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

 
##History
Amawbia, also referred to as Ugbo-Ogiliga, is a town located along the historic Enugu-Onitsha road, which is now part of Nnamdi Azikiwe Avenue. It lies about 35 kilometers from Onitsha in Anambra State, Nigeria. According to widely accepted oral tradition, the town was founded by Awofia, the son of Nri Ifikwuanim, the first son of Eri (900 AD). Eri migrated from what is now Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area to Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area. Another version of the town's origin suggests that the Amawbia people are descendants of mercenaries hired by the people of Awka, who were later permitted to settle in the area. This narrative is commonly held among some Awka natives.

##Traditions
The people of Amawbia have a traditional ruler, known as the Okpaligwe I of Amawbia, who serves as the symbol of unity and solidarity for the town. The traditional ruler is tasked with upholding the customs and traditions of Amawbia, ensuring stability and moderation within the community. Currently, HRH Michael Okoye holds the title of Okpaligwe.

##Festivals
Amawbia is known for its rich cultural festivals, including the Iru-Otite, Onwa Asato, and Ezi Okpaligwe festivals, among others. These celebrations are characterized by feasting, music, drumming, and dancing. Participants wear special attire, often adorned with cam wood and indigo. A particularly popular event is the Ezi Okpaligwe festival, which marks the end of the farming season. Traditionally lasting up to five days, it has since been shortened to three days. The six villages of Amawbia—Umueze, Ngene, Adabebe, Umukabia, Enuoji, and Ezimezi—take turns providing cultural entertainment, including dances and masquerades. The festival also serves as an opportunity for the villages to raise funds and showcase their cultural heritage, with prizes and certificates awarded to participants.

##Education
Amawbia's engagement with Western education began in the early 20th century, facilitated by the arrival of British missionaries. The Church Missionary Society (CMS) and the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) were instrumental in establishing schools. Over time, local, state governments, and the Amawbia community furthered educational development in the area. Today, Amawbia boasts several primary schools, including:

Krosa Model Nursery and Primary School, Ugwu Tank

Kemy Nursery/Primary School

Igwedumma Primary School

Central School Amawbia (Anglican Mission)

Community Primary School Amawbia

Rev. Fr. Ekwu Nursery and Primary School

Kings Nursery and Primary School

Ambassador Nursery School

St. Matthew’s Kindergarten Nursery School, Umueze

St. Matthew’s Kindergarten Nursery School, Ngene

Good Child Model Nursery and Primary School


Amawbia also has several secondary schools, including:

Krosa Model Academy

Unique Comprehensive Secondary School

Kabe College Amawbia

Community Secondary School, Amawbia

Union Secondary School, Amawbia

Kings International College

Model Comprehensive Secondary School


##Religion
Until 1903, the people of Amawbia practiced the traditional Igbo religion (Omenani). With the advent of Western influence, the British Church Missionary Society (CMS) established St. Peters Anglican Church in 1903. The people of Amawbia embraced Christianity, leading to rapid growth in the Christian population. Within fifty years, over seventy percent of Amawbia’s residents had converted to Christianity. Today, approximately 90% of the population is Christian, with the remaining 9% adhering to the traditional religion, and a small percentage (1%) practicing Islam or other religious sects.

##Notable Establishments
Amawbia is home to several key institutions, including:

Awka South Local Government Headquarters

Governor's Lodge, Amawbia

Nigerian Red Cross, Anambra State Headquarters

State Education Commission, Anambra Zone

ASUDEB, Amawbia

Magistrate Courts 1, 2, 3, 4

Anambra State Judiciary Service Commission Headquarters

National Directory of Employment, Anambra State Headquarters

National Identity Commission, Awka South LGA Headquarters

Anambra State Welfare Headquarters

Healthcare Centre, Ezi Okpaligwe Square

Anambra State Nabteb Headquarters, Amawbia By-Pass

Anambra State JAMB Headquarters, Amawbia By-Pass

Nigerian Prisons Service Headquarters

Nigeria Police Headquarters, Anambra State Command

Police State CID, Anambra State Headquarters

Awka Zone Police Area Command

Federal Road Safety Commission, Amawbia By-Pass

State Security Services, Anambra State Headquarters

Nigeria Agricultural and Cooperative Bank (Amawbia Roundabout)

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Awka South LGA Office

Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), Amawbia

National Youth Service Corps, Umueze Amawbia


##Notable Individuals

Barrister G.C. Nonyelu :The first Federal Director of Public Prosecutions (Attorney General) of Nigeria (1960–1964) and a pioneer of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Dr. Samuel Okoye : Renowned astrophysicist.