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

 
Igbere is a semi-urban settlement situated in the Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, within Nigeria's Southeastern geopolitical zone. Commonly identified as Igbere Ebiri, this town is a central part of what was once known as the Old-Bende Division during the era of Eastern Nigeria. The natives of Igbere, as well as anything associated with their culture or heritage, are known as Igberians.

##Self-Governing Units within Igbere
The town is composed of 13 distinct autonomous communities: Amakpo, Amankalu, Amaiyi, Amaoji, Amaofufe, Amaukwu, Agbo, Eziama, Ibinanta, Ibinaukuwu, Okafia, Ohumola, and Umusi. Together, these form the larger Igbere clan. Each of these communities is led by a traditional ruler, and collectively, leadership across the clan is coordinated by the Igbere Council of Traditional Rulers (Ndi Eze).

##Location and Proximity
Geographically, Igbere lies roughly 66 miles from Aba—one of the major commercial centers in Eastern Nigeria. It is approximately 106 miles from Port Harcourt International Airport, 66 miles from Owerri, 26 miles from Umuahia (Abia State’s capital), 12 miles from Uzuakoli, 4 miles from Abiriba, and 18 miles from Ohafia.

##Ethnic and Linguistic Identity
Igbere is an integral part of the Igbo ethnic group, a major tribe in present-day Nigeria. The town’s dialect is a variant of the broader Igbo language. It shares land boundaries with towns such as Alayi, Item, Umuhu, and Ozuitem (all within Bende LGA), and Abiriba in Ohafia LGA. While they share many traditions, minor variations exist in their local dialects.

Similar to other Igbo settlements, each traditional ruler in Igbere is supported by a council of elders or chiefs, who assist in decision-making. Key matters are usually deliberated upon by these councils, often drawing authority from Igbere’s traditional age-grade system.

##Cultural Heritage of Igbere
Age Grade Tradition:
The age-grade institution has long been a foundational pillar of progress in Igbere. Through the collective efforts of these organized age groups, the community has seen the development of vital infrastructure such as health centers, bridges, schools, town halls, and roads. As Chief Solo U. Akuma (SAN) noted in his 2008 speech, "Re-inventing Our Grades," the age-grade structure is both a developmental tool and a cultural legacy.

Historically, age grades also served as community watch groups, maintaining safety and order day and night. These groups are not just security-focused but also function as cultural custodians, passing down values and traditions from generation to generation. The system has existed for centuries and remains central to the town’s organization and social life.

The Ezumezu Festival:
The Ezumezu Festival is a major cultural event in Igbere that marks the formal retirement of an age group that has faithfully served the community. This rite of passage is a celebration of service and transition. At the same event, new age grades are formally inaugurated and named—a process that doubles as a fundraiser for community projects.

Retirement from Communal Duties:
As in many traditional societies, roles in Igbere are organized by age. Age grades oversee public works, such as clearing roads, building sanitation facilities, and participating in collective farming or palm harvesting.

Retirement from these duties is a respected milestone known as Igbotomma or Traditional Retirement. It symbolizes the end of one’s labor contributions through the ceremonial act of “laying down the cutlass and hoe.” Retirees celebrate this occasion with family and friends—hosting feasts, inviting entertainers, and receiving gifts in recognition of their service. Afterward, they are relieved from communal labor, levies, and other civic obligations.

##Prominent Figure from Igbere
Abai Ikwechegh (1923–2020): A distinguished legal mind and jurist.