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

 
Eziowelle is a town located in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The name "Eziowelle" translates to "a good place" in English. It is an agricultural community situated about twenty-three kilometers east of Onitsha. Cardinal Francis Arinze, a prominent figure in the Vatican, hails from Eziowelle. Historically, Eziowelle, along with Nimo Owelle, Abagana, and Abba, which are all located within the Njikoka Local Government Area, are considered siblings. Eziowelle, being the firstborn of Owelle, is followed by Nimo, then Abagana, with Abba being the youngest. The name Owelle was passed down to Eziowelle and Nimo, making it more pronounced in their towns, although other towns still carry the name.

Eziowelle shares boundaries with Abatete, Abacha, Nimo Owelle, Abagana, Ogidi, and Umunachi. The town is made up of five villages: Umuikwele, Umunnama, Ezinimo, Okpaliko, and Ubulu.

According to Peter Emelumgini in his book A Compendium Knowledge of Eziowelle, the first settlers in Eziowelle were the Uruojukwu and Uruogbuefi from Umuikwelle. Later, the Umuikwelle Etiti people migrated from Ifite-Ikwele and settled among the original settlers. In Umunnama, the Uruezenebo were the first settlers, arriving before others from Umunoha (Port Harcourt). In Ezinimo, the Umu-oba, Umuoradigwo, Umu-Chidobelu-Ezeokobu, Umuagu, Uruama, Umudimatu, and Umuawa were the original settlers before others came from Isi-Uzo (Nsukka) after tribal conflicts scattered them. The last two villages, Okpaliko and Ubulu, are believed to have migrated from Nteje in Anambra State between the 18th and 19th centuries.

The town is governed by a traditional ruler known as the "Igwe" in the manner of other Igbo-speaking towns. The Igwe of Eziowelle is also referred to as the Owelle of Eziowelle, in honor of the town's great ancestor, Owelle. The current Owelle of Eziowelle is Igwe Mike Okonkwo Etusi. The first Owelle of Eziowelle, Igwe Christian C. Anene, passed on the throne to Owelle 2 after his death in 1990. The current Onowu of Eziowelle is Obi J. Akukwe.

##Educational Institutions
Eziowelle originally had four primary schools: two run by the Roman Catholic Church and two by the Anglican Church. After the Biafran War, the government took over these schools, but they were later returned to the churches. The most popular school in the town is Uzubi Central School Eziowelle. Before the schools were returned to the churches, they had built additional progressive primary schools on their premises. There are also several private nurseries and primary schools in the area. Eziowelle is home to three secondary schools. The oldest is Community Secondary School Eziowelle, formerly known as Owe Girls. The Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, built by the Catholic Church, has over one thousand students and is currently the most well-known secondary school in Idemili North Local Government. The Standard International Secondary School, owned by the Anglican Church, is also highly regarded for its excellent WAEC results.

##Land Dispute
Eziowelle and Ogidi have been engaged in a long-standing boundary dispute within the Idemili North Local Government Area. The Anambra State Boundary Committee has intervened to resolve the conflict between the two communities, particularly affecting the villages of Ezinimo and Uruoji.

##Other Facilities
Eziowelle boasts a modern social center with various recreational and sporting facilities, including a standard football pitch used for State and Local Government matches. The Eziowelle Civic Centre hosts numerous major events, including Idemili Day. The town also has a Magistrates Court. Eziowelle celebrates two major festivals annually: the Eziowelle Cultural Day and the Elimede Festival, both featuring an array of masquerades for public entertainment. Additionally, the Eziowelle Solemn Assembly is held on December 31 each year as a day of Thanksgiving, where the community gives thanks to God for the past year and prays for His favor and protection in the year ahead.