected estate manager and surveyor, is the national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and was awarded the CFR by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Aguluzigbo’s history is well-documented, with the book The History of Aguluzigbo authored by Chief Barrister J.P.C. Anetoh (Ugo Di Na Obi), a distinguished historian, banker, and lawyer currently employed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

##PAST CULTURE
Historically, Aguluzigbo had an ancient, traditional culture believed to originate from Umuona migrants. This culture, known as "Gbudugbu" or "Onuma-nkwu," was marked by naked rituals performed by men who paraded the streets during the festival. The sight of these rituals was believed to cause death through swelling of the stomach. The chief priest or other acolytes of Gbudugbu would often curse any defaulters with words like “Gbudugbu tokwoo hu awho oo!” meaning “may Gbudugbu cause your stomach to swell.” However, with the arrival of Christianity, many of these traditions were abandoned, and deities were removed. For instance, the Community High School now occupies the location of the "Enyiagboso" deity, and the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church was built where the "Udo" deity once stood.

##CULTURE
Today, the people of Aguluzigbo, like other Igbo communities, continue to honor their cultural heritage. They are particularly fond of masquerades, including prominent ones such as "Okwo-Mma," "Otawalikpo," "Ndidi Ka Onwu," and "Aji Buusu." These masquerades appear during events like New Yam Festivals, funerals, and condolence visits. Traditionally, masquerades were also used to enforce sanctions and ensure debt repayment, much like the role of police officers, though this practice is now outdated.

Aguluzigbo’s culinary delights include Aniga (made from cocoyam), Achicha (a dish made from dried cocoyam), and roasted yam with local sauce. These foods, alongside other traditional Igbo recipes, are enjoyed by the people. Beyond their love for food and culture, the people of Aguluzigbo are socially connected. They have age grades, development unions, and progressive movements that extend beyond the town to the diaspora. Every December, they hold a unity soccer tournament, the Ochendo Cup, which is sponsored by Chief Ernest Aneche (Ogbuefi Ochendo), an esteemed son of the town.

##CONCLUSION
Aguluzigbo is a beautiful town, and its people are equally remarkable. The women, in particular, are known for their exceptional beauty, often referred to with the saying, "Umunwanyi Aguluzigbo na ama mma di egwu" meaning “the women of Aguluzigbo are incredibly beautiful.” The town's slogan, “The Home of Wisdom,” reflects the values of the people who continue to thrive in education, culture, and unity.