History of Nkanu
Introduction
Nkanu people live contigually within the Enugu East Senatorial zone of the present-day Enugu Sate of south-east Nigeria. They are predominantly farmers. The area lie approximately between latitude 60 30’ North and longitude 70 30’ East, and stands on an estimated excavation of about 763 feet above sea level. According to sources from the defunct State Ministry of Works, Land and Transport, Nkanu clan occupies an area of about 1602. 22 square kilometres.
Vegetation
Nkanu, like every other Igbo clan, falls within the savannah region of the former Eastern Nigeria, usually characterized by tall trees and grasses. The growth is stunted by the annual bush burning in the area during the dry season by itinerant hunters. Conversely, the area is surrounded on the West by a cluster of
highlands, which gradually level off into an expense of rich agricultural valley on the North, East and South of the area. There is as well a criss-cross of streams and rivulets; among which, notably are Nyama, Atavu, Idodo, Asu, Ojorowo, Ufam, to mention just these few.
A colonial officer described the soil of the area as “fairly fertile with a light sandy soil made up of outcrop of laterite nature.” Indeed, the area is endowed with such mineral resources as bandile, salt, copper, and notably coal.
Location
Nkanu land shares border in the East with Ohaozara and Ivo LGAs in Ebonyi State; on the West with Udi LGA, in the North with Nkalagu (Ebonyi) and Isi-Uzo LGA, and in the South with Aninri and Awgu LGAs.
Population
Its population between 1932 and 1934 was put at about 119,500. But by 1963 census, the population had tripled to 32,263. With subsequent projections, the population was estimated to rise to 743,509 in 1985; 761,971 in 1986; 791, 654 in 1987; 822,608 in 1988; 854,895 in 1989; and over 888,524 in 1990. At present it is presumed to be nearing almost 2 million.
Origin
Nkanu as a group has no common ancestry. But individual communities that make up the area had. However, the geographical area was rather a colonial creation of the British who, for administrative convenience, merged the disparate communities together in 1934, to become Nkanu Division.
That notwithstanding, there are different versions of the etymology of the name “NKANU.” One version said it was a nickname given to a certain NWA AWUWA (Son of God) by his contemporaries due to his fame, wisdom, courage and bravery. He was well-respected for these attributes; which earned him the envy of his family. This later degenerated into subdued cold-war, eventually forcing him to emigrate out of their Lower Benue area habitat, as a result of frequent fraternal fracas.
He later migrated further southward and settled somewhere in the present-day Ibeagwa-Nike. At Ibeagwa-Nike, he demonstrated his ingenuity in craftsmanship, forging round hoes, spears, arrows, and so on. He was also a hunter of repute, who lavishly entertained his guests with a variety of meat, from his hunting expeditions. He was consequently nicknamed “Onye Nka” or “Ome Nka” (Craftsman) and “Ome Anu” (Meat Provider); hence, the contraction “Nka-Anu” (Nkanu). So, the name Nkanu came to symbolize his ingenuity, industry and sagacity.
NWA AWUWA, nicknamed “NKA-ANU” (Nkanu), according to this source, became the progenitor of Ibeagwa-Nike. And so, too, since Ibeagwa is the most senior village in Nike it conferred on the Nike people, the right of primogeniture, as well as the oldest and most senior community in Nkanu land. It was believed on his demise that his spirit appeared to his descendants, instructing them to erect an earth deity to be venerated by the Nike people in his hounour; hence, the Anike (Nwa Awuawa), the earth goddess of Nike.
From the foregoing account, it can only be reasonable to conclude that the first Nkanuite was none other than Anike Nwa Awuwa. But that is not always so with oral history.
Nevertheless, another vision believed the name “Nkanu” was a derivative from the peculiar round mounds (ridges) common to farmers in the area. The phrase “ruo ya Nkanu Nkanu” (“cultivate it Nkanu Nkanu”) meant the common round and big ridges. So, that came to signify the set of people who make the same type of round hoe and ridges.
Yet, a third vision claimed it was an imposition by the British colonial administrators in 1934, whilst carving the area out of the then Udi Division.
Be that as it may, whichever version is authentic is immaterial. What should rather be uppermost in the mind of every Nkanu man or woman is that the name has not only come to stay, but has as well gained currency and acceptance. And without a doubt, Nkanu land is endowed with abundant human and material resources. The slogans “Nkanu Ogbuzuru Ogbuzuru” and “Nkanu Ebuka” are all symbolisms alluding to the fertility of their soil, as well as their progressive, forward-looking and aggressive adventurism in every human endeavour.
Evolutionary Trend
From its excision from Udi Division on April 1, 1934, as a separate Division, Nkanu land has metamorphosed into five different local government areas. These are Enugu North LGA with headquarters at Ogui; Enugu East LGA, Nkwo-Nike; Enugu South LGA, Uwani; Nkanu East LGA, Amagunze; and Nkanu West LGA, Agbani. Other smaller administrative units include about 11 development centres and 65 wards, as well.
As a people, the Nkanus are the dominant political bloc in the present-day Enugu State. And as an emergent political powerhouse, or a melting pot of political activism in the State, no political decision can be taken without an input from Nkanu people.
Communities in Nkanu land
The following are the constituent communities and traditional rulers in the present-day Nkanu land:
Enugu East Local Government
Igwe M. C. Ogbuchi Mbuli Anwuri Nike 3/5/2004
Igwe J. U. Nnaji Nike Uno -
Igwe T. Okolo Amorji Nike 3/5/2004
Igwe D. C. Ekete Ogbeke Nike 1/4/2004
Igwe E. N. S. Edeoga Mbano Nike -
Igwe M. Ekete Ugwuogo Nike -
Igwe B. I. Okonweze Mbulujodo Nike 11/4/2005
Igwe Emma Ugwu Ibagwa Nike 17/1/2008
Enugu North Local Government
Igwe A. N. Ojukwu Ogui Nike -
Igwe M. O. Madukekwe Umunevo Ogui Nike 1/4/2004
Enugu South Local Government
Igwe Ogbodo Okorie Amechi Awk.
Igwe V. V. Chukwuegbo Amechi Uwani Awk. 11/7/2007
Igwe Mike Nnukwu Obeagu Awk. -
Igwe C. I. N. Nyia Obeagu Ugwuaji Awk. 4/9/2003
Igwe C. T. I. Nwoye Akwuke Awk. 1/4/2004
Igwe R. I. Agwu Ugwuaji Awk. 24/8/2007
Igwe Cyprian Ekwomchi Akwuke Uwani Awk. 17/1/2008
Nkanu East Local Government
Igwe N. A. Ogbu Nara -
Igwe S. O. Okorie Onicha Amagunze 3/2/2004
Igwe I. O. Mba Nomeh 4/9/2003
Igwe M. O. Eze Mburubu -
Igwe E. C. Aja Ohuani Nkerefi -
Igwe F. Okpala Amafor Ugbaeka 11/3/2004
Igwe D. Okenyi Ubahu -
Igwe F. O. Nwatu Ihuokpara -
Igwe S. Arinze Isiogbo Nara -
Igwe E. U. Onukwube Enugu Nkerefi 4/9/2003
Igwe M. Arum Owo 4/9/2033
Igwe D. Nnamoko Obodo Uvuru 6/5/2004
Igwe P. Ugwuani Oruku -
Igwe C. A. Nomeh Amankanu 4/9/2003
Igwe L. O.O. Okorie Imeoha Nkerefi 30/1/2003
Igwe C. Nwafor Isienu Amagunze 3/5/2004
Igwe S. O. Edenweze Amechi Idodo 3/5/2005
Igwe P. A. Onuora Isienu Amofi Nkerefi 17/5/2006
Igwe E. Nnamchi Okeani / Aniyi 17/5/2006
Igwe Abel Nwobodo Umuawalagu 10/5/1999
Igwe P.O.Egbo Amoffia / amgu 24/8/2007
Igwe H. Edeani Ohani Amechi Idodo 17/1/2008
Nkanu West Local Government
Igwe J. O. Onovo Akegbe Ugwu -
Igwe A. A. Nwodo Ndiuno Uwani Akpugo -
Igwe N. N. Chukwu Eziaba Agbani -
Igwe S. C. Nnamani Ndiuno Obuofia 23/1/2004
Igwe Okafor Ani Umuanee Ozalla -
Igwe C. O. Okafor Obuno Akpugo 27/11/1998
Igwe C. N. Nnaji Obe-Agbo -
Igwe Paul C. N. Nnaji Amangwu Obufia 10/2/2003
Igwe S. Ugwu Amakpu Agbani 3/1/2004
Igwe N. Agbo Ndiuno Uwani Akpugo 23/1/2004
Igwe V. C. N. Nnaji Ogonogo Eji Ndiagu Akpaugo -
Igwe N. Onah Ogonogo Eji Ndiuno Akpugo -
Igwe J. O. E. Nnona Obe Uno -
Igwe M. U. Chukwuka Umuigbo Amurri 4/9/2003
Igwe F. Nshiegbu Obe Ugwu 4/9/2003
Igwe J. U. Anem Ishi-Ozalla 13/9/2003
Igwe F. O. Nweke Obunagu Uno Akpugo 17/12/2003
Igwe U. O. Orurua Eziokwe Amurri 1/3/2004
Igwe E. O. Ogbonna Ndiagu Obuofia 4/9/2003
Igwe F. N. Ani Ogboezinne Akpugo 13/12/2004
Igwe B. Nkwuo Ihunekwagu 1/4/2004
Igwe I. O. Igwesi Omuoha -
Igwe D. A. Nnaji Amugo 2/12/2004
Igwe M. C. C. Chukwudike Obinagu Uwani Akpugo -
Igwe C. Ngene Okpebe 17/5/2006
Igwe V. N. Ene Obeaghu Akegbe 17/5/2006
Igwe L. H. C. Nwobodo Amankanu Amurri -
Igwe J. C. N. Ugwu Umuatugbuoma 13/9/2006
Igwe G. Ugwu Attakwu Akegbe Ugwu 12/10/2005
Igwe J. I. Nwodo Umuafor Akpugo 4/9/2005
Igwe Ignatius Ugwu Akegbe Uwani 24/8/2007
Igwe Cashmir Igwe Obeagu Ozalla 17/1/2008
Igwe Donald Nwochi Etiti Ozalla 17/1/2008
Culture and Tourism
As has been observed earlier, the various masquerades and festivals found in the area reflect the cultural diversities of the Nkanu people. Some of these cultural identities are common; while others are community-specific, or peculiar to a particular community. Igede, Ikpa, Okanga, Ubo, Ebe, and so on, usually displayed during festive and burial ceremonies are most common within the area. While Omaba and Ekpe masquerades as well as Achikwu (Maa Enyashi – nocturnal masquerade), forbidden to non-initiates and women are renowned masquerades of the people. Edene war dance music is peculiar to only the Obeagu (Awkunanaw) people in the whole of Nkanu land.
Aju festival, which heralds the New Year, is widely celebrated in the area. Ani Oha (an equivalent of the Christmas), associated with the soul day (Igo Iyi) is celebrated in commemoration of the departed soul of either the grandfather and/or grandmother.
Noteworthy of mention is the Ugwu Uzu deity in Obeagu (Awkunanaw). It was said that in the olden days, blacksmiths from all over Igbo land and beyond converged at Obeagu to celebrate and pay homage to this deity of blacksmithry. Blacksmiths from as far as Awka, Nkwerre, Agulu, Agbor, and even Igalla come to this festival. They not only fraternize with one another, but brainstorm and rub minds on the improvement of their trade. Various metal products are on display. After days of merrymaking, feasting and toasts they return to their different abodes. Yet, Obeagu people are not traditional blacksmiths, nor are the Nkanu people in general. Nevertheless, the conviviality this festival generates, can only be likened to what happens in modern-day trade fairs.
It is, however, lamentable and sad to observe the degree of westernization our people had embraced, had eroded the potency of some of these cultural identities of the Nkanu people. If serious care is not taken to preserve them, they might as well be on their way to extinction.
Conclusion
This piece cannot be summarized without recounting the various achievements and/or successes recorded in the area so far. Noteworthy of mention include the first Executive Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, a trail blazer in the art of governance; the erstwhile President of the Nigerian Senate, Chief Ken Nnamani, whose tenure witnessed tremendous transformation in legislative procedures and processes in Nigeria.
Others are the first Igbo to become the Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onovo; the first black robotic Engineer, Prof. Barth Nnaji, as well as the first ever black student to score 99-99% (in a dread discipline, Mathematics) at Oxford University, Mr. Osita Onumah.
The present Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, Hon. Gordi Agbo; a top-ranking military officer, Major-Gen. Christian Ugwu, as well as Mr. Ngene, the Managing Director, Texaco Nigeria Ltd., are but a few of the recent successes recorded by Nkanu people, as well.
Mention will also be made of other worthy achievements. Among these are the first private university in Nigeria – Madonna University by Rev. Fr. Edeh; the first State University – ASUTECH (now Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki ) initiated by the inimitable Jim Nwobodo’s administration; the highest medal ever won by an African team – the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta, USA – as well as Nigeria’s hosting of FIFA World Cup competition was facilitated by Nkanu man Jim Nwobodo; the African Cup, which was won by Rangers International Club in 1977 was piloted by Nkanu sons – Christian Chukwu, (Captain) and Chief Jim Nwobodo (Chairman) of the Club; Akanu Ibiam International Airport – a gateway to Igboland, is located at Emene – in Nkanu land; and Enugu metropolis, which has served variously as the capital of southern protectorates, Eastern Region, defunct Republic of Biafra, East Central State, old Anambra State, as well as the present Enugu state, is ninety-nine percent Nkanu land amongst others.
References
History of Nkanu by Anayo Enechukwu
Enugu 100 years 1909 - 2009 by Chibuzor Agbo
Nkanu Ogbuzuru-ogbuzuru by Chibuzor Agbo
The legend of a Volitional Confederation by Nnamani J. Onuchukwu
Brochure for the crowning of Igwe Mike Nnukwu
Oral Interview with Chief Mark Ngene
Oral Interview with Chief Edward Agbo
Oral Interview with Chief Sam. Ewoh
Culled from ©Nkanu ogbuzuru on Facebook.
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