History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Umuagbai Town in Abia State

 
Umuagbai is a prominent town situated in the Ndoki region of southeastern Nigeria. It is located within the Oyigbo Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, specifically in the Ndoki district. Umuagbai is part of the Umu Okobo clan, one of the seven clans that constitute the Ndoki people. The town is bordered by Akwete in Abia State to the east, Azuogu to the south, Mgboji to the north, and Okwali in Khana LGA to the west. 

##Etymology of "Umuagbai"
The name "Umuagbai" translates to "children of Agbai," honoring Agbai, the father of Chief Jite Agbai (Egbe), who became the fourth ruler of Umuagbai in the 17th century. Prior to this, the settlement was known as Okobo, named after the progenitor of the community. The renaming to Umuagbai was a tribute by Chief Jite to his father. The town's origins trace back to the 14th century, making it one of the ancestral towns of the Ndoki people. 

##Traditions of Origin
Historical accounts suggest that Okobo, the forebear of Umuagbai, migrated from Ohambele across the Imo River. Some theories propose that he arrived in Ohambele alongside Iduma from the Abam-Ohafia region. However, C.T.C. Ennals' report indicates that the Umu Okobo group may have connections to the Ijaw people, as they lost their original language and adopted the Igbo language during migration. This suggests a possible Ijaw origin for the Umuagbai people, though the exact location remains unspecified. 

##Religion and Cultural Activities
While Christianity is predominantly practiced in Umuagbai, traditional religious activities continue alongside. Festivals and dances such as Ikoro, Ekpe, and Nwutam are performed annually, often coinciding with Christian holidays like Christmas and New Year. These cultural expressions, though influenced by Christian practices, retain elements of the community's ancestral traditions. 

##Industry and Craft
Umuagbai is primarily an agrarian society. Residents cultivate a variety of crops, including yam, cassava, plantain, banana, cocoa, cocoyam, and oil palm. Livestock rearing, such as the raising of goats and chickens, is practiced on a small scale. Traditional crafts like palm wine tapping, hunting, fishing, canoe building, and weaving are common. Notably, Umuagbai women are renowned for producing 'Akuruaku' cloth, a traditional fabric crafted from dyed cotton and silk, used for garments and household items.