CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY, IGBARIAM

CAMPUS

AN ASSIGNMENT PRESENTED

BY

NAME: ARINZE KAMBILI JESSICA

REG NUMBER: 2023145007

DEPARTMENT: LAW

LEVEL: 100

COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO NIGERIAN LITERATURE I

COURSE CODE: COOU-LIT-105

LECTURER: PROF. CHRISTIAN. C. CHUKWUELOKA

DATE: FEBRUARY, 2024

ASSIGNMENT
1. Write down the history of your town.
 HISTORY OF EKWULOBIA

Anambra is a state in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Its name was inspired by
the term Omambala, the Igbo name of the Anambra River which flows through the
area and is a tributary of the river Niger. The capital and seat of government are
Awka. Onitsha, a historic port city from pre-colonial times, has developed as by far
the largest urban area in the state. The state's theme is "Light of the nation".
Ekwulobia is one of the numerous towns in Anambra state. it is the headquarters of
the present Aguata local government and the headquarters of the Old Aguata local
government that compromised the present Aguata local government and orumba
North and South local governments.
Ekwulobia is a large town which contains several villages, this villages are
traditional divide into two sectors or categories: which are Ezi and Ifite. This
villages have sub villages under it. The villages under Ezi are as follows;
Umuchiana, Umuchi, Okpo, Nkono, Abogwume, and Ihuokpala, and the villages
under Ifite are Agba, Ula, and Eziagulu.
The traditional ruler, or igwe, is Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke.
The town houses an Anglican cathedral called the Cathedral Church of Saint John,
a Roman Catholic cathedral called the Saint Joseph's Cathedral, and other
churches. In March 2020, Pope Francis installed Peter Okpaleke as Bishop of
Ekwulobia after the creation of the new diocese. He had previously served as
Bishop of Ahiar until his resignation in 2018.
The town also contains a central park, a large daily market, various primary,
secondary, and tertiary educational institutions, hotels and resorts, a prison, a
soccer stadium, and the Ekwulobian General Hospital. Ekwulobia is known for its
special masquerades called the Achikwu, typically occurring during Christmas and
Easter celebrations.
According to local oral traditions, the town was founded by a group of Igbo people
who migrated from the Benin Kingdom. They were led by a man named
Ekwulobia, who was a warrior and a skilled hunter. The town is named after him,
and his legacy is still celebrated today. In the 1800s, the town was part of the Aro
Confederacy, a powerful Igbo empire that controlled trade and politics in the
region. The town became a hub for trade and commerce, and it flourished under the
leadership.
 In addition to its history and notable figures, Ekwulobia is also known for its
vibrant culture. The town is home to the Ekwulobia Festival, which is a yearly
celebration that includes traditional dances, music, and other cultural
performances. The festival attracts people from all over the world, and it is a
celebration of the town's heritage and traditions. Additionally, Ekwulobia is known
for its beautiful natural scenery. The town is surrounded by lush vegetation and
rolling hills, and there are several natural springs and rivers in the area. The people
of Ekwulobia take great pride in their town and its culture.
The people of Ekwulobia are predominantly Christians, and there are several
churches in the town. However, traditional African beliefs and customs are still an
important part of the culture. For example, many people believe in the power of
traditional healers, known as dibia, and traditional rituals are still performed for
important events such as births, deaths, and marriages. Additionally, the town has
several local markets where traditional goods and crafts are sold. These markets
are a vibrant part of the town's culture and economy. In summary, the history and
culture of Ekwulobia are rich and complex, and they continue to be an important
part.
The people of Ekwulobia are mainly of Igbo descent, with a small minority of
Yoruba and Hausa people. The Igbo people are known for their strong sense of
community and their commitment to preserving their culture and traditions. The
people of Ekwulobia are known for their hospitality, generosity, and friendliness.
They are also known for their strong work ethic and their dedication to education.
In recent years, the town has seen an increase in the number of people working in
the agricultural, retail, and service sectors. Additionally, many people have moved
to Ekwulobia from other parts of Nigeria and abroad.
In conclusion, the history of Ekwulobia is a fascinating story of migration,
conquest, cultural exchange, and modernization. The town has a rich culture that
blends traditional African beliefs with modern influences. It has also produced
notable figures in the fields of history, music, and sports. Additionally, the natural
beauty of the town and the vibrancy of its markets are a testament to the strength
and resilience of its people. Despite the challenges of the past and present, the
people of Ekwulobia have preserved their heritage and their traditions, and they
continue to build a bright future for their town.