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Nnewi is a commercial and industrial city in
Anambra State Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi St ...
, southeastern
Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
. It is the second largest and second most populous city in the southern part of the country. Nnewi as a
metropolis A metropolis () is a large city or conurbation which is a significant economic, political, and cultural center for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections, commerce, and communications. A big c ...
has one
local government area A local government area (LGA) is an administrative division of a country that a local government is responsible for. The size of an LGA varies by country but it is generally a subdivision of a State (administrative division), state, province, divi ...
, which is Nnewi North. Nnewi North comprises four quarters: Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi. The first indigenous car manufacturing plant in Nigeria is located in the city while the first wholly Made-in-Nigeria motorcycle, the 'NASENI M1' was manufactured in Nnewi. , Nnewi has an estimated population of 391,227 according to the Nigerian census. The 2019 population estimate shows that Nnewi has a population of over 900,000. The city spans over in Anambra State. Nnewi Metropolitan Area and its satellite towns is home to nearly 2.5 million residents . Dimensionally, Nnewi has an edge over all other units, it was recognized by the 1953 census figures as the largest inland town of all others in the Eastern states of Nigeria. Projected to be the twelfth fastest growing city on the African continent between 2020 and 2025, with a 5.18% growth.


History

In Nnewi
oral history Oral history is the collection and study of historical information about individuals, families, important events, or everyday life using audiotapes, videotapes, or transcriptions of planned interviews. These interviews are conducted with people wh ...
and
mythology Myth is a folklore genre consisting of narratives that play a fundamental role in a society, such as foundational tales or origin myths. Since "myth" is widely used to imply that a story is not objectively true, the identification of a narra ...
, the rabbit ('ewi') played a great role in saving the founders of Nnewi during wars. Throughout its history, Nnewi has used its military might to maintain its borders and because of this, the killing or eating of ewi in Nnewi is forbidden to the present day. Nnewi existed as an independent kingdom from the 15th century to 1904, when British colonial administration occupied the kingdom. Nnewi kingdom was founded on four quarters (large villages), namely Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi. Each village was divided into family units called 'umunna'. Each umunna had a first family known as the 'obi'. These four quarters were the original names of the Sons of Edo: Otolo being the eldest and Nnewichi being the youngest of the sons
Obi of Nnewi #REDIRECT Obi #REDIRECT Obi {{redirect category shell, {{R from other capitalisation{{R from ambiguous title ...
{{redirect category shell, {{R from other capitalisation{{R from ambiguous title ...


The Place of Nnewi in Igbo History

Originally when the Igbos settled in the present day Eastern Nigeria, they arrived with three leaders, two were spiritual leaders and the youngest of the three a hereditary King known as Obi a King by birthright . The first was the Eze Nri of Awka a Priest King, the second the Eze Aro of Arochukwu a King and the third the
Obi of Nnewi #REDIRECT Obi #REDIRECT Obi {{redirect category shell, {{R from other capitalisation{{R from ambiguous title ...
{{redirect category shell, {{R from other capitalisation{{R from ambiguous title ...
a political and war ruler . The Onitsha people are visitors and later settlers in Igbo land . The Aros know this history (Nnewi being a relation and a leader among the Igbos) and this is part of the reason why there are no Aro settlements in Nnewi . The Obi of Nnewi Obi Okoli in1780s lost his throne when inside palace politics that hinged on tradition edged him out . Traditional royal law had it that the Crown Prince must perform the funeral rights of the late Obi before he can be crowned, Obi Okoli was absent and arrived home only after the late Obi Okoli 1st was buried . His Uncle (The late Obi Okoli the 1st younger brother) performed the funeral rights in his stead and took over as Igwe Nnewi he could not be enthroned as an Obi (which means the first son) . The Obi Okoli royal lineage was forced into exile, they got refuge at Umune-Alam in Umudim, Nnewi where they still are to this day. The Obi Okoli family still bears the Ofor Nnewi till this day . Edo is the supreme deity of all the
Alusi Arusi (also spelled Alusi or Arunsi) are spirits that are worshiped and served in the Igbo religion. There are many different Arusi and each has its own purpose and function. Ancestors The Igbo world is divided into several interconnected realm ...
(Igbo: ''deity'') in the Anaedo country . The central shrine of this unifying Alusi is at Nkwo Nnewi, the central Market . There are four other deities in Nnewi: Ana, Ezemewi, Eze and Ele .
Christianity Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world's largest and most widespread religion with roughly 2.38 billion followers representing one-third of the global popula ...
was introduced by the Europeans in 1885 and many Nnewi people now practice Christianity . Nnewi, Ichi and Oraifite made up the Anaedo state . Anaedo communities have common ancestries, beliefs and traditional value systems . Nnewi is a major trading and manufacturing center in Nigeria . Due to its high commercial activities, the city has attracted millions of migrants from other states and countries . The Ofala Nnewi is a cultural festival held every year to celebrate the coronation of the Igwe of Nnewi . Afiaolu ( New yam festival) and Ikwuaru are also among traditional festivals held annually in Nnewi. Nnewi Kingdom is also known as ''Anaedo'' meaning the Land of Gold (The supreme deity and
goddess A goddess is a female deity. In many known cultures, goddesses are often linked with literal or metaphorical pregnancy or imagined feminine roles associated with how women and girls are perceived or expected to behave. This includes themes ...
of Nnewi) .


Geography

Geographically, Nnewi falls within the
tropical rain forest Tropical rainforests are rainforests that occur in areas of tropical rainforest climate in which there is no dry season – all months have an average precipitation of at least 60 mm – and may also be referred to as ''lowland equatori ...
region of
Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
. Though it suffers from soil leaching and
erosion Erosion is the action of surface processes (such as water flow or wind) that removes soil, rock, or dissolved material from one location on the Earth's crust, and then transports it to another location where it is deposited. Erosion is d ...
which has reduced the soil in some areas to a porous sandy terrain, it remains an area of rich agricultural produce and the epicenter of business trade . The city is located east of the
Niger River The Niger River ( ; ) is the main river of West Africa, extending about . Its drainage basin is in area. Its source is in the Guinea Highlands in south-eastern Guinea near the Sierra Leone border. It runs in a crescent shape through Mal ...
, and about 22 kilometers south east of
Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. I ...
in
Anambra State Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi St ...
,
Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
.


Government

The traditional monarch of Nnewi is called the Igwe. The Igweship in Nnewi kingdom predates the arrival of Europeans, making it a unique
monarchy A monarchy is a form of government in which a person, the monarch, is head of state for life or until abdication. The political legitimacy and authority of the monarch may vary from restricted and largely symbolic ( constitutional monar ...
in Igbo land . The Igbos are known for not having kings, hence the popular Igbo saying ''Igbo é nwě Eze'', meaning 'the Igbos have no king'. In other Igbo clans, the British colonial administrators created warrant chiefs who then assumed the office and title of Igwe and are elected to this day. In Nnewi, the Igwe is the isi obi (head of the Obis) and hence the Igwe, which literally translates as the heavenly one or highness as he is the holder of the
Ofo Ofo (), stylised as ofo, was a Beijing-based Bicycle-sharing system, bicycle sharing company founded in 2014. It used a Bicycle-sharing system#Dockless bikes, dockless system with a smartphone app to unlock and locate nearby bicycles, charging ...
, the religious and political symbol. He is born and not made or elected, and the institution of inheritance is the traditional right and privilege. The position is neither transferable nor negotiable. He is also an Obi. Obi is the title held by ruling
chief Chief may refer to: Title or rank Military and law enforcement * Chief master sergeant, the ninth, and highest, enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force * Chief of police, the head of a police department * Chief of the bo ...
s; it is the equivalent of a
duke Duke is a male title either of a monarch ruling over a duchy, or of a member of royalty, or nobility. As rulers, dukes are ranked below emperors, kings, grand princes, grand dukes, and sovereign princes. As royalty or nobility, they are r ...
in the
nobility Nobility is a social class found in many societies that have an aristocracy. It is normally ranked immediately below royalty. Nobility has often been an estate of the realm with many exclusive functions and characteristics. The character ...
. The present reigning monarch is His Royal Highness Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III; he is the longest serving monarch in Nigeria and he is currently the 20th monarch in the Nnofo Royal lineage. Igwe Kenneth Orizu III is the first class chief in
Anambra state Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi St ...
from Nnewi as well as the vice Chairman of the
Anambra State Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi St ...
House of Chiefs . There are Obis in the four clans that make up Nnewi. The highest and the most senior obi is the Obi of Otolo, who is also the Igwe of Nnewi . Chief Afamefuna Obi, Obi Bennett Okafor and Obi George Onyekaba are the current obis of Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi, respectively . These three obis with Igwe Orizu, III as chairman constitute the Igwe-in-Council and they deliberate on the spiritual, traditional, and communal matters, in Nnewi . There is also an active town union called the Nzuko-Ora Nnewi. It is a forum through which adult Nnewi indigenes (18 years or older) can contribute to the development of Nnewi. This union was set up to encourage and promote the establishment of structures and facilities that will promote and improve the quality of life of the residents of Nnewi .


Legal system

The ancient
legal system The contemporary national legal systems are generally based on one of four basic systems: civil law, common law, statutory law, religious law or combinations of these. However, the legal system of each country is shaped by its unique history an ...
of Nnewi was not based upon a written law. It was purely a
natural law Natural law ( la, ius naturale, ''lex naturalis'') is a system of law based on a close observation of human nature, and based on values intrinsic to human nature that can be deduced and applied independently of positive law (the express enacte ...
, involving custom, tradition, and civil and
criminal In ordinary language, a crime is an unlawful act punishable by a state or other authority. The term ''crime'' does not, in modern criminal law, have any simple and universally accepted definition,Farmer, Lindsay: "Crime, definitions of", in C ...
cases . The legal process in Nnewi passed through the labyrinth of extended family system. A report against an offender or a
criminal In ordinary language, a crime is an unlawful act punishable by a state or other authority. The term ''crime'' does not, in modern criminal law, have any simple and universally accepted definition,Farmer, Lindsay: "Crime, definitions of", in C ...
in the first instance, had to be made to the head of his family at his ancestral home known as obi . The head of the family would invite elders and minor obis from his extended family unit to sit in judgment, while the complainant would also invite the elders and minor obis from his extended family side, if both of them were not from the same family . These obis' would serve as the court of the first instance, depending, of course, on the nature of the offense or crime allegedly committed . The trial might end here, if both the complainant and the accused were satisfied with the judgment given, or they might take the case to the next senior obi of the same extended' family, in ascending order, until, probably, the matter got to the highest obi in the lineage . If the complainant was not satisfied at this point, he would appeal to the obi of the quarter and the leaders of his family could be summoned to defend their judgment. Through this legal procedure, guilt or innocence could easily be established, as the decision was based purely on natural justice . Punishments for offenses and criminal acts were given in relation to their gravity . A man who was found guilty of a serious crime might have no option than to be sold into slavery or expelled from the community for life . He would not be killed because the killing of human beings was against the injunction of Edo Goddess . The
judicial system The judiciary (also known as the judicial system, judicature, judicial branch, judiciative branch, and court or judiciary system) is the system of courts that adjudicates legal disputes/disagreements and interprets, defends, and applies the law ...
in Nnewi seems to have recognized three classes of cases, the minor offenses, the true criminal case, and the civil suits of debt, bride price and land . The breaking of by-laws was really an offence against some particular juju and as such was to be expiated by a sacrifice . For example, it is forbidden to kill "eke"
snake Snakes are elongated, limbless, carnivorous reptiles of the suborder Serpentes . Like all other squamates, snakes are ectothermic, amniote vertebrates covered in overlapping scales. Many species of snakes have skulls with several more ...
, a type of python, or to eat "ewi," rodent of rabbit family. It is probable these laws were never broken willingly and if broken by accident, the offender would automatically perform a sacrifice without any form of judicial trial being held . The criminal code, with regard to serious crimes, appears to have been more developed in Nnewi than elsewhere in Igboland. There were seven main classes of offences, which were known as "ori-obi," offenses against the obi, as their investigation was always carried out in the obi of the quarter .


Politics

Nnewi has contributed its fair share of key players in Nigerian politics. A. A.
Nwafor Orizu Prince Abyssinia Akweke Nwafor Orizu (17 July 1914 – 1999) was a Nigerian of Igbo origin who served as President of the Nigerian Senate from 1963 to 15 January 1966, during the Nigerian First Republic. Orizu was also Acting President of N ...
; president of the Nigerian Senate in the First Republic and later, the Acting President before the first coup d'état of 1966, M.C.K. Ajuluchukwu; a nationalist, anti-colonialist and first republic law-maker, Chief Z.C. Obi (Onunekwuluigbo Igbo); First republic politician, Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, OBE,
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Chukwuemeka "Emeka" Odumegwu Ojukwu (4 November 1933 – 26 November 2011) was a Nigerian military officer, statesman and politician who served as the military governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria in 1966 and the president of the s ...
(Ikemba Nnewi); former military Governor of defunct Eastern Nigeria and President of defunct Republic of Biafra, Comrade Dr. Edward Ikem Okeke; Deputy President of the PRP and Special Adviser to the President (Second Republic), Mr. F. C. Nwokedi; the first Nigerian Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dozie Ikedife (Ikenga Nnewi); former President-General of
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ohanaeze Ndigbo is an Igbo socio-cultural organization in Nigeria. The group aims to represent the interests of all Igbo communities within and outside Nigeria. Although the group is not a political party, one of its main objectives is to fos ...
, Professor A. B. C. Nwosu; Former Health Commissioner in East Central state and Anambra state, respectively, Dr. Chu Okongwu; Former Minister of Finance; Dr David Bennet Anagwu Ofomata;The first Indigenous Medical Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, First CEO/Chairman Anambra Health Management Board & Chairman old Nnewi LGA; Nnewi is also the ancestral home of prominent Nigerians including the esteemed individuals listed below. See (People).


Economy

Nnewi's journey to becoming an economic hub started in 1970,After the
Nigerian Civil War The Nigerian Civil War (6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970), also known as the Nigerian–Biafran War or the Biafran War, was a civil war fought between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state which had declared its independence ...
. Ndị Nnewi(Nnewi People) living in different cities across the country suffered great losses during the war, so they decided to take back all their investments and businesses home . Agbo Edo, a
forest A forest is an area of land dominated by trees. Hundreds of definitions of forest are used throughout the world, incorporating factors such as tree density, tree height, land use, legal standing, and ecological function. The United Nations' ...
land which belonged to Edo Nnewi deity, was cleared to make way for a new market called Nkwo Nnewi market . The development of this market propelled the fast development of the local economy . As a fast developing city and a major industrial and commercial hub in
Africa Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia in both cases. At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area ...
, Nnewi experiences voluminous financial activities, therefore hosts major
bank A bank is a financial institution that accepts Deposit account, deposits from the public and creates a demand deposit while simultaneously making loans. Lending activities can be directly performed by the bank or indirectly through capital m ...
s, and other financial institutions . Industries are dotted around the city and adjoining towns.
Palm oil Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from the mesocarp (reddish pulp) of the fruit of the oil palms. The oil is used in food manufacturing, in beauty products, and as biofuel. Palm oil accounted for about 33% of global oils produced fr ...
,
cosmetics Cosmetics are constituted mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either natural sources, or synthetically created ones. Cosmetics have various purposes. Those designed for personal care and skin care can be used to cleanse or protec ...
, motor, and motorcycle spare parts, books, and stationery, textiles, electric cables, and so on are produced in commercial quantity in the area. Its main trading centers include Nkwo Nnewi markets which are New motorcycle spare parts market (the largest spare parts market in Africa), Agbọ-Edo motor spare parts market, Nwagbala market, Generator parts market, Electrical parts market, Nkwọ Nnewi general market (Ime Afia),Nnewi Timber dealers market (Ọgbọ osisi), Nwafor market, Eke Amaobi market, Eke Ochie, Eke Ichi Market, Orie otube Market, Okpunoegbu market etc .


Agriculture and forestry

The main occupation of Nnewi people is trading, production and farming, therefore they depend mainly on commerce, entrepreneurship and
agriculture Agriculture or farming is the practice of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people ...
for their daily livelihood . Most Ndị Nnewi (Nnewi people) have mbụbọ (home gardens) and ubi (out-station gardens) where they usually cultivate their farm products . These crops when they are harvested are usually taken to the market for sale . Most of the prime cash crops include oil palm, raffia palm, groundnut, melon, cotton, cocoa, rubber, maize, et cetera. Food crops such as yam, cassava, cocoyam, breadfruit, and three-leaf yam are also produced in large quantities. The location of Nnewi within the tropical rainforest gives it the ecological basis for production of a wide range of tropical agriculture crops with widespread potential for industrial convention .


Industries

Nnewi is home to many major indigenous manufacturing industries including Ibeto Group of Companies, Cutix and ADswitch, Uru Industries Ltd, Omata Holdings Ltd, Cento Group of Companies, Coscharis of Companies Group, Innoson Group of Companies, Ebunso Nig. Ltd, John White Industries, Ejiamatu Group of Companies, Chicason Group, Louis Carter Group . The great majority of industrialists in the cluster of spare parts factories in Nnewi are also traders, and most of these traders are producing one or more of the products they specialize in marketing as traders (usually motor vehicle parts), and most began by distributing their products through their preexisting distribution networks . Nnewi is part of Eastern Nigeria's industrial axis. The town has through culturally grounded institutions that act as sophisticated networks expanded to include an international dimension through trading relations with exporters from Asia . Over the last decade, the town of Nnewi has experienced relatively rapid industrialization . In excess of 20 medium-to-large-scale industries have been established across a variety of sectors. Since 1970, Nnewi residents have controlled approximately 80 to 90 percent of the motor-parts trade in Nigeria . Nkwo Nnewi Market is the major import and wholesale point for motor spare parts in Nigeria . The industrialists of Nnewi are adapting foreign technology to local needs, providing employment to thousands, and making available goods and services which are relevant actual needs of the Nigerian citizens . The first indigenous car manufacturing plant is located in the city, while the first wholly Made-in-Nigeria motorcycle was manufactured in Nnewi by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) .


Auto parts

Nnewi is known for the vibrant auto industry in the city, the first Igbo man to own and drive a car was Sir Louis Ojukuwu, the father of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukuwu in 1912 . By 1940, Nnewi residents were at the center of an international trading network that dominated the supply of motor spare parts in Nigeria . The town subsequently became a center for commerce and industry, and has one of the largest automotive parts markets in Africa . Nnewi Township is an authentic "manufacturing miracle." Small and medium-sized industries have set up in the town and are producing not only for the Nigeria markets but albeit still to a limited extent for markets abroad . Industrialization of the town began around 1970 when Nnewi motor parts traders began marketing their own brand name products instead of the reproductions of "original" parts . There are several auto and motorcycle spare parts dealers in Nnewi; the Nnewi Motorcycle spare parts market is well known throughout
West Africa West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of Africa. The United Nations defines Western Africa as the 16 countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali ...
. There is also an auto plant, the first of its kind in Nigeria, owned by an Nnewi businessman, Innocent Chukwuma, Ono and a Chinese auto Company .


Markets

As Nnewi is the automobile hub of Africa, the city has so many markets where automobiles are sold both in wholesale and retail. There are also other markets where general goods, food stuff, body care products, building materials etc are sold . Below is a list of some of the markets in Nnewi: 1.New motorcycle spare parts. This market is said to be the third largest automobile market in the world by volume of goods. Brand new motorcycle parts of different brands are sold in this market . 2.Agbo-Edo motor spare parts market. In this market,different makes of brand new motor spare parts are sold . 3.Nwagbara Market. This is a market where you buy all sorts of fairly used motorcycle spare parts. Complete motorcycle both brand new and fairly used are also sold in this market 4.Generator Parts Market. This is a small market where you buy different types of power generators and their parts 5.Nkwo Nnewi general market(Ime Afia). This is the biggest market in Nnewi by landmass. In this market, you can get virtually everything starting from clothing materials, shoes, pharmaceutical products, food stuffs, provisions, cosmetics etc 6.Electrical/Electronics parts Market. This is a market where you buy different types of electronics and electrical products, both in wholesale and in retail. 7.Building materials Market. This market spans across a street known as Muodile street. It is where different types of building materials are sold in wholesale and retail 8.Timber dealers Market. This is a market where wood and timbers are being processed and sold.


Modern Shopping

Even as Nnewi has so many traditional open air markets, modern shopping culture is not missing out . Some modern shopping complexes in Nnewi are; -Roban Stores -G-MART Stores Etc


Culture

Nnewi, as a historical city, has many cultural events and places adorned with festivities and cultural monuments, including Edo Na Ezemewi shrine, Udoogwugwu shrine (Ichi), Kamanu shrine (Ichi), and many other shrines dotted across all sections of Nnewi city . Nnewi hosts many festivals, notably amongst them is the New yam ( Afiolu, also known as Ifejioku festival) which all parts of the city participates and masquerades from all federating towns participates in . The festival attracts all sorts of activities and celebrations which Nnewi residents hold in the highest esteem. In the average home of any Nnewi citizen, they usually keep kola nuts, garden egg and peanut butter in their refrigerator in case any stranger or visitor should visit their home . Every visitation to their home begins with the offering of the kola nuts to the visitor, the kola nut is indicating that the visitor is very much welcomed . The ritual of the offering of kola nut is inspired with the giving in prayers and blessing or lobby to the supreme God and other deities, for the protection of the visitor and the host . It seems to be a custom to the people of Nnewi in any of their traditional ceremonies .


Arts and crafts

Local artists thrive in this municipal rural communities. Works of art produced in the area comprises, carved doors, walking sticks of different designs, sculptures, flutes, wooden mortars and pestles, gongs, and the famous talking drums. Metal works and various types of productions are locally fashioned .


Music

The Nnewi people, just like every other Igbo group, have a musical style into which they incorporate various percussion instruments: the udu, which is essentially designed from a clay jug; an ekwe, which is formed from a hollowed log; and the ogene, a hand bell designed from forged iron. Other instruments include opi, a wind instrument similar to the flute, ịgbà, and ịchàkà . Traditional marriage There are three types of
marriages Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognized union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between ...
in Nnewi as also practiced across the
Nigerian Nigerians or the Nigerian people are citizens of Nigeria or people with ancestry from Nigeria. The name Nigeria was taken from the Niger River running through the country. This name was allegedly coined in the late 19th century by British jo ...
society: the traditional marriage held in the house of the woman; the official
wedding A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of marriage vo ...
, held in a registry office and which allows only one wife; and the religious marriage . The official marriage ceremony is called "Igbankwu", which is the Igbo word for the traditional marriage ceremony . Nnewi do not have an "engagement" ceremony. Rather, the Igbankwu is preceded by a series of events during which the potential bride's and groom's families engage each other to discuss the terms of the
marriage Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognized union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between ...
. Perhaps this can be characterized as an engagement. Please note that
Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
has 250 ethnic groups and each varies on
marriage Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognized union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between ...
traditions. Further, within groups there can be even greater differentiation.


Cultural attire

The
traditional A tradition is a belief or behavior (folk custom) passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. A component of cultural expressions and folklore, common examples include holidays or ...
attire for the men is an overflowing jumper or a long-sleeved shirt worn over the gooji wrapper, which is tied around the waist, curving down to the ankles. This dress is matched with a cap and a walking stick, which aids as an instrument of support and defense. The traditional wear for the women is a blouse, worn over a loin cloth. This female attire goes with a head-tie ear rings and necklaces or traditional necklaces.


New Yam Festival

In Nnewi, the occasion of Iri-ji ọhụrụ (new-yam eating) is a cultural festival because of its significance. Nnewi people celebrate their new yam festival usually at the end of August during which assortment of festivities mark the eating of new yam. These festivities normally include a lot of variety entertainment including performance of ceremonial rites by the Igwe (King), cultural dances by Igbo men, women and their children as well as a display of Igbo cultural activities in the form of contemporary shows, masquerade dance, and feasting at a grand scale on a wide variety of food making up the menu of the Igbos. The first day of the festival the Igwe of Nnewi will officiate the Harvest thanksgiving ceremony at his palace where the yams are offered to gods and ancestors first before distributing them to the villagers. After the prayer of thanksgiving to god, The Igwe eats the first yam because it is believed that his position gives him the privilege of being intermediaries between Nnewi communities and the gods of the land. The rituals involved in the new yam eating are meant to express the community's appreciation to the gods for making the harvest of their yams possible. This therefore explains the three aspect of Igbo worldview, that they are pragmatic, religious and appreciative. This ceremony has been celebrated for centuries and as has always presented the right conditions for all and sundry, family and friends to come together to demonstrate their commitment and solidarity to their local community. Due to this fact, the Igbos every where in the world do celebrate this event in a highly captivating manner in order to protect and celebrate the enriched cultural heritage of her people.


Religion

Religion occupies a central place in the heart of Nnewi people. This counts for the huge churches and religious practices in the city. The people of Nnewi are 96%
Christian Christians () are people who follow or adhere to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The words ''Christ'' and ''Christian'' derive from the Koine Greek title ''Christós'' (Χρι ...
, with small fractions of other faiths: 2% traditionalist, 0.2%
Jews Jews ( he, יְהוּדִים, , ) or Jewish people are an ethnoreligious group and nation originating from the Israelites Israelite origins and kingdom: "The first act in the long drama of Jewish history is the age of the Israelites""The ...
, 0.3%
Muslims Muslims ( ar, المسلمون, , ) are people who adhere to Islam, a monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God of Abrah ...
and 1.5% others. Among the Christian community, the
catholic The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...
and
Anglican Communion The Anglican Communion is the third largest Christian communion after the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. Founded in 1867 in London, the communion has more than 85 million members within the Church of England and other ...
shares a greater number of followers followed by other Pentecostal Christian groups.
Christianity Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world's largest and most widespread religion with roughly 2.38 billion followers representing one-third of the global popula ...
first came on the Southeastern part of Nigeria with the arrival of the Holy Ghost missionaries from Gabon to Onitsha under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Lutz late on Saturday December 5, 1885. Fr. Joseph Shanahan (The Apostle of Igboland) joined them in 1902 and when the mantle of leadership fell on him in 1905, history was set to record the evangelization of Roman Catholic Diocese of Nnewi. The stream of this evangelization was to flow through two main courses almost concurrently: one having Nnewi as its source and the other Ozubulu/Ihiala. Though individuals from various communities have come in contact with the faith as they traveled to Onitsha and other places for trade and in quest of western education, the actual planting of the seed of the gospel in Nnewi Diocese from the Catholic perspective sprang from the treks of Fr. Victor Duhaze to Ozubulu through Oguta (1906) and to Nnewi through Umuoji, Ojoto Mili Agu down to Odida Nnewichi in 1906. However, the
Anglican Anglicanism is a Western Christian tradition that has developed from the practices, liturgy, and identity of the Church of England following the English Reformation, in the context of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. It is one of t ...
Church was established in Nnewi from
Obosi Obosi is a city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is a city hosting one of the most famous market in Nigeria, Mgbuka Obosi, among others. it also hosts the metropolitan areas of Enekwasumpu, Ozalla, Army Barracks, Umuota and Awada which ...
in 1893. But the seed of what is today Nnewi Diocese was sown in 1809. Requests were made by Odida. Community in Nnewichi inviting Fr. J. Shanahan. In the same year, some Ozubulu indigenes had registered the same requests for establishing a Church station at Ozubulu. Nnewi people are proud of there traditional
Odinani Ọdinani (), also ''Omenala'', ''Omenana'', ''Odinana'' or ''Ọmenani'', are the traditional cultural beliefs and practices of the Igbo people of south east Nigeria.Afulezy, Uj"On Odinani, the Igbo Religion", ''Niger Delta Congress'', Nig ...
as well as the new religion of Christianity. @(Note:The Church Missionary Society CMS under the leadership of Bishop
Samuel Ajayi Crowther Samuel Ajayi Crowther ( – 31 December 1891), was a Yoruba linguist, clergyman, and the first African Anglican bishop of West Africa. Born in Osogun (in what is now Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, Nigeria), he and his family were captured by slave raid ...
and Reverend Henry Townsend arrived Onitsha on July 27, 1857)


Social issues


Health

Nnewi hosts a number of institutions and places of learning and healing, which include Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) and a number of international agencies. The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, is in the forefront of providing excellent health services to the nation. The hospital and its annexes since inception has provided specialized and comprehensive medical care to the immediate community and beyond. Its mandate also includes undergraduate and postgraduate medical and paramedical training as well as research. These services have grown from strength to strength through the years fueled by comprehensive annual plans approved by the Federal Government. There are also other several countless standard private hospitals across the city


Education

The ancient city of Nnewi hosts a number of traditional and formal learning institutions and places of learning, which include a Medical University: Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Government secondary schools: Okongwu Memorial Grammar School, Maria Regina Secondary School, Nnewi High School, Ichi Technical School (Ichi Community), Ichi Girls, Akoboezemu Community Secondary School, Anglican Girls Secondary School, Nnewi-Ichi Community Secondary School etc. Private schools: Summit International School, The Good Shepherd School, New Era School, Dr. Alutu's College of Excellence School, christ the king, etc.


Crime

Crime rates are low but civil disputes such as land ownership and family inheritance exist. In more recent times, the market square and banks have experienced well publicized and organized criminal attacks that have been allegedly linked to the local police. There are now open debates on reinstating a local vigilante crime fighting group called the Bakkassi Boys,Crackdown on Nigerian vigilantes http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2181337.stm who had a multi-year stint in Nnewi in the late 1990s when crime was on the increase. This group had a modus operandi that many considered barbaric but necessary – convicted thieves were killed in public by dismembering their body parts with a sharp machete and burning them alive. The activities of this group of men which had permission of the Governor of the state was seen by the Human rights activists and civil right movement as a violation of
human rights Human rights are moral principles or normsJames Nickel, with assistance from Thomas Pogge, M.B.E. Smith, and Leif Wenar, 13 December 2013, Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyHuman Rights Retrieved 14 August 2014 for certain standards of hu ...
and campaigned against their practices. Recently, Nnewi is relatively peaceful except for isolated occurrences of kidnapping of prominent local citizens for large ransoms.


Transportation

The primary means of transportation in Nnewi are motorcycles. Almost every household owns at least one motorcycle and the commercial motorcycles exist too. There are also shuttles and tricycles complementing the motorcycles as the means of transportation available across the city. Nnewi is also well known as the home of several transport and logistics businesses since the end of the second world war. Philip Odumegwu Ojukwu was one of Nigeria's first transporters and since then, many more transporters have emerged from Nnewi. Some of the Nnewi owned transport firms in
Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
are: * Chi Di Ebere Transport Ltd * Ekene Dili Chukwu Nig. Ltd. * Ijeoma Motors Nig. Ltd. * Ekeson Motors Ltd * Izuchukwu Nig. Ltd. * Nsoedo Transport Ltd * Orizu Transport Limited * Bluebase Transport Solutions * Izu Okaka Anaedo Ltd * UBI Logistic and Transport Ltd * Nwa CHINEKE Ltd Door to Door Charter Service


Hotels

Nnewi is also fast growing in the hospitality industry with modern hotels that include; *Dabara Hotel and Suites *Swiss Park Hotel *Classic Munich Hotel and Resorts *De Next Centre Hotel *Rizz Park hotel *Regent Hotel *Twin Towers Hotel *Con-vAj *The Nnewi Hotel and Events Center *Chiunique Royal Hotel & Suites *Executive Golden Nugget hotel *Hotel De Robin *Lennox Hotel *De Vegas Hotel *Bethel Suite *Beverly Hills Hotel and Resorts *Glamour Park Hotel *Ochendo Hotel *Best Option Hotel *Seymour Hotel *King's Palace Hotel *Jideofor Hotel *Tell Model Hotel *Train Station Hotel *Ojiofor Hotel *Adili Hotel *Transit Homes *Regal Suite/Beetles Lounge


Sport

* Gabros International F.C. is based in the city, Presently known as Ifeanyi Ubah FC (2016 Nigeria Federation Cup Champions) *Also in 2017 football season Nnewi United football club was formed to participate in the Nigeria National league. *Nnewi sports club (lawn tennis and badminton.) *Beverly Hills Resort Recreational Club The people of Nnewi also have a great sporting culture, especially in football. Local football leagues are typically organized in August during the Afiaolu festival (Afiaolu league) and in December during the Christmas period (December league). These leagues, often sponsored by wealth people of Nnewi, are organized by the four main quarters of Nnewi for the different communities within the quarters.


Restaurants

Several fast food chains such as Mr Bigg's, Ever Fresh, Kitchen De Royale, Gracia salad, N.K Salad, Chicken Legacy, are Milky Chunky are located in Nnewi. There are also a variety of local restaurants offering a variety of continental & Igbo dishes as well as indoor and outdoor catering services.


Notable people

*General
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Chukwuemeka "Emeka" Odumegwu Ojukwu (4 November 1933 – 26 November 2011) was a Nigerian military officer, statesman and politician who served as the military governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria in 1966 and the president of the s ...
(Ikemba Nnewi); former military governor of the Eastern region of Nigeria and first president of defunct Republic of
Biafra Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a partially recognised secessionist state in West Africa that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970. Its territory consisted of the predominantly Igbo-populated f ...
* Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, KBE; One time richest man in Africa, founder and first president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and father of General
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Chukwuemeka "Emeka" Odumegwu Ojukwu (4 November 1933 – 26 November 2011) was a Nigerian military officer, statesman and politician who served as the military governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria in 1966 and the president of the s ...
* Prince
Nwafor Orizu Prince Abyssinia Akweke Nwafor Orizu (17 July 1914 – 1999) was a Nigerian of Igbo origin who served as President of the Nigerian Senate from 1963 to 15 January 1966, during the Nigerian First Republic. Orizu was also Acting President of N ...
; writer, politician and educationist, 2nd Senate President of Nigeria (16, 1960 to January 15, 1966) and acting president of Nigeria (1965–1966) * Dr. Edward Ikem Okeke; former deputy president of the PRP Political Party * Dr. Chu Okongwu; former
Minister of Finance A finance minister is an executive or cabinet position in charge of one or more of government finances, economic policy and financial regulation. A finance minister's portfolio has a large variety of names around the world, such as "treasury", ...
,
Federal Republic of Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of ...
* Prof.
Kingsley Moghalu Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu OON (born 7 May 1963) is a Nigerian political economist. He served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, appointed by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, from 2009 to 2014. He subsequently taught at Tufts Univers ...
, OON, former deputy governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is the central bank and apex monetary authority of Nigeria established by the CBN Act of 1958 and commenced operations on 1 July 1959. The major regulatory objectives of the bank as stated in the CBN Act are ...
*
Igwe Orizu I (Eze Ugbonyamba) Igwe Orizu I (Eze Ugbonyamba; born 1881–1924) was the 18th Obi of Otolo and the Igwe of Nnewi kingdom. He was the traditional supreme ruler and spiritual leader in Nnewi, an Igbo city in Eastern Nigeria. Eze Ugbonyamba was crowned the Ki ...
; 18th Igwe Nnewi and the first Igbo person to own and drive a car * Joseph N. C. Egemonye (Abianaomume); journalist, writer, businessman, politician; founder of ''The Nigeria Monitor'' newspaper, co-founder of ''The Winston-Salem Chronicle'' newspaper. * Felix Ezejiofor Okonkwo (Okonkwo-Kano); Prominent Igbo leader in Northern Nigeria (1960s). * Chief Cletus Ibeto (Omekannia), CON; industrialist and philanthropist *
Senator A senate is a deliberative assembly, often the upper house or chamber of a bicameral legislature. The name comes from the ancient Roman Senate (Latin: ''Senatus''), so-called as an assembly of the senior (Latin: ''senex'' meaning "the el ...
Onyeabo Obi (Oso-Oji Nnewi); Second Republic senator * Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah; Nigerian politician *
Senator A senate is a deliberative assembly, often the upper house or chamber of a bicameral legislature. The name comes from the ancient Roman Senate (Latin: ''Senatus''), so-called as an assembly of the senior (Latin: ''senex'' meaning "the el ...
Z. C. Obi (Eze-Onunekwulu-Igbo Na Okemili Nnewi); First indigenous east Niger produce Manager of
UAC Nigeria The United Africa Company of Nigeria is a Nigerian publicly listed company based in Lagos. Its areas of operation include manufacturing, services, logistics and warehousing, agricultural and real estate. UACN's food operations include UAC Fra ...
, president of the Igbo State Union and appointed senator in the First Republic. * Late Chief Onuzulike Daniel Okonkwo (Ozuome-Nnewi); diplomat, educator, and writer. Chief Okonkwo was the first indigenous Principal of Okongwu Memorial Grammar School, Nnewi, Nigeria, and the former chairman of Onitsha Southern County Council * Engr (Chief) Francis Christian Nnodumene Agbasi (Omenka Nnewi); first Nigerian rector/principal, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos and engineer and founding partner, Frank Agbasi & Partners. * Mr. Benson Egemonye; Nigerian professional basketball player. * Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor; Nnewi North representative, Anambra State House of Assembly. * Evangelist. Cosmas Maduka; founder of Coscharis Group * Dame.
Virginia Etiaba Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba (born 11 November 1942) is a Nigerian politician who served as Governor of Anambra State, a state in South-Eastern Nigeria, from November 2006 to February 2007. Etiaba was the first woman to serve as governor of a Nige ...
; first Nigerian female governor; former governor and deputy governor of
Anambra state Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi St ...
. * Chief Olisa Metuh; former PDP national publicity secretary. * Mr. Cornel Osigwe;Publisher, Anaedoonline.ng * Adaeze Atuegwu; author * Senator Ifeanyi Ubah; Current Senator, Anambra South Federal Constituency * Mazi Afam Osigwe Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN


References

{{Authority control Populated places in Anambra State Tropics 1904 establishments in the Southern Nigeria Protectorate