History Origin Culture and Traditions of Ukpor Town in Anambra state

 
Ukpor is a town in Anambra State, located within the Nnewi South Local Government Area, one of the seven LGAs of the Anambra South Senatorial District. The town consists of six political wards with a total of 81 polling units.

Ukpor is made up of several villages, each originating from different quarters. The town is well-known for its hilly landscape, with one of its most prominent hills traditionally called "ugwu ekwensu," meaning "the devil's hill," and currently known as Ugwuonyezuberem. However, due to ongoing road grading, the height of this historically significant hill has been reduced in modern times.

Historically, the people of Ukpor were primarily farmers. Over time, however, the town's residents shifted towards trade and various other businesses.

The Ukpor Improvement Union (U.I.U) is the central governing body in the community, serving as the political, social, and cultural organization. The current President General of the U.I.U is Hon. Ikenna Mbazulike-Amechi from Amihe, Ukpor.

Nnewi South is now referred to as Mbaneri by its students in higher institutions. "Mbaneri" refers to the ten towns in Nnewi South, which include Akwaihedi, Amichi, Azigbo, Ebenator, Ekwulumili, Ezinifite, Osumenyi, Ukpor, Unubi, and Utuh.

Culture:
Asara Festival:
The Asara festival is the most significant cultural celebration in Ukpor, held periodically every ten, fifteen, or even twenty years. The origins of this festival can be traced back to the ?g? Agbaja (War of Agbaja), an intercommunal conflict between the people of Ukpor, in what is now Nnewi South LGA, and the people of Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA. The Ukpor people triumphed in the battle, famously defeating Metuh, the greatest warrior of Nnewi at the time.

The war stemmed from the harsh treatment imposed by the King of Nnewi, who would force young men and women from neighboring communities to work for him without provisions or compensation. The newly crowned king of Ukpor vowed to put an end to these inhumane practices and issued a decree forbidding such exploitation. Enraged by this, the King of Nnewi declared war on Ukpor, which, alongside the nine villages that formed Ekweteghete, united to defend themselves.

After Ukpor's victory, their king, Eze Obiukwu, organized a celebration by slaughtering a cow and inviting neighboring villages to bring their cows for a communal feast. The cow competition and the subsequent merrymaking gave rise to the Asara festival, derived from the Igbo word for "merriment."

Climate:
Ukpor experiences a warm and humid wet season, with overcast skies, and a hot, muggy, and partly cloudy dry season. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 67°F to 88°F, rarely dipping below 59°F or exceeding 91°F.

Flooding and Erosion:
The community has faced significant challenges with gully erosion, which is gradually destroying the land. Despite extensive efforts and financial investments, the town has struggled to control the erosion and prevent further damage.

Notable People:

Mbazulike Amaechi (1929–2022) - A renowned writer, politician, educationist, and former Minister of Aviation in Nigeria's First Republic.

Obiageli Ezekwesili - A highly influential Nigerian personality, former Minister of Education, and former Minister of Solid Minerals.

Chief Gabriel Akachukwu Okeke (1929-1991) - A key leader in the Ukpor Improvement Union, who served as Secretary-General of the union for 26 years, from 1961 to 1987.