History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Asa Town in Abia State

 
The Asa people are primarily found within the Ukwa West Local Government Area, which can be said to be predominantly inhabited by them. They form the majority in this local government area.

Wikipedia offers a detailed description of the Asa people's location: "Ukwa West covers an area of 271 km² with a population of 88,555, according to the 2006 census. The postal code for the area is 452. Ukwa West is bordered to the north by Osisioma Local Government Area, to the north-east by Ugwunagbo LGA, and to the east by Ukwa East LGA, all within Abia State. To the west, it borders Omuma LGA, and to the south-west, it borders Etche LGA, while Oyigbo LGA lies to the south, all in Rivers State."

The exact origins of the Asa people in their current location are a subject of ongoing debate. There is no definitive, authoritative account, and various theories have been proposed, often by outsiders with their own interests. Scholars from the Atlantic coast suggest that the Asa migrated from the southern coastal region, while Ngwa scholars have claimed that the Asa belong to the Ngwa clan, a view that is not supported when examined through the lens of cultural characteristics and historical facts.

The Asa people are distinct, with a history of collaboration with other industrious groups. They have traditionally been a passive people, living in an area rich in natural resources, including significant crude oil deposits. Unfortunately, this passivity and their accommodating nature have often been exploited by forces seeking to dominate and control them. Recently, the “Ukwa Ngwa” label has caused confusion, with many people who pass through the area failing to recognize it as Asa land. When reminded of their true identity, they are often met with disbelief, with many asserting that Asa is not Ngwa. This misrepresentation has stalled their visibility and progress.

The Asa people have suffered immensely under the treatment they have received from the Nigerian state. Throughout history, they have faced subjugation, division, and marginalization. Under colonial rule, they had a voice and a sense of identity, but post-independence Nigeria took that away, leaving them without a strong sense of community or recognition. The borders and territories were redefined by the colonial and post-colonial authorities in ways that split the Asa people and disrupted their traditional connections with others in the coastal region, like the Ogoni, Etche, Ikwerre, and Ekpeye people. Many believe that had the Asa remained connected with these groups, they might have had a better future. This shift is seen as a challenge to their identity, with political, economic, and social ramifications.

Politically, the redrawing of the map has had long-lasting consequences, and Asa's people have lost significant communities to neighboring areas such as Aba, Osisioma, Ugwunagbo, and Ukwa East LGAs. These areas, once home to sizable Asa populations, have now been absorbed by the Ngwa people, leading to acculturation and the transformation of the Asa into a group that speaks the Ngwa dialect and behaves in ways that diverge from their original culture. The creation of new boundaries by the Mamman Nasir Boundary Adjustment Commission, just after the bloody Nigerian Civil War, dealt a severe blow to the Asa people. The commission's decisions ignored cultural and linguistic factors, opting to use natural landmarks like rivers as boundaries, further fragmenting the Asa people.

The partitioning of Asa’s land led to significant loss, including the separation of Obigbo, which was renamed Oyigbo and placed in Rivers State. This, along with political maneuvers, contributed to a strained relationship between Asa and its neighboring Igbo groups. Those who remained within the original Asa territories were left in a marginalized state, constantly fighting for recognition and resources.

Despite being located within the Niger Delta, a region rich in oil, the Asa people have been excluded from the benefits typically reserved for the so-called “core Niger Delta” regions. The government has largely ignored the area, with no significant mention in policies, budgets, or infrastructure development. The region remains plagued by inadequate roads, lack of communication networks, and failing educational systems. The only secondary school in the area, built with communal funds, was taken over by the state and turned into a military camp. Most schools in the region lack proper facilities, and students are left without internet access or modern educational resources.

The economic situation is equally dire. Farmers, unable to sell their produce due to economic depression, have lost the motivation to continue their work. Despite the existence of interventionist agencies, the local government often prevents capable managers from taking charge, opting instead to work with individuals who are more aligned with political interests rather than the community’s needs. This system has led to a lack of visible progress or development, with funds being allocated but not translating into real-world improvements.

The Asa people, known for their peaceful nature, have chosen not to resort to violence, but the system has continually rewarded poor leadership and failed governance. The people have suffered, with the federal government largely neglecting their plight, leaving them with no means of recourse.

On November 16, 2024, the Asa people will gather at Chivic School Hall in Obehie to discuss their future. This event promises to be a knowledge-driven and transformative one, where the community will reflect on their history, share their experiences, and chart a new course for their future. The Asa people are determined to reclaim their sense of identity and hope. They believe that their current situation is not predestined but is the result of human decisions, and thus, it is reversible. They are ready to demand the recognition and freedom they deserve, and they urge both Nigeria and Abia State to listen to their voices and take action.