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

Tonpregha undutimi Richard Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Basis

Nimo Owelle, commonly referred to as Nimo, is a prominent town in the southeastern region of Nigeria. As of 2021, the town's traditional ruler is Igwe Max Ike Oliobi.

##Location
Nimo is situated within the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Its postal code is 421102.

##History
According to Igbo oral tradition, Owelle had four sons born to him at his residence in Owe. These sons were Nimo Owelle, Abagana, Abba, and Eziowelle. Nimo Owelle had two wives. The first wife gave birth to Okpaladinwe and Ojideleke, while the second wife bore Ezenebo and Okpalabani. Okpaladinwe and Ojideleke fathered Etiti Nimo and Egbengwu, respectively, while Ezenebo and Okpalabani fathered Ifiteani and Ifite-enu, respectively. It is believed that the descendants of these four grandsons (Etiti Nimo, Egbengwu, Ifiteani, and Ifite-enu) now occupy the land known as Nimo.

##Composition
Nimo consists of four quarters (or clans) and their constituent villages: Etiti Nimo, Egbengwu, Ifiteani, and Ifite-enu. As of 2022, there are 45 villages within Nimo.

Every adult in Nimo is eligible to join the Nimo Town Development Union (NTDU), formerly known as the Nimo Brotherhood Society (NBS). The NTDU is headed by a President General (PG), with the current PG being Chief Agbalanze Ekenenna Okafor. He succeeded the late Chief Frank Igboka, who had previously served as the Chairman of the Njikoka Local Government.

##Kingship and Tradition
The traditional leader of Nimo holds the title "Owelle of Nimo" and presides over the royal cabinet, which consists of the "Onowu of Nimo," other titled individuals, and Ndi Ichie representing the various villages of Nimo. Key traditional sites in Nimo include Oye Nimo, the central market, and Egwegwe, the town square.

##Cultural Festivals and Tourist Attractions
Awam Ji: The annual New Yam festival, also called the “Alo Mm??” festival, typically held in August.

Uha Festival: A traditional thanksgiving dance celebration (or Ofala) dedicated to the Owelle of Nimo.

Nimo Cultural Day: The yearly celebration of the Nimo people, usually held at Egwegwe on December 26.

Oye Nimo: The central market of Nimo, which has been a hub for trade and commerce for centuries, connecting Nimo with surrounding towns.

Asele Institute: A cultural center well-known for its rich archives on modern and contemporary art.

##Notable People from Nimo

Justice G.C.M. Onyiuke SAN

Justice Anthony I. Iguh (Rtd.)

Justice G.U. Ononiba (Rtd.)

Dr. Godfrey Osita Agbim

Dr. Chuba C. Agbim

Justice John Carter Chukwuemeka (J.C.) Nwadi