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

 
Neni (pronounced Ne-ni by locals) is an Igbo-speaking town in the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, located in the southeastern part of Nigeria.

##Location
Neni lies within the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, with geographic coordinates of 6°09'00" North and 7°02'00" East. The town is also home to the headquarters of the Anaocha Local Government Area.

The current traditional ruler of Neni is Damian O. Ezeani (Igwe Ezeani Ugonabo).

The neighboring towns of Neni include Akwaeze, Oraukwu, Agulu, Obeledu, Ichida, Nimo Owelle, Aguluzigbo, Adazi-Ani, Adazi-Nnukwu, and Nri. Neni consists of ten villages: Umueze, Eziaja, Umudioka, Etitinabo, Ezineni, Umunri, Umuabani, Umukabia, Okofia, and Ugwudunu.

##Traditional Festivals in Neni
Neni celebrates several cultural festivals throughout the year, including:

Igu Aro/Ogwe : Held by the Okofia village on January 1st each year at Oye Market Square, this festival ushers in the New Year and brings good tidings to the community.

Masquerade Carnival : A vibrant festival held on January 1st at Oye Market Square, featuring masquerade displays by all the villages. It is a major event in Neni and attracts spectators from within the Anaocha Local Government Area and surrounding areas.

Village Days : Celebrated annually on December 26th, each village, such as Umueze Day, Eziaja Day, and Umuabani Day, celebrates the unity and reunion of their people with music, dance, and masquerade displays.

Ufejioku Umueze : Held during the second week of August, this festival marks the harvest of new yam and showcases the newly harvested yams at ODU UMUEZE before they are sold at Oye Market in Neni.

New Yam Festival : Celebrated in the third week of August at the Igwe's palace with dances and masquerade displays. Ndi Nze na Ozo and the Igwe's Cabinet are present, and the following day is marked with the general Iwa-Ji festival, where yams are shared by the community.

Mmanka Arts and Culture : This festival takes place at Mmanka Stadium on December 31st, organized by the "Nka Diokas" of Umudioka village. It features traditional masquerades and dances, such as Itu Mbubu, Igbu-ichi, and Iwa-eze. This festival draws dignitaries from across the country.


##Notable People
Neni is the ancestral home of several prominent Nigerians, including:

Colonel Robert Akonobi, former military governor of Anambra State.

Chief Michael Okpala (MON), also known as "Power Mike," an undefeated World Heavyweight wrestling champion.

John Obi Mikel, a professional Nigerian footballer and former Chelsea midfielder.