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

 
Nawfia is a town located in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is bordered by neighboring towns such as Enugwu Ukwu, Awka (Umuokpu), Nise, Amawbia, and Enugwu Agidi. The town is primarily inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group and is considered one of the ancestral homes of the Igbo people. The majority of the residents are Christians, with Anglicans and Catholics forming the larger groups. Both Igbo and English are commonly spoken in Nawfia.

The town is divided into two wards: Ifite (Ward 1) and Ezimezi (Ward 2). Nawfia consists of ten villages, which include Adagbe Mmimi, Enugo Mmimi, Eziakpaka, Iridana, Urualor/Uruejimofor, Uruorji, Urukpaleri, Umuriam, Umuezunu, and Umukwa.

The leadership of Nawfia is overseen by three main authorities: the Igwe of Nawfia, the President General of the Nawfia Progressive Union, and the Nze/Ozo Council.

The Igwe of Nawfia serves as the guardian of the town's culture and traditions, with responsibilities related to security and land matters. The President General manages the town's general administration, in collaboration with the village chairmen, and handles legislative duties. The Nze/Ozo Council, composed of titled elders, assists the Igwe in preserving culture and tradition and resolving disputes.

The previous traditional ruler of Nawfia was His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir F. F. B. C. Nwankwo (Osuofia na Nawfia), and the current Igwe is His Royal Majesty, Igwe Ferdinand Chijioke Nwankwo (Osuofia II na Nawfia).

The former President General was Chief Sir Nonyelu Okoye (Eze Udo), and the current President General of the Nawfia Progressive Union is Chief Sir Nathan Enemuo (Eze Ego).

Nawfia is part of the Umunri clan, which also includes Enugwu Ukwu, Enugwu Agidi, and Agu Ukwu. These towns are traditionally regarded as the birthplace of the Igbo people. According to Igbo folklore, Nawfia (pronounced "Nn?fv?a" in the local dialect) was the second son of Nri, a renowned hunter. Nri’s father, Eri, is widely acknowledged as the progenitor of the entire Igbo ethnic group.