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

 
Onitcha, also known as ?`n?`chà Mmílí in Igbo, is a city situated on the eastern bank of the Niger River in Anambra State, Nigeria. Alongside various cities and towns in southern Anambra State, northern Imo State, and the neighboring Delta State on the river's western bank, ?`n?`chà forms part of a continuous metropolitan region.

As of 2016, the greater ?`n?`chà area had an estimated population of around 8 million people, spanning central and southern Anambra State, extending into Delta State to the west and Imo State to the south. This vast area, covering parts of these three states, is regarded as one of the largest metropolitan regions in Nigeria by both population and landmass. The urban sprawl of greater ?`n?`chà extends across several cities and their suburbs, including Asaba, Obosi, Ogbaru, Nnewi, Awka (the capital of Anambra State), and Orlu in Imo State. As of early 2024, the city of ?`n?`chà itself has an estimated population of 1,695,000.

The people of ?`n?`chà are predominantly Igbo and speak the Igbo language. The city serves as the largest urban area and commercial hub in Igboland, the homeland of the Igbo people. The native population is referred to as Ndi ?`n?`chà. English and Nigerian Pidgin are also widely spoken. Despite the majority being Igbo, the city is home to many other ethnic groups from southeastern Nigeria, owing to its role as an economic center.

Africapolis projects that by 2050, the greater ?`n?`chà metropolis will be one of the most densely populated regions in the world. In 2023, McKinsey forecasted that the area would experience significant human development, with the population doubling by 2045, assuming the current rate of expansion continues.

Modern History:
?`n?`chà gradually became a crucial trading port for the Royal Niger Company in the mid-1850s, following the abolition of slavery and the advent of the steam engine, which enabled Europeans to venture deeper into the African hinterland. Trade in palm oil, palm kernels, and other cash crops along the Bight of Biafra flourished around this river port during the 19th century.

In 1857, British palm oil traders established a permanent presence in the city, joined by Christian missionaries. By 1900, ?`n?`chà became part of a British protectorate. British colonial authorities and missionaries expanded into much of Igboland, establishing schools, churches, and administrative offices through the river port in ?`n?`chà.

The construction of the Niger River Bridge in 1965 helped replace the ferry crossing, fostering increased trade routes with western Nigeria and strengthening economic ties between ?`n?`chà, Benin City, and Lagos.

The Nigerian-Biafran War, which occurred between 1967 and 1970, brought significant destruction to ?`n?`chà, as the city was a key battleground for forces advancing from the western front. The subsequent oil boom in the 1970s and 1980s led to a surge in immigration, resulting in rapid, often haphazard urban development and a growing number of slums.

Festival:
Every October, the kingdom of ?`n?`chà hosts the Ofala Festival, which coincides with the traditional New Yam Festival celebrated across Igboland. In ancient times, the festival provided the community with an opportunity to see their king and receive his blessings. Today, it serves as a celebration of the people’s culture, allowing them to reflect on their communal activities. The festival has become a major event, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.

Geography:
?`n?`chà is located on the eastern side of a major east-west crossing point of the Niger River, directly across from Asaba in Delta State. It is situated at the northernmost point of the river navigable by large vessels. The city marks the western end of the central Anambra Hills. These geographical features have historically made ?`n?`chà a key trading center, connecting the coastal regions with the northern and western parts of Nigeria. The city has one of the few road bridges spanning the Niger River, with plans in place for the construction of a second bridge to the south.

Recent rapid urbanization has bolstered the local economy but has negatively impacted the natural landscape and vegetation, and the region is highly prone to erosion.

Climate:
?`n?`chà experiences two main seasons: a warm, oppressive, and overcast rainy season from March to October, and a hot, partly cloudy dry season from November to February. Both seasons are influenced by the southwest and northeast trade winds of the Atlantic's International Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The city also experiences harmattan winds during the winter months, causing haze and reduced visibility, with thunderstorms common in March/April and late September/October. Temperatures typically range from 19°C (67°F) to 31°C (88°F) throughout the year, rarely dropping below 15°C (59°F) or rising above 33°C (92°F).

Urbanization:
In the early 1960s, prior to the Nigerian Civil War, the population of ?`n?`chà was officially recorded as 76,000. The city has been a center for creativity and transformation, with the great Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe describing it as a "zone of occult instability," a place from which creativity radiates. The city is known for its market literature and as a hub for the financing and distribution of Nollywood films.

However, rapid urbanization has led to infrastructure challenges, with inadequate zoning regulations contributing to chaotic development and widespread lawlessness. The World Health Organization's 2016 update on global urban air pollution lists ?`n?`chà as the most polluted city in Africa.

Recent encroachments from neighboring communities have led to land disputes with the people of Obosi and Nkwelle Ezunaka.

Economy:
In 2012, the state government attracted SAB Miller to invest in the Onitsha Brewery, marking the first large-scale investment in the city since the establishment of Premier Breweries in the early 1980s. This brewery, which began production in August, received a $110 million upgrade to triple its output of beer and malt drinks.

Religion and Politics:
?`n?`chà is predominantly Christian, though Islam is practiced by some individuals, particularly those from northern and western Nigeria. In February 2006, armed militants killed at least 80 Hausa Fulani Muslims and destroyed several mosques.

Environment:
Waste generation in ?`n?`chà is significant due to its high population and commercial activity. The city generates large amounts of food waste, plastic bags, paper, metal, clothes, plastic items, tins, bottles, and glass materials.

Notable People:
The people of ?`n?`chà were early adopters of Western education, producing many influential figures such as:

Bishop Alphonsus Chukwuma Onyeabo, a key contributor to the translation of the Bible into Igbo.

Olisa Agbakoba, lawyer and human rights activist.

Ukpabi Asika, academic and civil servant.

Flora Azikiwe, wife of Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Ben Enwonwu, painter and sculptor.

Emmanuel Ifeajuna, the first Black African to win a gold medal at a major international sports competition.

Alex Iwobi, professional footballer.

Louis Mbanefo, lawyer and justice.

Tony Nwoye, politician.

Chike Obi, mathematician.

Francisca Nneka Okeke, physicist.

Henry Onyekuru, footballer.

Chike, singer, songwriter, and actor.