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

 
Ndiokolo was established in the early 18th century by a slave trader named Mazi Okoromesi, originally from Atani in Arochukwu, located in the present-day Abia State of Nigeria. Around 1895, the town’s name was changed from Okoromesi to Aro Ndiokolo or simply Ndiokolo, likely to reflect Okoromesi’s significant role in founding and consolidating the settlement.

Okoromesi initially settled in Ezeanuna Ugbaja in Ogboji, within Orumba South Local Government Area, before moving to Aguluezechukwu in Aguata Local Government Area, both in Anambra State. Due to limited space for expansion, he eventually relocated to the present site of Ndiokolo in Orumba North Local Government Area.

Ndiokolo consists of four primary villages, listed in order of seniority: Uhuana, Anumkpu, Obinetiti, and Obinikpa. Under the indirect rule system introduced by Lord Fredrick Lugard, Ndiokolo became one of the first independent communities along the Niger to appoint a paramount chief, Mazi Okeke Nzere, who ruled until his death in 1928.

##Subsequent traditional rulers include:

HRH Eze Paul Adimora Okeke (1977–1983)

HRH Eze Joseph Okoli (1985–1993)

HRH Eze Charles Chima Okoli (Ezedioramma), who has ruled since 1995.


Currently, the President General of Ndiokolo is Chief Hyginus Aniche, also known as Echebiridike. The people of Ndiokolo are predominantly farmers, cultivating crops such as yams, rice, cassava, okra, plantains, oranges, and various vegetables in large quantities. However, they face challenges in transporting their produce to larger markets due to the lack of access roads.

The town is equipped with a primary school, three churches, a primary healthcare center, a town hall, a market, and two functional boreholes. To access post-primary education, children travel up to five kilometers to neighboring communities such as Ogboji or Ajalli.