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

 
Iyiora Anam is a town located within the Ivite Anam area of Anam City in the Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is one of the oldest villages in Anam and also one of its smaller towns, with a population of fewer than 15,000 people. Iyiora is bordered by Umuoba Anam to the north, Aguleri to the west, and Umueze Anam to the south. The people of Iyiora Anam are known for their resilient and peaceful nature. The community, located in Anambra West, is vulnerable to flooding, which often disrupts their homes and agricultural activities. There is a government-run school in Iyiora called Iyiora Central School.

##Economy
The primary sources of livelihood for the people of Iyiora are farming and trading. The local economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and commerce.

Iyiora's location within the tropical rainforest zone provides a fertile environment for the cultivation of various tropical crops. The area has significant potential for industrial development due to its agricultural resources.

Additionally, Iyiora Anam is known as one of the host communities for oil wells in Anambra State. This has led the state government, under the leadership of Governor Willie Obiano, to consider the town for infrastructure projects, including road and bridge construction, to support economic activities. Many people from Iyiora have out-of-town gardens where they grow their crops. The primary cash crops include groundnuts, maize, pepper, and melons, while food crops such as yam, cassava, potatoes, and cocoyam are also cultivated in abundance.

##Fishing
Fishing is another important activity in Iyiora Anam. The people are skilled in various fishing techniques, such as hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling, and trapping. The town is known for its abundant fish supply from the Ezichi River and other rivers within the Anam community and across Anambra State. Iyiora is also renowned for its numerous lakes and ponds that further contribute to its fishing economy.

##Marriage Customs
Marriage in Iyiora Anam is seen as a joyful union for couples to enjoy life together, have children, engage in economic activities, and jointly manage their wealth and assets. The people of Iyiora are known for their hospitality and celebratory nature.

##Obanwa
Obanwa is the initial formal ceremony conducted by the parents of the groom after a marriage proposal. The groom’s family presents "ego ise" (five naira) and some drinks to the bride's family to express their intent. If the proposal is accepted, the girl is officially betrothed to the young man.

##Oli Iyi
Oli Iyi is the final marriage ceremony held at the oldest man's house in the community. It is after this ritual that the bride moves into her husband's home as his lawful wife.

##Climate and Flooding Issues
Iyiora Anam is situated in the riverine area of Anambra West Local Government Area, making it highly susceptible to regular flooding. This recurrent flooding forces residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge in safer communities or internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The flooding has caused severe damage to property, loss of life, food shortages, the spread of diseases, and increased poverty. One flood victim from Iyiora Anam shared their experience: "We are driven out of our homes by the flood. We sleep wherever we can find space. Our farmlands are destroyed, our houses are submerged, and even the schools are under water now. We have no food, no place to sleep, and some of us sleep on top of the bridge."