History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Awka-Etiti Town in Anambra state

 
Awka-Etiti, historically referred to as Awka-Diedo (Igbo: ?ka Diedo) and later called Awka-Nkakwu (Okankaku) by colonial writers, is a prosperous town made up of seven villages within the Idemili South local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The seven villages of Awka-Etiti, in order of their founding, are Nkolofia, Umunocha, Ejighinandu, Iruowelle, Umudunu, Nnaba, and Ogunzele.

The indigenous people of Awka-Etiti are part of the Igbo ethnic group, and the town is located in the Igbo cultural region, 24 km from the Niger River, northeast of Onitsha, 16 km from Nri, and 2 km from Igbo-Ukwu. Awka-Etiti borders the village groups and towns of Ichida, Azigbo, Nnokwa, Nnewi, Nnobi, and Amichi. The primary language spoken in Awka-Etiti is the Idemili variant of the Igbo language.

In 2005, Awka-Etiti's population was estimated to be around 35,000, with a significant diaspora that contributes to the town's economy.

##History
Pre-Colonial Era:
Awka-Etiti’s history before 1900 is mostly transmitted through oral traditions and myths. Archaeological evidence from sites like Igbo-Ukwu, located just 2 km from Awka-Etiti, indicates that the area was inhabited by the Igbo people well before the ninth century. The region is known for its advanced metallurgical industry, as well as extensive trade and cultural exchange with ancient Egypt, evidenced by the discovery of glass and cornelian beads at Igbo-Ukwu, some of which were produced in Old Cairo.

Local oral traditions tell multiple versions of Awka-Etiti’s origins, linking it genealogically to neighboring towns such as Uke, Ojoto, Nnobi, and Nnewi.

The town’s founding is universally attributed to Diedo, who, in some versions of the story, is said to be the son of Ezenne. Ezenne is believed to have been the brother of Uke and Ojoto. Ezenne had two sons, Okwuike and Diedo, and a daughter named Edo, who married Ezemewi, who is credited with founding Nnewi. Okwuike is considered the progenitor of Nnobi, while Diedo’s son, Okagbado, continued the family line.

After the death of Ezenne, a conflict over the inheritance of his property led Diedo and his son Okagbado to leave their ancestral home along the Obiaja River and settle in what is now Iruowelle village. Okagbado had three wives, each of whom bore him multiple sons. These sons were the ancestors of the nine original villages of Awka-Etiti. However, conflicts between the villages, particularly between Ezioka and Umoh, resulted in the eventual absorption of the remnants of Ezioka into Nkolofia and Umoh into Ejighinandu, leaving Awka-Etiti with its seven villages.

##Colonial Era
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Awka-Etiti was embroiled in continuous conflicts with neighboring towns, particularly Nnewi, over territorial disputes. The town became known for its warriors' fierce resistance in battle, with its strategic use of tactics such as digging trenches and creating booby traps. These tactics earned them the nickname Awka-Nkakwu (nkakwu meaning "skunk" in Igbo), which, rather than being derogatory, was a term of respect for their military prowess.

Despite Nnewi's attempts, along with the assistance of mercenaries from Abam and Ohafia, to defeat Awka-Etiti, the town remained resilient. This resilience was bolstered by military alliances, especially with the Oraukwu warriors.

When the British arrived for punitive expeditions between 1883 and 1906, Awka-Etiti was seen as a significant obstacle to British colonial expansion. The town resisted British demands to surrender its firearms, and British attempts to establish influence were delayed for years. In 1900, the British attempted to mediate a peace between Awka-Etiti and Nnewi, but the meeting was misinterpreted by the Awka-Etiti representatives, leading to a British surprise attack. Despite a counterattack led by the legendary Ochiagha, the British troops, equipped with Maxim guns and heavy artillery, overwhelmed the Awka-Etiti warriors. The town was forced to surrender its firearms, ending the period of inter-community warfare.

##Christian Era
The arrival of missionaries in 1904 marked a turning point for Awka-Etiti, with Mrs. Mary Bennett being the first missionary to visit the town. In 1913, the Roman Catholic Church established a mission, leading to a rapid Christian conversion among the people. In 1944, the Awka-Etiti Improvement Union (A.I.U.) was founded, which took over from the traditional Council of Elders. In 1946, the A.I.U. officially renamed the town Awka-Etiti.

In 1957, the A.I.U. initiated the election of the first Obi (King) of Awka-Etiti, H.R.H. Igwe Dr. Silas O.C. Ezenwa. This was prompted by the creation of the Eastern House of Chiefs in 1956. Since then, Awka-Etiti has had successive Obis, with the current Obi being H.R.H. Igwe Michael Chidozie Ezeudenma (Okagbado).

##Culture
Awka-Etiti's culture is deeply rooted in Igbo traditions, including its art, music, and festivals. Many ancient cultural practices, such as the Ilo Muo and Igba Ota ceremonies, have ceased following the advent of Christianity, though some festivals have been adapted to fit modern Christian celebrations. The New Yam Festival (Iwa Ji) is still widely celebrated, along with traditional festivals like Afia Nkwu and Kamanu, which mark the end of the Igbo calendar year.

The Odunke Festival, known for its lavish ceremonies and the display of wealth and social status, holds particular significance in Awka-Etiti. It was last held in 1955 and inspired a group of Biafran artists, including Chinua Achebe and Christopher Okigbo.

Traditional chieftaincy titles, such as the Nze na Ozo, are an important part of Awka-Etiti’s culture. These titles are awarded in two grades: Ozo and Nnukwu-Ozo (High-Ozo). The latter is especially prestigious and involves the Ichi scarification, although this practice has been discontinued in modern times.

Certain taboos are still observed in Awka-Etiti, including prohibitions against killing or eating the Eke snake (Python regius) and dogs, which are considered sacred animals.

##Education
Awka-Etiti has several primary and secondary schools, including Nkolofia Primary School, Father Paul Memorial School, and St. Joseph’s Secondary School, which was founded in 1962. The town has produced notable educational figures, such as Chief Gerald A. Chukelu, the first Awka-Etiti native to pass the Senior Cambridge certification in 1938. The first university graduates from the town were Mr. E.R. Dallah (1955), Dr. A.A. Okoye (1956), and Chief O.F. Obi (1957).

##Health
Awka-Etiti's health sector began with a maternity home converted into a health center in 1958. In the 1980s, private hospitals were established, including St. Francis Specialist Hospital, Kanayo Specialist Hospital, and Idemili Specialist Hospital.

##Economy
Awka-Etiti has played a key role in the industrialization of Igbo land. Its entrepreneurs were among the first to specialize in the importation of bicycles and bicycle parts. Post-Civil War, the town saw the establishment of prominent companies like the G.M.O Group and Roadmaster Industries. More recently, businesses like IKB Cosmetics and Interbau Construction have emerged, providing thousands of jobs.

##Infrastructure
Awka-Etiti’s infrastructure development has largely been driven by the efforts of individuals and community groups, such as the Iruowelle Youths Association and Umunocha Development Association, who have worked to tar local roads.

##Notable People
Notable individuals from Awka-Etiti include:  

Godwin Ekejekwu Chikelubaand: businessman and philanthropist

Adaeze Yobo (née Igwe): former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria.