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

 
Uga is a town located in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is situated 13 km southeast of Igbo-Ukwu, 12 km south of Ekwulobia, and 45 km south of Awka, the state capital. The town is made up of four communities: Umueze, Oka, Umuoru, and Awarasi. Uga is known for its notable landmarks and tourist spots, including "Obizi Uga," a natural spring and scenic area that holds historical significance in the local oral tradition. The town hosts an annual cultural event, the "OBUOFOR" festival, celebrated every December 26. Additionally, Uga boasts one of the largest markets in the Aguata Local Government Area, known as "ORIE," which supports the local economy and attracts people from neighboring towns.

Nigerian Civil War:
Uga played a key role in the Biafran War, particularly as a strategic airstrip in the latter stages of the conflict. Along with Uli, Uga became vital after the main airstrip in Uli was destroyed. Biafra's two primary airfields were in Enugu and Port Harcourt, while other landing grounds were in Calabar, Owerri, and Ogoja. After Biafra lost Enugu on October 4, 1967, and Calabar two weeks later, the loss of these key locations allowed Nigerian forces to tighten control over the Biafra-Cameroon border and cut off Biafran coastal ports. To address the loss of Enugu, Biafran engineers began establishing hidden airstrips, including one codenamed "Annabelle" just south of Uli. This airstrip became synonymous with Biafra's survival efforts.

Uga Airstrip:
In response to the critical need for air support during the war, Uga was transformed into an airstrip. Located just 27 kilometers northeast of Uli, it was converted from a stretch of the main Orlu to Awka road and was used primarily for military and government purposes. Although it was not as suitable for heavy aircraft as Uli, it became an important secondary airstrip for Biafran operations. The airstrip saw several flights, including a memorable mission on May 10-11, 1969, when a DC-7 aircraft landed at Uga. Although it was not widely used by large aircraft, it served as a base for smaller planes like the T-6G, which were tasked with missions in the front lines and behind enemy lines. Despite numerous bombing attempts by the Nigerian Air Force, the airstrip at Uga remained intact, and it became a symbol of resilience for Biafra.

Geography:
Uga is home to Obizi, a natural spring that serves as a vital source of clean water for the town and surrounding areas. In 2017, the Anambra State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, invested around N1.2 billion to revitalize the Obizi Water Scheme. This initiative is the largest water project in the state and, once completed, will provide clean water to Uga and 45 other communities in the Aguata region.

Climate:
Uga experiences a warm climate year-round, with a muggy and partly cloudy dry season and an oppressive, overcast wet season. The annual temperature ranges from 65°F to 86°F, rarely dipping below 58°F or rising above 89°F. The town experiences minimal temperature variation throughout the year, making the concept of distinct hot and cold seasons irrelevant.

Education:
Uga is home to several prominent schools, including Uga Boys Secondary School, which was attended by the current governor of Anambra, Charles Chukwuma Soludo. The school has produced many successful individuals in various fields.

Other educational institutions in Uga include:

Our Lady of Waldenstein Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School, founded by the late Monsignor Professor John Bosco Akam

Immaculate Heart Nursery and Primary School

St. James Nursery and Primary School

Central School

Oka Community School

Victorious Impartation International Nursery and Primary School

Nwagwasi Primary School


Culture and Arts:
The Obuofor festival is one of Uga's most important cultural events, commemorating the community's resilience in maintaining their indigenous belief system despite the influence of Christianity. This festival is a reminder of the struggles faced by the people of Uga in defending their traditions during the early 20th century, particularly in 1910.

Notable People:

Andy Uba: Nigerian politician, former Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly.

Chris Uba: Politician, member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and brother of Andy Uba.

Rev. Prof. John Bosco Akam: Founder of Tansian University.

Chief Ike Ndiokwelu, OON: President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Abuja branch (1991-1993).

Chukwuma Izuchukwu Ezenobi: Founder of the Uga Development Foundation, which aims to engage Uga youths in IT skills.

Chief Hon. Emeka Ezeukoma: Ezeamulunobi 1 of Uga.

Hon. Uzochukwu Chukwunonso Onyekwelu: A Uga native based in Australia.

Engr. T.O. Ezenwaka: Former deputy director at the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and awardee of a full presidential award for his Youth Service project in Calabar.


Uga continues to be a vibrant community, rich in history, culture, and significant contributions to Nigeria's socio-political landscape.