Awka: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria}} |
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{{Infobox Settlement |
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{{Infobox settlement |
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<!-- Basic info ----------------> |
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|official_name =Awka |
<!-- Basic info ---------------->| official_name = Awka |
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|other_name = |
| other_name = Anambra State Capital City |
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|native_name = Ọka |
| native_name = Ọka |
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|nickname = |
| nickname = Awka City |
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|settlement_type |
| settlement_type = Municipality |
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|motto = |
| motto = Sires of Smiths |
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| image_skyline = {{multiple image |
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| border = infobox |
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|image_skyline = awka_city.jpg |
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| total_width = 280 |
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|imagesize = 300px |
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| image_style = border:1; |
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|image_caption = Zik Avenue, Awka. |
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| perrow = 1/2/1/2 |
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|image_flag = |
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| image2 = Unizik beautiful gate.jpg |
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|image_seal = |
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| image3 = Anambra.jpg |
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|seal_size = |
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| image4 = Works Road, Awka.jpg |
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|image_shield = |
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| image5 = Awka247.jpg |
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| image6 = Awka Diocesan Cathedral.jpg |
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|image_blank_emblem = |
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| image7 = Awka city.jpg |
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|pushpin_map = Nigeria<!-- the name of a location map as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Location_map --> |
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|pushpin_label_position = bottom |
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|pushpin_map_caption = Location in Nigeria |
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<!-- Location ------------------> |
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|coordinates_region = NG |
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|subdivision_type = Country |
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|subdivision_name = [[Image:Flag of Nigeria.svg|25px]] [[Nigeria]] |
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|subdivision_type1 = [[States of Nigeria|State]] |
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|subdivision_name1 = [[Anambra State]] |
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|subdivision_type2 = |
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|subdivision_name2 = |
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|subdivision_type3 = |
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|subdivision_name3 = |
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<!-- Politics -----------------> |
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|government_footnotes = |
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|government_type = State, Traditional |
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|leader_title = Governor |
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|leader_name = Willie Obiano |
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|leader_title1 = Eze Uzu |
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<!-- for places with, say, both a mayor and a city manager --> |
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|leader_name1 = Gibson Nwosu |
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|leader_title2 = |
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|leader_name2 = |
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|leader_title3 = |
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|leader_name3 = |
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|leader_title4 = |
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|leader_name4 = |
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|established_title = <!-- Settled --> |
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|established_date = |
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|established_title2 = <!-- Incorporated (town) --> |
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|established_date2 = |
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|established_title3 = <!-- Incorporated (city) --> |
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|established_date3 = |
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<!-- Area ---------------------> |
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|area_magnitude = |
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|unit_pref =Imperial <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired--> |
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|area_blank1_km2 = |
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<!-- Population -----------------------> |
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|population_as_of = 2006 |
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|population_footnotes = <ref>Summing the 2 LGAs Awka North/South as per:<br />{{cite web| url=http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/nbsapps/Connections/Pop2006.pdf| title=Legal Notice on Publication of the Details of the Breakdown of the National and State Provisional Totals 2006 Census| author=Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette|date=15 May 2007|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> |
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|population_note = |
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|population_total = 301,657 |
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|population_density_km2 = |
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|population_density_sq_mi = |
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|population_density_blank1_km2 = |
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<!-- General information ---------------> |
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|timezone = [[West Africa Time|WAT]] |
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|utc_offset = +1 |
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|latd=6 |latm=12 |lats=25 |latNS=N |
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|longd=7 |longm=04 |longs=04 |longEW=E |
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|elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags--> |
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|elevation_m = |
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|elevation_ft = |
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<!-- Area/postal codes & others --------> |
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|postal_code_type = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... --> |
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|postal_code = |
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|area_code = |
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|blank_name = |
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|blank_info = |
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|blank1_name = |
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|blank1_info = |
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|website = |
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|footnotes = |
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}} |
}} |
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| image_caption = From top to left to right: Unizik Gate, State House, Works Road, Awka Aerial view, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Access Road. |
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| image = |
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| image_flag = |
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| blank_emblem_type = Emblem |
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| image_map = |
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| image_map1 = |
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| dot_mapsize = |
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| dot_map_caption = |
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| dot_x = |
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| dot_y = |
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| pushpin_map = Nigeria<!-- the name of a location map as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Location_map --> |
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| pushpin_label_position = bottom |
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| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Nigeria |
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<!-- Location ------------------>| subdivision_type = Country |
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| subdivision_name = [[Image:Flag of Nigeria.svg|25px]] [[Nigeria]] |
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| subdivision_type1 = [[States of Nigeria|State]] |
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| subdivision_name1 = [[Anambra State]] |
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| subdivision_type2 = [[Local Government Areas in Nigeria|LGA]] |
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| subdivision_name2 = [[Awka North]], [[Awka South]] |
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| subdivision_type3 = Awka District [[Local government area|LGA]] |
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| subdivision_name3 = Awka City |
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Awka, [[Amawbia]], [[Adazi-Nnukwu]], [[Agulu]] and [[Abagana]] |
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'''Awka''' ({{Lang-ig|'''Ọka'''}})<ref>{{cite book|title=Harmonization and standardization of Nigerian languages |first1=Francis O. |last1=Egbokhare |first2=S. Oluwole |last2=Oyetade |page=106 |publisher=CASAS |year=2002 |isbn=1-919799-70-2}}</ref> is the capital of [[Anambra State]], [[Nigeria]] with an estimated population of 301,657 {{as of|2006}} Nigerian census. The city is located about 400 miles east of [[Lagos]] in the centre of the densely populated [[Igboland|Igbo heartland]] in southeastern Nigeria. |
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Others[[Local Government Areas in Nigeria|LGA]] |
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The West-East Federal highway links [[Lagos]], [[Benin City]], [[Asaba, Nigeria|Asaba]], [[Onitsha]], and [[Enugu]] to Awka and several local roads link it to other important towns such as [[Ekwulobia]], Agulu, [[Enugu Ukwu|Enugwu-Ukwu]], Abagana and [[Nnewi]]. |
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[[Anaocha]], [[Awka North]] [[Awka South]], [[Dunukofia]], [[Idemili North]], [[Idemili South]] and [[Njikoka]]. |
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| subdivision_type4 = Awka Capital Territory |
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| subdivision_name4 = Territory |
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Core Areas |
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Awka, |
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Strategically, Awka is located midway between two major cities in Northern Igboland, [[Onitsha]] and [[Enugu]] which has informed its choice as an administrative center for the colonial authorities and today as a base for the Anambra State government. |
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[[Amawbia]], and |
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[[Umuokpu]] |
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Linkage |
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==History== |
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[[Adazi-Nnukwu]], [[Agulu]], [[ABBA]], [[Abagana]], [[Nri Kingdom]], [[Amansea]], [[Enugwu-Ukwu]], [[Enugwu-Agidi]], [[Isiagu]], [[Isu-Aniocha]], [[Mgbakwu]], [[Nawfia]], [[Nawgu]], [[Nibo]], [[Nimo, town|Nimo]], |
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''Awka has a certain kind of aura about it, because it was the place of the blacksmiths that created implements which made agriculture possible. -- Chinua Achebe'' |
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[[Nise, Nigeria|Nise]], [[Okpuno]] and [[Umuawulu]]. |
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<!-- Politics ---------------->| government_footnotes = |
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Awka is one of the oldest settlements in Igboland established at the centre of the Nri civilization which produced the earliest documented bronze works in Sub-Saharan Africa around 800 AD and was the cradle of Igbo civilization. |
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| government_type = [[States of Nigeria|State]], [[Traditional]], [[City Planner]] |
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| leader_title = Governor |
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The earliest settlers of Awka were the Ifiteana people which translates into people who sprouted from the earth. They were farmers, hunters, and skilled iron workers who lived on the banks of the Ogwugwu stream in what is now known as Nkwelle ward of Awka. |
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| leader_name = [[Chukwuma Soludo]] |
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| leader_title1 = [[Constitutional Monarchy]] and [[Traditional]] |
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<!-- for places with, say, both a mayor and a city manager -->| leader_name1 = Ézè Ụzụ, Igwe Gibson Nwosu |
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| leader_title2 = [[Executive Chairman]] |
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| leader_name2 = Hon. Mbonu Uzoma [[Awka North]] |
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Mr. Leo Nwuba [[Awka South]] |
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The deity of the Ifiteana was known as Okika-na-ube or the god pre-eminent with the spear and the Ifiteana were known as Umu-Okanube or “worshippers of Okanube”, which evenutally became shortened to Umu-Oka and eventually Oka and its angicized version "Awka". |
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| leader_title3 = Anambra Central Senatorial District Awka |
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| leader_name3 = {{Nowrap|[[Anambra Central Senatorial District|C]]: [[Victor Umeh]] ([[Labour Party (Nigeria)|LP]])}}<br /> |
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| leader_title4 = City Planner/ Management |
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| leader_name4 = Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) |
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| established_title = Settled |
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| established_date = 9th Century |
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| established_title2 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]] City |
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| established_date2 = 19th Century |
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| established_title3 = Declared Capital |
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| established_date3 = 21 August 1991 |
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<!-- Area --------------------->| area_magnitude = |
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| unit_pref = Imperial <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired--> |
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| area_footnotes = |
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| area_total_km2 = 522 |
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| area_land_km2 = |
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| area_water_km2 = 12 |
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| area_total_sq_mi = |
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| area_land_sq_mi = |
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| area_water_sq_mi = |
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| area_water_percent = |
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| area_urban_km2 = 1,084 |
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| area_urban_sq_mi = |
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| area_metro_km2 = 1,425 |
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| area_metro_sq_mi = |
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| area_blank1_title = |
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| area_blank1_km2 = |
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| area_blank1_sq_mi = <!-- Population -----------------------> |
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| population_as_of = 2022 |
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| population_footnotes = <ref>Summing the 2 LGAs Awka North/South as per:<br />{{cite web|url=http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/nbsapps/Connections/Pop2006.pdf |title=Legal Notice on Publication of the Details of the Breakdown of the National and State Provisional Totals 2006 Census |author=Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette |date=15 May 2007 |access-date=2007-05-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305101910/http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/nbsapps/Connections/Pop2006.pdf |archive-date=2012-03-05 }}</ref> |
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| population_note = |
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| population_total = 430,200 |
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| population_density_km2 = auto |
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| population_density_sq_mi = auto |
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| population_metro = 5,000,000 (estimated) |
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| population_density_metro_km2 = auto |
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| population_density_metro_sq_mi = auto |
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| population_urban = 2,171,900 |
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| population_density_urban_km2 = auto |
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| population_density_urban_sq_mi = auto |
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| population_blank1_title = |
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| population_blank1 = |
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| population_blank2_title = |
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| population_blank2 = |
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| population_density_blank1_km2 = |
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| population_density_blank1_sq_mi = <!-- General information ---------------> |
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| timezone = [[West Africa Time|WAT]] |
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| utc_offset = +1 |
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| coordinates = {{coord|6|12|25|N|7|04|04|E|region:NG|display=inline}} |
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| elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags--> |
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| elevation_m = |
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| elevation_ft = <!-- Area/postal codes & others --------> |
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| postal_code_type = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... --> |
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| postal_code = 420001 |
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| area_code = |
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| blank_name = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]] |
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| blank_info = [[Tropical savanna climate|Aw]] |
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| blank1_name = |
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| blank1_info = |
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| website = https://awkatimes.com |
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| footnotes = |
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| name = Awka Capital Territory |
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| founder = Nri Hegemony |
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| governing_body = [[Constitutional Monarchy]], [[Executive Chairman]] |
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| area_rank = |
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|blank_name_sec1= National language |
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|blank_info_sec1= [[Igbo language|Igbo]] |
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}} |
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'''Awka''' ({{Lang-ig|'''Ọka'''}})<ref>{{cite book|title=Harmonization and standardization of Nigerian languages |first1=Francis O. |last1=Egbokhare |first2=S. Oluwole |last2=Oyetade |page=106 |publisher=CASAS |year=2002 |isbn=1-919799-70-2}}</ref> is the capital city of [[Anambra State]], [[Nigeria]]. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and [[Enugu State|Enugu state]], which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka (an administrative center since pre-colonial times).<ref>{{Cite web |last=EBUKA NWANKWO |date=2024-05-18 |title=Here is how Soludo is transforming Awka into a befitting capital |url=https://www.thecable.ng/here-is-how-soludo-is-transforming-awka-into-a-befitting-capital/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=thecable}}</ref> The city has an estimated population of 301,657 as of the 2006 Nigerian census. The both LGAs of Awka South and North had a estimated population of 430,200 in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anambra State: Subdivision |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/nigeria/admin/NGA004__anambra/|access-date=2024-02-05 |website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref> The city is located at {{convert|199.1|km|mi}}, by road, directly north of [[Port Harcourt]] in the centre of the densely-populated [[Igboland|Igbo heartland]] in South-East Nigeria.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://distancecalculator.globefeed.com/Nigeria_Distance_Result.asp?fromplace=Port%20Harcourt&toplace=Awka&dt1=ChlJ40gsn6P0aRAR2zKIfd0rVIM&dt2=ChIJU-eUi72CQxARU0e9iuuRI88|publisher=Globalfeed.com|access-date=2016-12-05|title=Map Showing Port Harcourt And Awka with Distance Indicator}}</ref> |
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The West-East Federal highway links [[Lagos]], [[Benin City]], [[Asaba, Nigeria|Asaba]], [[Onitsha]], and [[Enugu]] to Awka and several local roads link it to other important towns such as [[Oko]], [[Ekwulobia]], [[Agulu]], [[Enugu Ukwu|Enugwu-Ukwu]], Abagana and [[Nnewi]]. |
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In ancient times, Awka was populated by elephants with a section of the town named Ama-enyi (haunt of elephants) and a pond Iyi-Enyi where the elephants used to gather to drink. The elephants were hunted for their prized ivory tusks (okike) which was kept as a symbol to the god Okanube in every Awka home with hunting medicine stored in the hollow of the tusk. |
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Strategically, Awka is located midway between two major cities in Northern Igboland, [[Onitsha]] and [[Enugu]], which has played a significant role in its choice as an administrative center for the colonial authorities and today as a base for the Anambra State government.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ago |first=Byykkein #history • 6 Years |date=2018-03-29 |title=WELCOME TO AWKA, THE BLACK SMITH HOME |url=https://steemit.com/history/@byykke/welcome-to-awka-the-black-smith-home |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=Steemit |language=en}}</ref> |
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Over time, the town become famous for metal working of a high level and its blacksmiths were prized throughout the region for making farming implements, [[Dane gun]]s and ceremonial items such as Oji (staff of mystical power) and Ngwuagilija (staff of Ozo men). |
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==History== |
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In pre-colonial days Awka also became famous as the home of the Agbala Oracle a deity that was said to be a daughter of the great Long Juju shrine of Arochukwu. The Agbala Oracle (which Chinua Achebe drew on for inspiration in his book Things Fall Apart<ref>{{cite web|last=Achebe |first=Chinua |url=http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/t/things-fall-apart/study-help/full-glossary-for-things-fall-apart |title=Full Glossary for Things Fall Apart |publisher=Cliffsnotes.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-25}}</ref>) was consulted to resolve disputes far and wide until it was finally destroyed by colonial authorities in the early part of the 20th century. |
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"[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258517133 Awka] has a certain kind of aura about it, because it was the place of the blacksmiths that created implements which made agriculture possible." -- [[Chinua Achebe]] |
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Before the inception of British rule, Awka was governed by titled men known as Ozo and Ndichie who were accomplished individuals in the community. They held general meetings or Izu Awka either at the residence of the oldest man (Otochal Awka) or at a place designated by him. He was the Nne Uzu or master blacksmith, whether he knew the trade or not, for the only master known to Awka people was the master craftsman, the Nne Uzu. |
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Awka is one of the oldest settlements in Igboland, established at the centre of the Nri civilisation, which produced the earliest documented bronze works in Sub-Saharan Africa, around 800 A.D., and was the cradle of Igbo civilisation at large.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-01-07|title=Anambra State|url=https://nipc.gov.ng/nigeria-states/anambra-state/|access-date=2021-03-06|website=Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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In modern times Awka has adapted to the republican system and is currently divided into two local government areas, Awka North and Awka South with local representatives. However, it still preserves traditional systems of governance with the respected Ozo titled men often consulted for village and community issues and a paramount cultural representative, the Eze Uzu who is elected by all Ozo titled men by rotation amongst different villages to represent the city at state functions. |
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The earliest settlers of Awka were the Ifiteana people, the name Ifiteana roughly translating into ‘people who sprouted from the earth.’ The people, themselves, were renowned as farmers, hunters and adept iron workers, all of whom indigenously inhabited the banks of the Ogwugwu stream, in what is now known as the Nkwelle ward of the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ndukuba |first=Emmanuel |date=2021-07-15 |title=Awka South farmers receive Anambra govt. agro-inputs |url=https://businessday.ng/news/article/awka-south-farmers-receive-anambra-govt-agro-inputs/ |access-date=2023-06-09 |website=Businessday NG |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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The current Eze Uzu of the city selected since 1999 is Gibson Nwosu one of the first recruits for the Nigerian Air force and a former head of Air Traffic Operations for the Biafra Air Force, the Lusaka International Airport and the Zambian Air Service Training Institute (ZASTI). |
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Over time, the town became known for metal working and its blacksmiths were prized throughout the region for making farming implements, dane guns and such ceremonial items as Oji (staff of mystical power) and Ngwuagilija (staff of Ozo men).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Awka {{!}} History & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Awka|access-date=2021-03-29|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> |
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Awka should not be confused with [[Awka-Etiti]] which is a town in Idemili South local government area that is often mistaken for the main capital.<ref name="britannica-geoanalyzer">{{cite web | url=http://geoanalyzer.britannica.com/ebc/article-9011472 | title=Britannica Concise Encyclopedia|publisher=Geoanalyzer.britannica.com | accessdate=2007-02-20}}</ref> Today, Awka is the capital of Anambra state of Nigeria. Slogan: ''Sires of Smiths'' |
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During pre.-colonial times, Ọka became famous as the Agbala oracle, specifically a deity that was said to be a daughter of the great long juju shrine of Arochukwu. The oracle, which Chinua Achebe used as inspiration in his book Things Fall Apart<ref>{{cite web|last=Achebe |first=Chinua |url=http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/t/things-fall-apart/study-help/full-glossary-for-things-fall-apart |title=Full Glossary for Things Fall Apart |publisher=Cliffsnotes.com |access-date=2014-02-25}}</ref>), was consulted to whenever disputes (far and wide) occurred, until it was eventually destroyed by colonial authorities, in the early part of the twentieth century. |
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==People== |
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Awka comprises seven [[Igbo people|Igbo]] groups sharing common blood lineage divided into two sections. Ifite Section, the senior section, comprises four groups, Ayom-na-Okpala, Nkwelle, Amachalla, and Ifite-Oka followed by Ezinator Section, which consists of three groups, Amikwo, Ezi-Oka and Agulu. Each of these groups has a number of villages. All together, Awka comprises 33 villages. |
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Before the inception of British rule, Ọka was governed by titled men known formally as Ozo and Ndichie, who were accomplished individuals in the community. They held general meetings, known as Izu-Ọka, at either the residence of the oldest man (Otochal Ọka) or a place specially designated by the titled men. He was the Nne Uzu, or ‘master blacksmith,’ irrespective of whether or not he actually knew the trade, as the only master known to Ọka was the master craftsman, the Nne Uzu.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Awka History, History of Awka, Awka City Information :: Traveltill.com |url=https://www.traveltill.com/destination/Nigeria/Awka/history.php |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Traveltill}}</ref> |
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Awka people today as in traditional times are well travelled. In ancient times demand for their skills as blacksmiths had Awka people travelling throughout Nigeria making farming implements, household tools and guns. Each village had clearly defined trade routes. For example, people from Umuogbu village plied their trade in Benin and in the Urhobo and Itsekiri areas, Umubele were stationed in the Igala areas in modern-day Kogi state, Umuike and Umuonaga in present-day Abia and Rivers State, Umuenechi in the Kwale and Isoko area of Delta state, and Umudiana, Okperi, Ugwuogige stationed in Calabar area of today's Cross Rivers state. |
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In modern times, Awka has adopted the republican system and is currently administered by the Awka South Local Government Area. However, it still preserves its traditional systems of governance with the respected Ozo-titled men often consulted for village and community issues and a paramount cultural representative, the Eze Uzu, who is elected by all Ozo-titled men by rotation among different villages to represent the city at state functions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Awka |url=https://awkaunionla.org/about-awka/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Awka Union USA & Canada |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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The people of Umudioka and Ezioka wards specialized in carving of wood, and ivory and arts designs including elegantly carved tools, door shutters and door panels, chairs, vessels for presentation of kola nuts, and idols. The ivory carvers produced elegant designs on “odu okike” (ivory trumpet) for ozo titled men and other items as part of the paraphernalia for titled men. |
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Awka should not be confused with [[Awka-Etiti]] which is a town in Idemili South local government area that is often mistaken for the main capital.<ref name="britannica-geoanalyzer">{{cite web| url=http://geoanalyzer.britannica.com/ebc/article-9011472| title=Britannica Concise Encyclopedia| publisher=Geoanalyzer.britannica.com| access-date=2007-02-20| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112080945/http://geoanalyzer.britannica.com/ebc/article-9011472| archive-date=2016-01-12| url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Today, Awka people can be found all across the globe many working as skilled professionals in a wide range of fields. As a result, there is a large Awka diaspora located primarily in the [[UK]] and in the [[USA]]. There, they have formed social clubs like Awka Union USA and Canada, Awka Town Social Community UK and Ireland and other community associations. These associations have been a way for people to enjoy their culture as well as to engage in community self-help projects. |
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==People== |
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{| border="3" style="margin-left: 3em;" |
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Awka comprises seven Igbo groups sharing common blood lineage, divided into the following two sections: the Ifite section and the senior section. They collectively comprises four groups: Ayom-na-Okpala, Nkwelle, [[Amachalla]] and Ifite-Oka. The Ezinator section consists of three groups, namely Amikwo, Ezi-Oka and [[Agulu]]. Each of these groups has a number of villages, altogether spanning 33 in Awka.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Awka |url=https://awkaunionla.org/about-awka/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Awka Union USA & Canada |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Ifite Section |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
|- |
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! Ayom-na-Okpala |
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! scope="col" | Group |
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! Nkwelle |
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! scope="col" | Villages |
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! Amachalla |
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! Ifite-Oka |
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|- |
|- |
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| Umuayom, Umunnoke, Umuoramma, Umuokpu |
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! scope="row" | Ayom-na-Okpala |
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| Achallaoji, Umunamoke, Agbana, Umudiaba |
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| Umuayom, Umunnoke, Umuoramma and Umuokpu. |
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|- |
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! scope="row" | Nkwelle |
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| Achallaoji, Umunamoke, Agbana, Umudiaba |
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|- |
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! scope="row" | Amachalla |
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| Amachalla, Amudo, Umuzocha |
| Amachalla, Amudo, Umuzocha |
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| Enu-Ifite, Ezinato-Ifite, Agbana-Ifite |
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|} |
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Ezinator Section |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
|- |
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! Amikwo |
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! scope="row" | Ifite-Oka |
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! Ezi-Oka |
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| Enu-Ifite, Ezinato-Ifite, Agbana-Ifite |
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! Agulu |
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|- |
|- |
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! scope="row" | Amikwo |
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| Umudiana, Okperi, Igweogige, Isiagu, Obunagu |
| Umudiana, Okperi, Igweogige, Isiagu, Obunagu |
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| Omuko, Umueri, Umuogwali, Umuogbunu 1, Umuogbunu 2, Umudioka, Umukwa |
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|- |
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|Umuogbu, Umubele, Umuanaga, Umuike, Umujagwo, Umuenechi, Umuoruka |
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! scope="row" | Ezi-Oka |
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| Omuko, Umueri, Umuogwal, Umuogbunu 1, Umuogbunu 2, Umudioka, Umukwa. |
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|- |
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! scope="row" | Agulu |
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| Umuogbu, Umubele, Umuanaga, Umuike, Umujagwo, Umuenechi, Umuoruka. |
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|} |
|} |
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Today, Awka people can be found all across the globe many working as skilled professionals in a wide range of fields. As a result, there is a large Awka diaspora located primarily in the UK and in the United States. There, they have formed social clubs like Awka Union USA and Canada, Awka Town Social Community UK and Ireland and other community associations. These associations have been a way for people to enjoy their culture as well as to engage in community self-help projects.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-23|title=Agony of Awka master blacksmiths|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/agony-of-awka-master-blacksmiths/|access-date=2021-03-07|website=Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Over the years Awka Town has attracted people from other states in Nigeria and has a significant number of immigrants from northern Nigeria, Delta and Enugu states, [[Cameroon]] and [[Ghana]] now comprising more than 60% of residents in the town. |
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Over the years Awka Town has also attracted people from other states in Nigeria who are resident in the city.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2013 |title=Future Models of Care "a bold move" |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1211/pj.2013.11125600 |journal=The Pharmaceutical Journal |doi=10.1211/pj.2013.11125600 |issn=2053-6186}}</ref> |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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Awka lies below 300 metres above sea in a valley on the plains of the Mamu River. Two ridges or cuestas, both lying in a |
Awka lies below 300 metres above sea in a valley on the plains of the Mamu River. Two ridges or cuestas, both lying in a north–south direction, |
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form the major topographical features of the area. The ridges reach the highest point at Agulu just outside the Capital Territory. About six kilometers east of this, the minor cuesta peaks about 150 metres above sea level at Ifite –Awka. |
form the major topographical features of the area. The ridges reach the highest point at Agulu just outside the Capital Territory. About six kilometers east of this, the minor cuesta peaks about 150 metres above sea level at Ifite –Awka. |
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Awka is sited in a fertile tropical valley but most of the original [[Rain forest]] has been lost due to clearing for farming and human settlement. A few examples of the original rain forest remains at places like the Ime Oka shrine. Wooded savannah grassland predominates primarily to the north and east of the city. South of the town on the slopes of the Awka-Orlu Uplands are some examples of soil erosion and gullying. |
Awka is sited in a fertile tropical valley but most of the original [[Rain forest]] has been lost due to clearing for farming and human settlement. A few examples of the original rain forest remains at places like the Ime Oka shrine. Wooded savannah grassland predominates primarily to the north and east of the city. South of the town on the slopes of the Awka-Orlu Uplands are some examples of soil erosion and gullying.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chikwelu Emenike Edward & Chetty N |date=2019 |title=Delineation of Groundwater Contamination Using Electrical Method at Dump Site in Awka Urban Locality, Anambra State, Nigeria |url=https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/jed/article/view/30610/13938 |journal=The Journal of Educational Development |volume=7 |issue=2 |pages=157–165 |via=}}</ref> |
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{{Geographic Location |
{{Geographic Location |
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Line 202: | Line 221: | ||
|East = [[Ndiagu]] |
|East = [[Ndiagu]] |
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|Southeast = [[Isiagu]] |
|Southeast = [[Isiagu]] |
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|South = [[Nibo]], [[Nise]] |
|South = [[Nibo]], [[Nice, Nigeria|Nise]] |
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|Southwest = [[Enugwu Ukwu]] |
|Southwest = [[Enugwu Ukwu]] |
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|West = [[Amawbia]], [[Nawfia]] |
|West = [[Amawbia]], [[Nawfia]] |
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Line 210: | Line 229: | ||
==Climate== |
==Climate== |
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Awka is in the tropical rainforest zone of Nigeria and experiences two distinct seasons brought about by the two predominant winds that rule the area: the southwestern monsoon winds from the Atlantic Ocean and the northeastern dry winds from across the Sahara desert. The monsoon winds from the Atlantic creates |
Awka is in the tropical rainforest zone of Nigeria and experiences two distinct seasons brought about by the two predominant winds that rule the area: the southwestern monsoon winds from the Atlantic Ocean and the northeastern dry winds from across the Sahara desert. The monsoon winds from the Atlantic creates six months of heavy tropical rains, which occur between April and July, followed by a short dry period in August lasting two to three weeks with the rain resuming in September and October. This is followed by five months of dryness (November–March) marked by a [[Harmattan]] wind, also known as Ugulu in Igbo, which is a particularly dry and dusty wind which enters Nigeria in late December or in the early part of January and is characterized by a grey haze limiting visibility and blocking the sun's rays before dissipating and leading to extreme dry heat in the latter months of February and March.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-29 |title=Dust {{!}} Description, Components, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/science/dust |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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The temperature in Awka is generally |
The temperature in Awka is generally 27–30 °C between June and December but rises to 32–34 °C between January and April, with the last few months of the dry season marked by intense heat. |
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{{Weather box |
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{{Weather box |metric first= Yes |single line= Yes |location= Awka |
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| width = auto |
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|Jan high C= 33 |
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| metric first = yes |
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|Feb high C= 34 |
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| |
| single line = yes |
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| location = Awka (1991–2020) |
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|Apr high C= 33 |
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| |
| Jan record high C = 38 |
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| |
| Feb record high C = 39 |
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| |
| Mar record high C = 40 |
||
| |
| Apr record high C = 38 |
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| |
| May record high C = 36.7 |
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| |
| Jun record high C = 35 |
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| |
| Jul record high C = 34 |
||
| |
| Aug record high C = 34 |
||
| |
| Sep record high C = 34 |
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| Oct record high C = 34.6 |
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|Feb low C= 25 |
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| Nov record high C = 36.4 |
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|Mar low C= 25 |
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| |
| Dec record high C = 38 |
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| year record high C = 40.0 |
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|May low C= 24 |
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|Jun low C= 24 |
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| |
| Jan high C = 34.3 |
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| |
| Feb high C = 35.7 |
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| |
| Mar high C = 35.3 |
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| |
| Apr high C = 33.9 |
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| |
| May high C = 32.5 |
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| |
| Jun high C = 31.2 |
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| Jul high C = 29.8 |
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|Jan rain days= 2 |
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| Aug high C = 29.4 |
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|Feb rain days= 2 |
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| Sep high C = 30.2 |
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|Mar rain days= 4 |
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| Oct high C = 31.4 |
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|Apr rain days= 5 |
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| Nov high C = 33.4 |
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|May rain days= 5 |
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| Dec high C = 34.2 |
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|Jun rain days= 5 |
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| year high C = 32.6 |
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|Jul rain days= 10 |
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|Aug rain days= 7 |
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| Jan mean C = 28.0 |
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|Sep rain days= 5 |
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| Feb mean C = 29.9 |
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|Oct rain days= 12 |
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| Mar mean C = 30.2 |
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|Nov rain days= 6 |
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| Apr mean C = 29.2 |
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|Dec rain days= 0 |
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| May mean C = 28.2 |
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|Jan precipitation mm = 3 |
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| Jun mean C = 27.3 |
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|Feb precipitation mm = 35 |
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| Jul mean C = 26.5 |
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|Mar precipitation mm = 17 |
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| Aug mean C = 26.3 |
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|Apr precipitation mm = 100 |
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| Sep mean C = 26.7 |
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|May precipitation mm = 150 |
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| Oct mean C = 27.3 |
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|Jun precipitation mm = 78 |
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| Nov mean C = 28.5 |
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|Jul precipitation mm = 125 |
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| Dec mean C = 28.0 |
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|Aug precipitation mm = 80 |
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| year mean C = 28.0 |
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|Sep precipitation mm = 50 |
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|Oct precipitation mm = 222 |
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| Jan low C = 21.7 |
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|Nov precipitation mm = 106 |
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| Feb low C = 24.2 |
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|Dec precipitation mm = 0 |
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| Mar low C = 25.1 |
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|source 1= Sunmap.Eu<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sunmap.eu/weather/africa/nigeria/anambra-state/awka |title=Weather in Africa, Nigeria, Anambra State, Awka Weather and Climate |publisher=Sunmap.eu |date= |accessdate=2014-02-25}}</ref> |
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| Apr low C = 24.4 |
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| May low C = 23.8 |
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| Jun low C = 23.3 |
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| Jul low C = 23.2 |
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| Aug low C = 23.1 |
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| Sep low C = 23.1 |
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| Oct low C = 23.2 |
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| Nov low C = 23.7 |
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| Dec low C = 21.9 |
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| year low C = 23.4 |
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| Jan record low C = 11.5 |
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| Feb record low C = 16 |
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| Mar record low C = 18.5 |
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| Apr record low C = 20 |
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| May record low C = 18 |
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| Jun record low C = 20 |
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| Jul record low C = 17 |
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| Aug record low C = 20 |
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| Sep record low C = 20 |
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| Oct record low C = 15.5 |
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| Nov record low C = 16.4 |
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| Dec record low C = 11.1 |
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| year record low C = 11.1 |
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| precipitation colour = green |
|||
| Jan precipitation mm = 15.4 |
|||
| Feb precipitation mm = 25.1 |
|||
| Mar precipitation mm = 65.9 |
|||
| Apr precipitation mm = 173.7 |
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| May precipitation mm = 275.6 |
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| Jun precipitation mm = 302.6 |
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| Jul precipitation mm = 340.7 |
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| Aug precipitation mm = 284.4 |
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| Sep precipitation mm = 369.5 |
|||
| Oct precipitation mm = 265.4 |
|||
| Nov precipitation mm = 41.8 |
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| Dec precipitation mm = 6.8 |
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| year precipitation mm = 2166.9 |
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| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm |
|||
| Jan precipitation days = 0.9 |
|||
| Feb precipitation days = 1.4 |
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| Mar precipitation days = 3.9 |
|||
| Apr precipitation days = 8.7 |
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| May precipitation days = 13.1 |
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| Jun precipitation days = 16.0 |
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| Jul precipitation days = 17.2 |
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| Aug precipitation days = 17.8 |
|||
| Sep precipitation days = 17.8 |
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| Oct precipitation days = 14.8 |
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| Nov precipitation days = 3.6 |
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| Dec precipitation days = 0.7 |
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| year precipitation days = 115.8 |
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| Jan humidity = 72.3 |
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| Feb humidity = 77.1 |
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| Mar humidity = 84.5 |
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| Apr humidity = 87.1 |
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| May humidity = 88.4 |
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| Jun humidity = 89.7 |
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| Jul humidity = 90.0 |
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| Aug humidity = 89.6 |
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| Sep humidity = 90.4 |
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| Oct humidity = 89.8 |
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| Nov humidity = 84.9 |
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| Dec humidity = 75.3 |
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| year humidity = 84.9 |
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| source = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]<ref name="WMONormals">{{cite web |
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|url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-1-WMO-Normals-9120/Nigeria/CSV/Awka_65246.csv |
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|title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020 — Awka |
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|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
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|access-date = January 4, 2024}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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==Economy== |
==Economy== |
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[[Image:anambra state secretariat.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Anambra State Secretariat alt text|Anambra State Secretariat, Awka]] The economy of Awka city revolves primarily around government since many state and federal institutions are located there. Awka hosts the State Governor's Lodge, State Assembly and State Ministries for Health, Education, Lands, Water. |
[[Image:anambra state secretariat.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Anambra State Secretariat alt text|Anambra State Secretariat, Awka]] The economy of Awka city revolves primarily around government since many state and federal institutions are located there. Awka hosts the State Governor's Lodge, State Assembly and State Ministries for Health, State Judiciary headquarters, Education, Lands, Water. |
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The Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) a TV and radio station are located in the city centre. A number of federal institutions including the Central Bank of Nigeria (which has a currency centre in Awka), the NTA Awka media station, and branches of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Corporate Affairs Commission are also present in the city. |
The Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) a TV and radio station are located in the city centre. A number of federal institutions including the [[Central Bank of Nigeria]] (which has a currency centre in Awka), the NTA Awka media station, and branches of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, [[Federal Road Safety Corps (Nigeria)|Federal Road Safety Commission]], [[Nigeria Immigration Service|Nigerian Immigration Service]], and Corporate Affairs Commission are also present in the city.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ABOUT US – Heartbeat Of The East |url=https://www.absradiotv.com/about-us/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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[[Image:awka zik ave.jpg|thumb|right|alt=UBA and Fidelity Banks on Zik Avenue, Awka alt text|UBA and Fidelity Banks on Zik Avenue, Awka]] |
[[Image:awka zik ave.jpg|thumb|right|alt=UBA and Fidelity Banks on Zik Avenue, Awka alt text|UBA and Fidelity Banks on Zik Avenue, Awka]] |
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In recent years, several new businesses have erected |
In recent years, several new businesses have erected new buildings that have largely changed the face of Awka city. The partly state-owned [[Orient Petroleum Resources]] Ltd has the headquarters in Awka. The company is poised to set up a refinery at [[Igbariam]] to jump-start the exploitation of the huge [[crude oil]] deposits in the [[Anambra River]] basin. Also Juhel Nigeria has constructed a manufacturing plant for Parenteral drugs in the city. |
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Major Nigerian Banks such as Access Bank, Bank PHB, Diamond Bank, Ecobank, First Bank, Intercontinental, Oceanic Bank, UBA, Union Bank and Zenith Bank have opened branches in the city. |
Major Nigerian Banks such as Access Bank, Bank PHB, Diamond Bank, Ecobank, FCMB, Fidelity Bank, First Bank, GTB, Intercontinental, Oceanic Bank, UBA, Union Bank and Zenith Bank have opened branches in the city. |
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==Urban planning and |
==Urban planning and renewal== |
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[[Image:old awka city.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Decaying Infrastructure alt text|Decaying Infrastructure]] |
[[Image:old awka city.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Decaying Infrastructure alt text|Decaying Infrastructure]] |
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Prior to the [[Nigerian Civil War]], Awka townspeople maintained the city on their own. Market traders cleaned around their stalls; streets and pathways and compounds were swept. Blocked storm drains would be cleared by residents.<ref>Chukwuogo Diaries</ref> |
Prior to the [[Nigerian Civil War]], Awka townspeople maintained the city on their own. Market traders cleaned around their stalls; streets and pathways and compounds were swept. Blocked storm drains would be cleared by residents.<ref>Chukwuogo Diaries</ref> |
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[[Image:Unizik junction.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Broken-down roads at Corner of Expressway with Arthur Eze Street, Awka alt text|Broken-down roads at Corner of Expressway with Arthur Eze Street]] |
[[Image:Unizik junction.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Broken-down roads at Corner of Expressway with Arthur Eze Street, Awka alt text|Broken-down roads at Corner of Expressway with Arthur Eze Street]] |
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The first attempt to address the urban decay was made by the Government of [[Peter Obi]] who forged a technical cooperation agreement with UN-HABITAT in 2007 to provide technical assistance in the preparation of a structure plan for Awka Capital Territory. The Structural Plan of Awka Capital Territory (2009–2028) |
The first attempt to address the urban decay was made by the Government of [[Peter Obi]] who forged a technical cooperation agreement with [[United Nations Human Settlements Programme|UN-HABITAT]] in 2007 to provide technical assistance in the preparation of a structure plan for Awka Capital Territory. The Structural Plan of Awka Capital Territory (2009–2028)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unhabitat.org/pmss/getElectronicVersion.asp?nr=2685&alt=1 |title=STRUCTURE PLAN FOR AWKA AND SATELLITE TOWNS |publisher=Uhabitat.org |access-date=2014-02-25}}</ref> is designed as a Core-Multi-Nuclei urban design with Awka, [[Amawbia]] and [[Umuokpu]] serving as the core of the city with linkages to the major towns of [[Adazi-Nnukwu]], [[Agulu]], [[ABBA]], [[Abagana]], [[Nri Kingdom]], [[Amansea]], [[Enugwu-Ukwu]], [[Enugwu-Agidi]], [[Isiagu]], [[Isu-Aniocha]], [[Mgbakwu]], [[Nawfia]], [[Nawgu]], [[Nibo]], [[Nimo, Nigeria|Nimo]], [[Nise, Nigeria|Nise]], [[Okpuno]] and [[Umuawulu]]. |
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[[Image:Awka capital territory.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Map of Envisioned Awka Capital Territory alt text|Map of Envisioned Awka Capital Territory]] |
[[Image:Awka capital territory.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Map of Envisioned Awka Capital Territory alt text|Map of Envisioned Awka Capital Territory]] |
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Governor Peter Obi implemented just a few of the UN-HABITAT's recommendations managing to tar less than 5 kilometers of urban roads, improve waste collection and upgrade schools and the teaching hospital. His government also began installing water pipes along the popular Nnamdi Azikiwe Road and Ifite Road but he left office without providing a credible |
Governor [[Peter Obi]] implemented just a few of the UN-HABITAT's recommendations managing to tar less than 5 kilometers of urban roads, improve waste collection and upgrade schools and the teaching hospital. His government also began installing water pipes along the popular Nnamdi Azikiwe Road and Ifite Road but he left office without providing a credible citywide public water supply. |
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His successor Governor Willie Obiano has taken on the charge of transforming the ancient town into something the state can be proud of. To spearhead the transformation, Obiano created the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) mandated to deliver a capital with modern standards of quality. ACTDA has completed aerial mapping in June 2015 with the government set to appoint a town planning firm |
His successor Governor [[Willie Obiano]] has taken on the charge of transforming the ancient town into something the state can be proud of. To spearhead the transformation, Obiano created the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) mandated to deliver a capital with modern standards of quality. ACTDA has completed aerial mapping in June 2015 with the government set to appoint a town planning firm to develop a Masterplan for the city. |
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Obiano has also gone ahead to change the gateway into and out of Awka by expanding the A232 expressway to three lanes and constructing three flyovers at three key junctions between [[Amobia]] and [[Amansea]]. |
Obiano has also gone ahead to change the gateway into and out of Awka by expanding the A232 expressway to three lanes and constructing three flyovers at three key junctions between [[Amobia]] and [[Amansea]]. |
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== |
==Media== |
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Awka hosts a variety of broadcast media organizations including two independent newspaper dailies, an FM radio station for the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, the offices of the state-run Anambra State Broadcasting Corporation and a Zonal office of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). |
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=== Newspapers === |
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* Fides Communications |
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* [[National Light]] |
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* Orient Daily |
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===FM Radio=== |
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* 88.5 ABS(Anambra Broadcasting Service) |
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* 94.1 UNIZIK FM (Nnamdi Azikiwe University) |
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* 95.7 Rhythm FM (Silverbird) |
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* 102.5 Purity FM (Radio Nigeria) |
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=== TV stations === |
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* Channel 5 NTA Awka |
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* Channel 27 ABS (Anambra Broadcasting Service) |
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* Channel 39 Silverbird TV Awka,which has stopped broadcasting. |
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== Retail == |
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=== Traditional markets === |
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[[Image:Eke_Awka_Market.jpg|thumb|100px|right|alt=Eke Oka Market alt text|Eke Oka Market, Awka]] |
[[Image:Eke_Awka_Market.jpg|thumb|100px|right|alt=Eke Oka Market alt text|Eke Oka Market, Awka]] |
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Awka like most Nigerian cities is defined by large rudimentary |
Awka like most Nigerian cities is defined by large rudimentary informal markets where everything from basic food produce to clothes, cosmetics and household items are sold. |
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The largest market in the town is Eke Awka, named after one of the four market days (see [[Igbo calendar]]). Located on a former community burial ground in the center of the city, Eke Awka has grown from a small market serving the needs of residents of the Agulu, Ezi-Oka and Amikwo sections of Awka to functioning as the main retail outlet for the city and neighbouring towns. It houses an estimated 5,000 lock-up shops and stalls all tightly packed into less than 35,000 square meters of space and has become infamous for causing tremendous traffic chaos with a medley of shoppers, buses, wheel barrows all jostling for the limited amount of space available. |
The largest market in the town is Eke Awka, named after one of the four market days (see [[Igbo calendar]]). Located on a former community burial ground in the center of the city, Eke Awka has grown from a small market serving the needs of residents of the Agulu, Ezi-Oka and Amikwo sections of Awka to functioning as the main retail outlet for the city and neighbouring towns. It houses an estimated 5,000 lock-up shops and stalls all tightly packed into less than 35,000 square meters of space and has become infamous for causing tremendous traffic chaos with a medley of shoppers, buses, wheel barrows all jostling for the limited amount of space available. |
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The second largest market in Awka is Nkwo Amaenyi located further down on the busy Zik Avenue business district artery. It is far smaller than Eke Awka with less than 100 market stalls in an area estimated at |
The second largest market in Awka is Nkwo Amaenyi located further down on the busy Zik Avenue business district artery. It is far smaller than Eke Awka with less than 100 market stalls in an area estimated at 3,000 square meters. |
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== Universities == |
== Universities == |
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Awka has a large university community which at times comprises around 15% of the population of the town. It hosts two primary universities of higher/tertiary education |
Awka has a large university community which at times comprises around 15% of the population of the town. It hosts two primary universities of higher/tertiary education – [[Nnamdi Azikiwe University]] and [[Paul University]]. |
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[[Image:Nnamdi azikiwe university.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Nnamdi Azikiwe University alt text|Nnamdi Azikiwe University]] |
[[Image:Nnamdi azikiwe university.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Nnamdi Azikiwe University alt text|Nnamdi Azikiwe University]] |
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Nnamdi Azikiwe University is owned and run by the federal government of Nigeria providing undergraduate and postgraduate education to an estimated student population of 36,000 at its over 100 |
Nnamdi Azikiwe University is owned and run by the federal government of Nigeria providing undergraduate and postgraduate education to an estimated student population of 36,000 at its over 100-acre main campus located at Ifite, Awka. Nnamdi Azikiwe University ranks among the top 10 universities in Nigeria in research output. |
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[[Image:Paul university.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Paul University Awka alt text|Paul University, Awka]] |
[[Image:Paul university.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Paul University Awka alt text|Paul University, Awka]] |
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[[Image:StFaithchurch awka.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka alt text|Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka]] |
[[Image:StFaithchurch awka.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka alt text|Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka]] |
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Christianity is the main religion of Awka people although many also retain belief in their traditional religion which |
Christianity is the main religion of Awka people although many also retain belief in their traditional religion which encompasses many similar traditions and values as noted by G.T. Basden.<ref>{{cite book|title= Among The Ibos of Nigeria}}</ref> The Church Missionary Society (CMS) of the Anglican Church was instrumental in bringing Christianity into Eastern Nigeria through Reverend [[Samuel Ajayi Crowther]] who founded the Niger branch in 1857. A teachers' training college in Awka was created in 1904. Its oldest church in the town is believed to be the Church of the Holy Spirit which was completed in 1930. The largest church in the capital city today is the Living Faith Church [Winners Chapel, Awka] with a typical Sunday attendance of over 2,500.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://lfcawka.org/about.php |title=About Winners Chapel Awka |access-date=2018-06-29 |archive-date=2018-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629155225/http://lfcawka.org/about.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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[[Image:stpatricks.jpg|thumb|right|alt=St. Patrick's Cathedral, Awka alt text|St. Patrick's Cathedral, Awka]] |
[[Image:stpatricks.jpg|thumb|right|alt=St. Patrick's Cathedral, Awka alt text|St. Patrick's Cathedral, Awka]] |
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The Roman Catholic Church lagged behind the Anglican Church in entering Awka but it has built a larger presence ever since. The Catholic faith has two large cathedrals |
The Roman Catholic Church lagged behind the Anglican Church in entering Awka, but it has built a larger presence ever since. The Catholic faith has two large cathedrals – St. Patrick's and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Awka as well as four smaller churches such as SS John and Paul's, St. Anthony's, St. Peter's and St. John's spread around the town. Administratively, since 1977 Awka has served as a diocese for the Roman Catholic Church serving 107 parishes and five chaplaincies. |
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Living Faith Church, Awka [A.K.A. Winners' Chapel, Awka] is the largest Pentecostal Church in the metropolis hosting thousands of worshippers weekly in its yet-to-be filled 5000-seat capacity auditorium. It is also the first church in the State Capital to air all of its major weekly programmes live on YouTube, Twitch and on its official website followed by the Intercessory Mercy Of God church located at Aguoye Awka which houses many belivers seeking to find an indepth meaning to the spiritual lives they live through prophesies and ministrations from the General Overseer Augustine Obi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/lfcawka|title = Living Faith Church AWKA - YouTube|website = [[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.twitch.tv/lfcawka|title = Twitch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://lfcawka.org/video |title=Free Video Messages |access-date=2018-06-29 |archive-date=2018-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629155553/http://lfcawka.org/video |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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==Hospitality== |
==Hospitality== |
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[[Image:golphin suites.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Golphin Suites Hotel, Awka alt text|Golphin Suites Hotel, Awka]] |
[[Image:golphin suites.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Golphin Suites Hotel, Awka alt text|Golphin Suites Hotel, Awka]] |
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Awka has also become a home-away-from-home for members of the large Igbo diaspora when they visit their relatives in Awka and nearby towns providing a measure of western-style comfort and services within a hotel and resort setting. Indeed, within half an hour of Awka, it is estimated that there is a diaspora population numbering well over 100,000. |
Awka has also become a home-away-from-home for members of the large Igbo diaspora when they visit their relatives in Awka and nearby towns providing a measure of western-style comfort and services within a hotel and resort setting. Indeed, within half an hour of Awka, it is estimated that there is a diaspora population numbering well over 100,000. The town currently has over 15 3-star hotels. |
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The town currently has over 15 3-star hotels among which the most popular include: |
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* De Geogold Hotel & Suites |
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* Barnhill Resort |
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* Choice Hotel |
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* Cosmila Suites and Hotel |
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* Finotel Classic Hotel |
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* Golphin Suites |
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* Marble Arch Hotels |
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* Olde English Hotel |
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* Parktonian Hotel |
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* Queen's Suites Hotel |
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* Suncity Exclusive Hotel |
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* Tourist Gardens Hotel |
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==Festivals== |
==Festivals== |
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The Imo-Oka festival showcases a variety of masquerades (mmanwu) from sinister ones which flog spectators to friendly ones which sing or dance. The masquerades are believed to represent the spirits of Awka ancestors coming from the land of the dead for the festival. |
The Imo-Oka festival showcases a variety of masquerades (mmanwu) from sinister ones which flog spectators to friendly ones which sing or dance. The masquerades are believed to represent the spirits of Awka ancestors coming from the land of the dead for the festival. |
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In 2001 [[Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy]] |
In 2001 [[Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy]] {{post-nominals|MBE}}, a daughter of Awka, exhibited her oil on canvas paintings series of Awka Igbo Masquerades, to great acclaim in the Cork Street Gallery in London, various galleries in New York and Washington and at the Didi Museum in Lagos.<ref>''Igbo Masquerade Exhibitions'' CIR 2006</ref> |
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==Notable people |
==Notable people== |
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*[[Kenneth Dike]], a historian known for his study of pre-colonial Nigerian history, the first Nigerian Vice-Chancellor of the oldest Nigerian University University of Ibadan and the person who set up Nigeria's National Archives. During the Nigerian civil war (1967–1970) Prof Dike was a roving ambassador for the [[Biafra]] cause. He went into exile at the end of the Civil war becoming the first Mellon Professor of African History at [[Harvard University]]. He returned to Nigeria to become the founding |
*[[Kenneth Dike]], a historian known for his study of pre-colonial Nigerian history, the first Nigerian Vice-Chancellor of the oldest Nigerian University University of Ibadan and the person who set up Nigeria's National Archives. During the Nigerian civil war (1967–1970) Prof Dike was a roving ambassador for the [[Biafra]] cause. He went into exile at the end of the Civil war becoming the first Mellon Professor of African History at [[Harvard University]]. He returned to Nigeria to become the founding vice-chancellor of what is today the Enugu State University of Science and Technology. |
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*[[Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy]] |
*[[Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy]] {{post-nominals|MBE}}, a London-based visual artist. The first black artist to paint a portrait of [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]] when commissioned to paint the official [[Golden Jubilee]] portrait.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/1865633.stm Queen's Jubilee portrait unveiled], ''[[BBC News]]'', 12 March 2002.</ref> She was chosen as one of the UK Women of the Year in 2002 and 2003, represented the UK at the [[Council of Europe]] and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the [[University of East Anglia]]. During 2006 her work was represented on the national postage stamps of six countries. In 2008 she addressed the [[Cambridge Union]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Art |first=Saatchi |url=http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/artist_profile/Chinwe+Chukwuogo-roy/27490.html |title=Sell Artwork, Buy Original Paintings, Art Prints, Discover New Artists | Saatchi Art |publisher=Saatchi-gallery.co.uk |access-date=2014-02-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cambridge-union.org/index.php?page=ZXZlbnQ=&eventid=362 |title=The Cambridge Union Society | Promoting free speech and the art of debating since 1815 |access-date=2008-02-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212221011/http://www.cambridge-union.org/index.php?page=ZXZlbnQ=&eventid=362 |archive-date=2013-12-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Chukwuogo-Roy was a regular contributor to the BBC and other current affairs programmes. In 2009 she was made an [[MBE (Order of the British Empire)|MBE]] in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. |
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* Lieutenant-General [[Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor]], appointed in 2008 by UN Secretary-General [[Ban Ki-moon]] as Military Advisor on UN Peacekeeping Operations. Previously served as commander of the [[Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group]] (ECOMOG) Artillery Brigade in Liberia in 1996 and 1997, and as ECOMOG chief coordinator of the Liberian elections in July 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2008/sga1136.doc.htm |title=Secretary-General Appoints Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor Of Nigeria As Military Adviser For Peacekeeping Operations |publisher=Un.org |access-date=2013-12-11}}</ref> |
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*Dr. Emmanuel Onu Egbogah is an internationally recognized authority in the fields of petroleum policy and strategy, improved/enhanced oil recovery, stimulation procedures and multidisciplinary team approach to field development planning and reservoir management. Former Special Advisor on Petroleum Matters to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and founder and Executive Chairman of Emerald Energy Resources Limited. |
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* [[Chinyelu Onwurah]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-13|title=UK election: Nigerian-born Chinyelu Onwurah wins first seat for Labour|url=https://punchng.com/uk-election-nigerian-born-chinyelu-onwurah-wins-first-seat-for-labour/|access-date=2021-06-27|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-06-09|title=Onwurah, Osamor, Onasanya... meet the seven British Nigerians elected into UK parliament|url=https://www.thecable.ng/onwurah-osamor-onasanya-meet-seven-nigerians-elected-uk-parliament|access-date=2021-06-27|website=TheCable|language=en-US}}</ref> a British [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] politician, who was elected at the 2010 general election as the [[Member of Parliament]] for [[Newcastle-upon-Tyne]] Central, becoming the first female British MP of African origin. |
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*Rtd lt col Damian Oyeoka Orogbu, First Telecommunications engineer in the Nigerian Army, life fellow of the International Biographical Center, Cambridge England, Pioneer President General Awka Development Union. |
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* General [[Alexander Madiebo]] was the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Governor General Nnamdi Azikiwe when Nigeria secured independence in 1960, was then appointed the first Commander of the Nigeria Corp of the Artillery and then served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Republic of Biafra which existed from 1967 to 1970. |
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* Lieutenant-General [[Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor]], appointed in 2008 by UN Secretary-General [[Ban Ki-Moon]] as Military Advisor on UN Peacekeeping Operations. Previously served as Commander of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Artillery Brigade in Liberia in 1996 and 1997, and as ECOMOG Chief Coordinator of the Liberian elections in July 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2008/sga1136.doc.htm |title=Secretary-General Appoints Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor Of Nigeria As Military Adviser For Peacekeeping Operations |publisher=Un.org |date= |accessdate=2013-12-11}}</ref> |
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* [[Phyno]] born as Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike and known professionally as Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer who is renowned for rapping in the Igbo language. |
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* [[Chinyelu Onwurah]], a British [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] politician, who was elected at the 2010 general election as the [[Member of Parliament]] for [[Newcastle-upon-Tyne]] Central, becoming the first female British MP of African origin. |
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* Late Ozo Barrister Amanke Okafor(Ozo-Awka)lawyer,author,philanthropist |
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Awka town has produced many professors, Doctors, Lawyers, Administrators etc. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{coord|6|12|25|N|7|04|04|E|region:NG_type:city(176858)|display=title}} |
{{coord|6|12|25|N|7|04|04|E|region:NG_type:city(176858)|display=title}} |
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{{Cities in Nigeria}} |
{{Cities in Nigeria}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:State capitals in Nigeria]] |
[[Category:State capitals in Nigeria]] |
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[[Category:Cities in Anambra State]] |
[[Category:Cities in Anambra State]] |
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[[Category:Populated places in Igboland]] |
Latest revision as of 22:53, 23 June 2024
Awka Capital Territory
Ọka Anambra State Capital City | |
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Municipality | |
Awka | |
From top to left to right: Unizik Gate, State House, Works Road, Awka Aerial view, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Access Road. | |
Nickname: Awka City | |
Motto: Sires of Smiths | |
Coordinates: 6°12′25″N 7°04′04″E / 6.20694°N 7.06778°E | |
Country | |
State | Anambra State |
LGA | Awka North, Awka South |
Awka District LGA | Awka City
Awka, Amawbia, Adazi-Nnukwu, Agulu and Abagana OthersLGA Anaocha, Awka North Awka South, Dunukofia, Idemili North, Idemili South and Njikoka. |
Awka Capital Territory | Territory
Core Areas Linkage Adazi-Nnukwu, Agulu, ABBA, Abagana, Nri Kingdom, Amansea, Enugwu-Ukwu, Enugwu-Agidi, Isiagu, Isu-Aniocha, Mgbakwu, Nawfia, Nawgu, Nibo, Nimo, Nise, Okpuno and Umuawulu. |
Settled | 9th Century |
Incorporated City | 19th Century |
Declared Capital | 21 August 1991 |
Founded by | Nri Hegemony |
Government | |
• Type | State, Traditional, City Planner |
• Body | Constitutional Monarchy, Executive Chairman |
• Governor | Chukwuma Soludo |
• Constitutional Monarchy and Traditional | Ézè Ụzụ, Igwe Gibson Nwosu |
• Executive Chairman | Hon. Mbonu Uzoma Awka North Mr. Leo Nwuba Awka South |
• Anambra Central Senatorial District Awka | C: Victor Umeh (LP) |
• City Planner/ Management | Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) |
Area | |
• Municipality | 202 sq mi (522 km2) |
• Water | 5 sq mi (12 km2) |
• Urban | 419 sq mi (1,084 km2) |
• Metro | 550 sq mi (1,425 km2) |
Population (2022)[1] | |
• Municipality | 430,200 |
• Density | 2,100/sq mi (820/km2) |
• Urban | 2,171,900 |
• Urban density | 5,200/sq mi (2,000/km2) |
• Metro | 5,000,000 (estimated) |
Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
National language | Igbo |
Website | https://awkatimes.com |
Awka (Igbo: Ọka)[2] is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka (an administrative center since pre-colonial times).[3] The city has an estimated population of 301,657 as of the 2006 Nigerian census. The both LGAs of Awka South and North had a estimated population of 430,200 in 2022.[4] The city is located at 199.1 kilometres (123.7 mi), by road, directly north of Port Harcourt in the centre of the densely-populated Igbo heartland in South-East Nigeria.[5]
The West-East Federal highway links Lagos, Benin City, Asaba, Onitsha, and Enugu to Awka and several local roads link it to other important towns such as Oko, Ekwulobia, Agulu, Enugwu-Ukwu, Abagana and Nnewi.
Strategically, Awka is located midway between two major cities in Northern Igboland, Onitsha and Enugu, which has played a significant role in its choice as an administrative center for the colonial authorities and today as a base for the Anambra State government.[6]
History
[edit]"Awka has a certain kind of aura about it, because it was the place of the blacksmiths that created implements which made agriculture possible." -- Chinua Achebe
Awka is one of the oldest settlements in Igboland, established at the centre of the Nri civilisation, which produced the earliest documented bronze works in Sub-Saharan Africa, around 800 A.D., and was the cradle of Igbo civilisation at large.[7]
The earliest settlers of Awka were the Ifiteana people, the name Ifiteana roughly translating into ‘people who sprouted from the earth.’ The people, themselves, were renowned as farmers, hunters and adept iron workers, all of whom indigenously inhabited the banks of the Ogwugwu stream, in what is now known as the Nkwelle ward of the city.[8]
Over time, the town became known for metal working and its blacksmiths were prized throughout the region for making farming implements, dane guns and such ceremonial items as Oji (staff of mystical power) and Ngwuagilija (staff of Ozo men).[9]
During pre.-colonial times, Ọka became famous as the Agbala oracle, specifically a deity that was said to be a daughter of the great long juju shrine of Arochukwu. The oracle, which Chinua Achebe used as inspiration in his book Things Fall Apart[10]), was consulted to whenever disputes (far and wide) occurred, until it was eventually destroyed by colonial authorities, in the early part of the twentieth century.
Before the inception of British rule, Ọka was governed by titled men known formally as Ozo and Ndichie, who were accomplished individuals in the community. They held general meetings, known as Izu-Ọka, at either the residence of the oldest man (Otochal Ọka) or a place specially designated by the titled men. He was the Nne Uzu, or ‘master blacksmith,’ irrespective of whether or not he actually knew the trade, as the only master known to Ọka was the master craftsman, the Nne Uzu.[11]
In modern times, Awka has adopted the republican system and is currently administered by the Awka South Local Government Area. However, it still preserves its traditional systems of governance with the respected Ozo-titled men often consulted for village and community issues and a paramount cultural representative, the Eze Uzu, who is elected by all Ozo-titled men by rotation among different villages to represent the city at state functions.[12]
Awka should not be confused with Awka-Etiti which is a town in Idemili South local government area that is often mistaken for the main capital.[13]
People
[edit]Awka comprises seven Igbo groups sharing common blood lineage, divided into the following two sections: the Ifite section and the senior section. They collectively comprises four groups: Ayom-na-Okpala, Nkwelle, Amachalla and Ifite-Oka. The Ezinator section consists of three groups, namely Amikwo, Ezi-Oka and Agulu. Each of these groups has a number of villages, altogether spanning 33 in Awka.[14]
Ifite Section
Ayom-na-Okpala | Nkwelle | Amachalla | Ifite-Oka |
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Umuayom, Umunnoke, Umuoramma, Umuokpu | Achallaoji, Umunamoke, Agbana, Umudiaba | Amachalla, Amudo, Umuzocha | Enu-Ifite, Ezinato-Ifite, Agbana-Ifite |
Ezinator Section
Amikwo | Ezi-Oka | Agulu |
---|---|---|
Umudiana, Okperi, Igweogige, Isiagu, Obunagu | Omuko, Umueri, Umuogwali, Umuogbunu 1, Umuogbunu 2, Umudioka, Umukwa | Umuogbu, Umubele, Umuanaga, Umuike, Umujagwo, Umuenechi, Umuoruka |
Today, Awka people can be found all across the globe many working as skilled professionals in a wide range of fields. As a result, there is a large Awka diaspora located primarily in the UK and in the United States. There, they have formed social clubs like Awka Union USA and Canada, Awka Town Social Community UK and Ireland and other community associations. These associations have been a way for people to enjoy their culture as well as to engage in community self-help projects.[15]
Over the years Awka Town has also attracted people from other states in Nigeria who are resident in the city.[16]
Geography
[edit]Awka lies below 300 metres above sea in a valley on the plains of the Mamu River. Two ridges or cuestas, both lying in a north–south direction, form the major topographical features of the area. The ridges reach the highest point at Agulu just outside the Capital Territory. About six kilometers east of this, the minor cuesta peaks about 150 metres above sea level at Ifite –Awka.
Awka is sited in a fertile tropical valley but most of the original Rain forest has been lost due to clearing for farming and human settlement. A few examples of the original rain forest remains at places like the Ime Oka shrine. Wooded savannah grassland predominates primarily to the north and east of the city. South of the town on the slopes of the Awka-Orlu Uplands are some examples of soil erosion and gullying.[citation needed][17]
Climate
[edit]Awka is in the tropical rainforest zone of Nigeria and experiences two distinct seasons brought about by the two predominant winds that rule the area: the southwestern monsoon winds from the Atlantic Ocean and the northeastern dry winds from across the Sahara desert. The monsoon winds from the Atlantic creates six months of heavy tropical rains, which occur between April and July, followed by a short dry period in August lasting two to three weeks with the rain resuming in September and October. This is followed by five months of dryness (November–March) marked by a Harmattan wind, also known as Ugulu in Igbo, which is a particularly dry and dusty wind which enters Nigeria in late December or in the early part of January and is characterized by a grey haze limiting visibility and blocking the sun's rays before dissipating and leading to extreme dry heat in the latter months of February and March.[18]
The temperature in Awka is generally 27–30 °C between June and December but rises to 32–34 °C between January and April, with the last few months of the dry season marked by intense heat.
Climate data for Awka (1991–2020) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 38 (100) |
39 (102) |
40 (104) |
38 (100) |
36.7 (98.1) |
35 (95) |
34 (93) |
34 (93) |
34 (93) |
34.6 (94.3) |
36.4 (97.5) |
38 (100) |
40.0 (104.0) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 34.3 (93.7) |
35.7 (96.3) |
35.3 (95.5) |
33.9 (93.0) |
32.5 (90.5) |
31.2 (88.2) |
29.8 (85.6) |
29.4 (84.9) |
30.2 (86.4) |
31.4 (88.5) |
33.4 (92.1) |
34.2 (93.6) |
32.6 (90.7) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 28.0 (82.4) |
29.9 (85.8) |
30.2 (86.4) |
29.2 (84.6) |
28.2 (82.8) |
27.3 (81.1) |
26.5 (79.7) |
26.3 (79.3) |
26.7 (80.1) |
27.3 (81.1) |
28.5 (83.3) |
28.0 (82.4) |
28.0 (82.4) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 21.7 (71.1) |
24.2 (75.6) |
25.1 (77.2) |
24.4 (75.9) |
23.8 (74.8) |
23.3 (73.9) |
23.2 (73.8) |
23.1 (73.6) |
23.1 (73.6) |
23.2 (73.8) |
23.7 (74.7) |
21.9 (71.4) |
23.4 (74.1) |
Record low °C (°F) | 11.5 (52.7) |
16 (61) |
18.5 (65.3) |
20 (68) |
18 (64) |
20 (68) |
17 (63) |
20 (68) |
20 (68) |
15.5 (59.9) |
16.4 (61.5) |
11.1 (52.0) |
11.1 (52.0) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 15.4 (0.61) |
25.1 (0.99) |
65.9 (2.59) |
173.7 (6.84) |
275.6 (10.85) |
302.6 (11.91) |
340.7 (13.41) |
284.4 (11.20) |
369.5 (14.55) |
265.4 (10.45) |
41.8 (1.65) |
6.8 (0.27) |
2,166.9 (85.31) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 0.9 | 1.4 | 3.9 | 8.7 | 13.1 | 16.0 | 17.2 | 17.8 | 17.8 | 14.8 | 3.6 | 0.7 | 115.8 |
Average relative humidity (%) | 72.3 | 77.1 | 84.5 | 87.1 | 88.4 | 89.7 | 90.0 | 89.6 | 90.4 | 89.8 | 84.9 | 75.3 | 84.9 |
Source: NOAA[19] |
Economy
[edit]The economy of Awka city revolves primarily around government since many state and federal institutions are located there. Awka hosts the State Governor's Lodge, State Assembly and State Ministries for Health, State Judiciary headquarters, Education, Lands, Water.
The Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) a TV and radio station are located in the city centre. A number of federal institutions including the Central Bank of Nigeria (which has a currency centre in Awka), the NTA Awka media station, and branches of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Corporate Affairs Commission are also present in the city.[20]
In recent years, several new businesses have erected new buildings that have largely changed the face of Awka city. The partly state-owned Orient Petroleum Resources Ltd has the headquarters in Awka. The company is poised to set up a refinery at Igbariam to jump-start the exploitation of the huge crude oil deposits in the Anambra River basin. Also Juhel Nigeria has constructed a manufacturing plant for Parenteral drugs in the city.
Major Nigerian Banks such as Access Bank, Bank PHB, Diamond Bank, Ecobank, FCMB, Fidelity Bank, First Bank, GTB, Intercontinental, Oceanic Bank, UBA, Union Bank and Zenith Bank have opened branches in the city.
Urban planning and renewal
[edit]Prior to the Nigerian Civil War, Awka townspeople maintained the city on their own. Market traders cleaned around their stalls; streets and pathways and compounds were swept. Blocked storm drains would be cleared by residents.[21]
The first attempt to address the urban decay was made by the Government of Peter Obi who forged a technical cooperation agreement with UN-HABITAT in 2007 to provide technical assistance in the preparation of a structure plan for Awka Capital Territory. The Structural Plan of Awka Capital Territory (2009–2028)[22] is designed as a Core-Multi-Nuclei urban design with Awka, Amawbia and Umuokpu serving as the core of the city with linkages to the major towns of Adazi-Nnukwu, Agulu, ABBA, Abagana, Nri Kingdom, Amansea, Enugwu-Ukwu, Enugwu-Agidi, Isiagu, Isu-Aniocha, Mgbakwu, Nawfia, Nawgu, Nibo, Nimo, Nise, Okpuno and Umuawulu.
Governor Peter Obi implemented just a few of the UN-HABITAT's recommendations managing to tar less than 5 kilometers of urban roads, improve waste collection and upgrade schools and the teaching hospital. His government also began installing water pipes along the popular Nnamdi Azikiwe Road and Ifite Road but he left office without providing a credible citywide public water supply.
His successor Governor Willie Obiano has taken on the charge of transforming the ancient town into something the state can be proud of. To spearhead the transformation, Obiano created the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) mandated to deliver a capital with modern standards of quality. ACTDA has completed aerial mapping in June 2015 with the government set to appoint a town planning firm to develop a Masterplan for the city.
Obiano has also gone ahead to change the gateway into and out of Awka by expanding the A232 expressway to three lanes and constructing three flyovers at three key junctions between Amobia and Amansea.
Media
[edit]Awka hosts a variety of broadcast media organizations including two independent newspaper dailies, an FM radio station for the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, the offices of the state-run Anambra State Broadcasting Corporation and a Zonal office of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Newspapers
[edit]- Fides Communications
- National Light
- Orient Daily
FM Radio
[edit]- 88.5 ABS(Anambra Broadcasting Service)
- 94.1 UNIZIK FM (Nnamdi Azikiwe University)
- 95.7 Rhythm FM (Silverbird)
- 102.5 Purity FM (Radio Nigeria)
TV stations
[edit]- Channel 5 NTA Awka
- Channel 27 ABS (Anambra Broadcasting Service)
- Channel 39 Silverbird TV Awka,which has stopped broadcasting.
Retail
[edit]Traditional markets
[edit]Awka like most Nigerian cities is defined by large rudimentary informal markets where everything from basic food produce to clothes, cosmetics and household items are sold.
The largest market in the town is Eke Awka, named after one of the four market days (see Igbo calendar). Located on a former community burial ground in the center of the city, Eke Awka has grown from a small market serving the needs of residents of the Agulu, Ezi-Oka and Amikwo sections of Awka to functioning as the main retail outlet for the city and neighbouring towns. It houses an estimated 5,000 lock-up shops and stalls all tightly packed into less than 35,000 square meters of space and has become infamous for causing tremendous traffic chaos with a medley of shoppers, buses, wheel barrows all jostling for the limited amount of space available.
The second largest market in Awka is Nkwo Amaenyi located further down on the busy Zik Avenue business district artery. It is far smaller than Eke Awka with less than 100 market stalls in an area estimated at 3,000 square meters.
Universities
[edit]Awka has a large university community which at times comprises around 15% of the population of the town. It hosts two primary universities of higher/tertiary education – Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Paul University.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University is owned and run by the federal government of Nigeria providing undergraduate and postgraduate education to an estimated student population of 36,000 at its over 100-acre main campus located at Ifite, Awka. Nnamdi Azikiwe University ranks among the top 10 universities in Nigeria in research output.
Paul University was founded in 2009 by Bishops of the five ecclesiastical provinces of the Anglican Church East of the Niger as a private university to provide quality undergraduate training in Theology, Natural and Applied Sciences, Social Sciences and Management. The university which is fully residential has an estimated enrollment of around 400 students (expected to reach 3,500) and has replaced St Pauls university College which was founded in 1904 by the Church Missionary Society of the Church of England to train church workers and teachers.
Religion
[edit]Christianity is the main religion of Awka people although many also retain belief in their traditional religion which encompasses many similar traditions and values as noted by G.T. Basden.[23] The Church Missionary Society (CMS) of the Anglican Church was instrumental in bringing Christianity into Eastern Nigeria through Reverend Samuel Ajayi Crowther who founded the Niger branch in 1857. A teachers' training college in Awka was created in 1904. Its oldest church in the town is believed to be the Church of the Holy Spirit which was completed in 1930. The largest church in the capital city today is the Living Faith Church [Winners Chapel, Awka] with a typical Sunday attendance of over 2,500.[24]
The Roman Catholic Church lagged behind the Anglican Church in entering Awka, but it has built a larger presence ever since. The Catholic faith has two large cathedrals – St. Patrick's and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Awka as well as four smaller churches such as SS John and Paul's, St. Anthony's, St. Peter's and St. John's spread around the town. Administratively, since 1977 Awka has served as a diocese for the Roman Catholic Church serving 107 parishes and five chaplaincies.
Living Faith Church, Awka [A.K.A. Winners' Chapel, Awka] is the largest Pentecostal Church in the metropolis hosting thousands of worshippers weekly in its yet-to-be filled 5000-seat capacity auditorium. It is also the first church in the State Capital to air all of its major weekly programmes live on YouTube, Twitch and on its official website followed by the Intercessory Mercy Of God church located at Aguoye Awka which houses many belivers seeking to find an indepth meaning to the spiritual lives they live through prophesies and ministrations from the General Overseer Augustine Obi.[25][26][27]
Hospitality
[edit]As a people well known for travelling, Awka developed an enlightened tolerance and kindness towards guests and strangers which led the British missionaries and colonial authorities to choose the town as a key administrative centre.
Today, Awka has become the centre of hospitality in Anambra state adapting to the needs of hosting a wide range of visitors. It has become the place for holding political meetings, where conferences are organized by the state government and Nnamdi Azikiwe University and where other events such as workshops and trainings are hosted by federal institutions such as the CBN, Immigration, Federal Road Safety Commission, and NGOs such as FHI, the World Bank and the UN.
Awka has also become a home-away-from-home for members of the large Igbo diaspora when they visit their relatives in Awka and nearby towns providing a measure of western-style comfort and services within a hotel and resort setting. Indeed, within half an hour of Awka, it is estimated that there is a diaspora population numbering well over 100,000. The town currently has over 15 3-star hotels.
Festivals
[edit]The Imo-Oka festival is a two weeks-long festival of masquerades and dances held in May at the beginning of the farming season in honour of a female deity who it is hoped would make the land fertile and yield bountiful crops. The festival starts with Awka people visiting the community of Umuokpu with masquerades and it ends with a visit to the Imo-Oka stream on the final day which is heralded by a heavy rain that falls in the late afternoon.
There are four major events performed during the festival, the ede-mmuo, ogwu oghugha, egwu Opu-Eke and Egwu Imo-Oka. Egwu Opu Eke is a rich cultural dance performed by female worshipers of Imo-Oka shrine which includes priestesses and ordinary women alike decorated in colourful costume dancing in the market square in honour of the deity controlling the shrine.
The Imo-Oka festival showcases a variety of masquerades (mmanwu) from sinister ones which flog spectators to friendly ones which sing or dance. The masquerades are believed to represent the spirits of Awka ancestors coming from the land of the dead for the festival.
In 2001 Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy MBE, a daughter of Awka, exhibited her oil on canvas paintings series of Awka Igbo Masquerades, to great acclaim in the Cork Street Gallery in London, various galleries in New York and Washington and at the Didi Museum in Lagos.[28]
Notable people
[edit]- Kenneth Dike, a historian known for his study of pre-colonial Nigerian history, the first Nigerian Vice-Chancellor of the oldest Nigerian University University of Ibadan and the person who set up Nigeria's National Archives. During the Nigerian civil war (1967–1970) Prof Dike was a roving ambassador for the Biafra cause. He went into exile at the end of the Civil war becoming the first Mellon Professor of African History at Harvard University. He returned to Nigeria to become the founding vice-chancellor of what is today the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
- Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy MBE, a London-based visual artist. The first black artist to paint a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II when commissioned to paint the official Golden Jubilee portrait.[29] She was chosen as one of the UK Women of the Year in 2002 and 2003, represented the UK at the Council of Europe and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of East Anglia. During 2006 her work was represented on the national postage stamps of six countries. In 2008 she addressed the Cambridge Union[30][31] Chukwuogo-Roy was a regular contributor to the BBC and other current affairs programmes. In 2009 she was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
- Lieutenant-General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, appointed in 2008 by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as Military Advisor on UN Peacekeeping Operations. Previously served as commander of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Artillery Brigade in Liberia in 1996 and 1997, and as ECOMOG chief coordinator of the Liberian elections in July 1997.[32]
- Chinyelu Onwurah,[33][34] a British Labour Party politician, who was elected at the 2010 general election as the Member of Parliament for Newcastle-upon-Tyne Central, becoming the first female British MP of African origin.
- General Alexander Madiebo was the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Governor General Nnamdi Azikiwe when Nigeria secured independence in 1960, was then appointed the first Commander of the Nigeria Corp of the Artillery and then served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Republic of Biafra which existed from 1967 to 1970.
- Phyno born as Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike and known professionally as Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer who is renowned for rapping in the Igbo language.
References
[edit]- ^ Summing the 2 LGAs Awka North/South as per:
Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette (15 May 2007). "Legal Notice on Publication of the Details of the Breakdown of the National and State Provisional Totals 2006 Census" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-05. Retrieved 2007-05-19. - ^ Egbokhare, Francis O.; Oyetade, S. Oluwole (2002). Harmonization and standardization of Nigerian languages. CASAS. p. 106. ISBN 1-919799-70-2.
- ^ EBUKA NWANKWO (2024-05-18). "Here is how Soludo is transforming Awka into a befitting capital". thecable. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ "Anambra State: Subdivision". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- ^ "Map Showing Port Harcourt And Awka with Distance Indicator". Globalfeed.com. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
- ^ Ago, Byykkein #history • 6 Years (2018-03-29). "WELCOME TO AWKA, THE BLACK SMITH HOME". Steemit. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
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: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Anambra State". Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission. 2019-01-07. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
- ^ Ndukuba, Emmanuel (2021-07-15). "Awka South farmers receive Anambra govt. agro-inputs". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
- ^ "Awka | History & Facts". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2021-03-29.
- ^ Achebe, Chinua. "Full Glossary for Things Fall Apart". Cliffsnotes.com. Retrieved 2014-02-25.
- ^ "Awka History, History of Awka, Awka City Information :: Traveltill.com". Traveltill. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "About Awka". Awka Union USA & Canada. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Britannica Concise Encyclopedia". Geoanalyzer.britannica.com. Archived from the original on 2016-01-12. Retrieved 2007-02-20.
- ^ "About Awka". Awka Union USA & Canada. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "Agony of Awka master blacksmiths". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 2015-04-23. Retrieved 2021-03-07.
- ^ "Future Models of Care "a bold move"". The Pharmaceutical Journal. 2013. doi:10.1211/pj.2013.11125600. ISSN 2053-6186.
- ^ Chikwelu Emenike Edward & Chetty N (2019). "Delineation of Groundwater Contamination Using Electrical Method at Dump Site in Awka Urban Locality, Anambra State, Nigeria". The Journal of Educational Development. 7 (2): 157–165.
- ^ "Dust | Description, Components, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
- ^ "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020 — Awka". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- ^ "ABOUT US – Heartbeat Of The East". Retrieved 2024-06-23.
- ^ Chukwuogo Diaries
- ^ "STRUCTURE PLAN FOR AWKA AND SATELLITE TOWNS". Uhabitat.org. Retrieved 2014-02-25.
- ^ Among The Ibos of Nigeria.
- ^ "About Winners Chapel Awka". Archived from the original on 2018-06-29. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
- ^ "Living Faith Church AWKA - YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ "Twitch".
- ^ "Free Video Messages". Archived from the original on 2018-06-29. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
- ^ Igbo Masquerade Exhibitions CIR 2006
- ^ Queen's Jubilee portrait unveiled, BBC News, 12 March 2002.
- ^ Art, Saatchi. "Sell Artwork, Buy Original Paintings, Art Prints, Discover New Artists | Saatchi Art". Saatchi-gallery.co.uk. Retrieved 2014-02-25.
- ^ "The Cambridge Union Society | Promoting free speech and the art of debating since 1815". Archived from the original on 2013-12-12. Retrieved 2008-02-14.
- ^ "Secretary-General Appoints Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor Of Nigeria As Military Adviser For Peacekeeping Operations". Un.org. Retrieved 2013-12-11.
- ^ "UK election: Nigerian-born Chinyelu Onwurah wins first seat for Labour". Punch Newspapers. 2019-12-13. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
- ^ "Onwurah, Osamor, Onasanya... meet the seven British Nigerians elected into UK parliament". TheCable. 2017-06-09. Retrieved 2021-06-27.