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

 
Nkpor is a town located within the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. In 2007, the town's population was estimated at approximately 109,377 people. Nkpor is situated close to the larger city of Onitsha to the west, and shares borders with Oze to the north, Ogidi and Umuoji to the east, and Obosi to the south. The name 'Nkpor' is believed to originate from a distortion of the Igbo term nkpogha, which means 'repositioning.'

Nkpor has a longstanding reputation for its agricultural productivity, particularly in maize cultivation. One notable variety of maize, referred to as ‘akpu aka Nkpor,’ is famous for its bountiful yield, which is symbolic of the strength and robust nature of Nkpor men. Historically, wealthy men in Nkpor were known for their large yam barns and the considerable number of animals they kept. The average Nkpor person typically does not need to purchase food from the market and is always hospitable, ensuring that visitors are well-fed. Before the introduction of Christianity, Nkpor was a community that honored the gods of their ancestors.

##History
The people of Nkpor trace their ancestry to a hunter named Okoli Otie, who initially settled in what is now the present-day location of Abatete. Their neighbors included Eziowele and Abacha, among others. Otie had three sons: Omaliko, Oji, and Dimudeke. Omaliko, the eldest son, became the patriarch of Abatete, the descendants of Oji became the people of Umuoji, while the Nkpor people descend from Dimudeke. Originally known as Umudim, the Nkpor people initially lived in what is now Oraukwu. However, due to frequent conflicts with neighboring communities, they were forcefully relocated by their elder siblings (Abatete and Umuoji) to a new, uninhabited land. The name 'Nkpor' is derived from a transformation of the phrase ndi akpoghalu akpogha—meaning "those who repositioned themselves"—which eventually became Nkpor.

Nkpor consists of five villages, each named after the children of Dimudeke: Isiome (Umusiome village), Ngwu (Isingwu village), Ububa (Ububa village), Nwafor (Amafor village), and Mgbachu. The town's monarch, the Igwe, traditionally comes from the Umusiome village, as they are considered the 'eldest' of the villages. Umusiome is made up of nine kindreds, with three of these kindreds descending from the first king of Nkpor. The descendants of Ezeonwu, the king’s first son, hold the ofor nwa di okpala but cannot ascend to the throne. Instead, it is the descendants of Arinze, the middle son, who serve as the kings. The descendants of Ezekwem, the youngest son, are positioned as trusted advisors to the king. Notably, these kindreds are prohibited from intermarrying.

Nkpor is historically known for its warrior culture, earning it the title 'obodo dike' (the land of the brave). Despite this, the people are known for their peace-loving nature.

##Nkpor at a Glance
Nkpor is home to the Anambra State School of Nursing and a general hospital named after Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, which is located in the area. The town is also home to several well-regarded hotels, partly due to its proximity to Onitsha, a major commercial center. Nkpor once served as the headquarters of the now-defunct Idemili North West Local Government. Today, it is one of the most important commercial towns in Anambra State.

##Nkpor Tradition
Nkpor is traditionally governed by a monarch whose position is hereditary. The Arinze Kindred of the Umuezenubosi clan of Umusiome village produces the monarch, known as Eze Nkpor, a position held for life. The Igwe in Council is composed of 25 red-cap chiefs, with each of the five major villages represented by a high chief known as Ichie Ume. The five Ichie Ume include Onowu, Ogene, Ewele, Ozoma, and Odu, each representing one of the five villages. The council also includes other prominent chiefs such as Eze Ralu Oralu, Onyenso, Onyeisi, and Ichie Okwa. These chiefs are capped in their respective villages before being confirmed at the Igwe’s palace. Additionally, no two male siblings of a woman are allowed to both be members of the council. Only those who have taken the Ozo title are eligible to be crowned as members of the Ndichie (chieftaincy council).

##Ozo Title
The Ozo title is an ancient tradition in Igboland, symbolizing status and authority. It is awarded to those who have the financial means or the support of relatives, provided they are well-regarded within their community. Nkpor has five categories of the Ozo title, ranked as follows: Ozo Idi, Ozo Nze Isi, Ozo Nze Ani, Ozo Ikwele, and Ozo Okpala. The Ozo title holders, known as ndi Nze, gather to break kolanut according to seniority, with the most senior breaking the kola first. Title-taking is organized within the Umunna or Umunne groups based on the village arrangement, and each group is responsible for inducting new Ozo titleholders.

##Christianity in Nkpor
Nkpor was one of the early towns to embrace Christianity due to its proximity to Onitsha, where the first Christian missionaries arrived. The Church Missionary Society (CMS) was the first to establish a presence in Nkpor in 1904, followed by the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) in 1906. Although there was significant competition between the two missions, they maintained mutual respect for each other's territories. These churches, which initially began as outstations of larger Onitsha churches, have since grown to establish more than 15 parishes each. The Odozi Obodo Sabbath Mission also later arrived in Nkpor.

##Economy
The economy of Nkpor is primarily based on trade and commerce, with both traditional and modern markets. Traditional markets such as Eke Nkpor, Afor Nkpor, and Nkwo market Amafor are important to the local economy. In addition, Nkpor is home to several modern markets, including the New Spare Parts Market, Nkpor Main Market (Relief Market), New Tyre Market, Old Tyre Market, Mgbuka Market, and Motorcycle Spare Parts Market, all of which are located in Amafor Nkpor. These markets contribute to Nkpor's reputation as a major commercial hub, earning it the nickname "mini Anambra state" because people from all over Anambra come to do business there.

Over time, Nkpor has seen growth in industrial estates and foreign companies, generating employment and economic opportunities in the region. The presence of renowned universities in the area, such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka, contributes to the region’s skilled workforce.

##International Connections
Nkpor and the surrounding Igbo cities, including Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi, are well-connected both domestically and internationally. The region benefits from modern transportation infrastructure, including international airports, rail systems, and waterways. The recently commissioned Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport at Umueri, located within the Greater Onitsha Metropolis, is expected to further boost economic activities in the region. Nkpor also enjoys access to international trade routes, fostering greater economic prosperity.