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| government_type = Monarchy
| government_type = Monarchy
| leader_title = [[Eze]]
| leader_title = [[Eze]]
| leader_name = HRM Eze Nkwo Okey
| leader_name = Eze HRM Elder Chukwudike Ebila Ironsi (Awom Oboro) & Eze HRM I.C. Ezeala (Ibeuzo Ukwu)
| established_title = <!-- Settled -->
| established_title = <!-- Settled -->
| established_date =
| established_date =
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| name = Amawom
| name = Amawom
}}
}}
'''Amawom''' is a town in [[Oboro (Nigeria)|Oboro]], [[Ikwuano]] [[Local government areas of Nigeria|Local Government Area]] of [[Abia State]], [[Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ezugwu |first=Obinna |title=2023: What Ndigbo Must Do - Rep Onuigbo - Business Hallmark |url=https://hallmarknews.com/2023-what-ndigbo-must-do-rep-onuigbo/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=hallmarknews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ikwuano LGA |url=https://www.finelib.com/listing/Ikwuano-LGA/62186/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.finelib.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Ajiri |date=2020-09-16 |title=Abia communities cry out for help as gully erosion bites harder |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/abia-communities-cry-out-for-help-as-gully-erosion-bites-harder/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=The Sun Nigeria |language=en-us}}</ref> The name is derived from two words''; Ama'' meaning location and ''Awom'' meaning farm.<ref name=":0">Mazi J. K. Okey, the President of Appeal Court Mbiopong (Chief) and Nwakudu Awazie (Councillor) for Amawom, Mazi Okoronkwo Ogwudu for Umudike, on the 5th of May, 1953</ref> Amawom is believed to have been discovered in the 18th century.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Obasi |first=Victor |title=The Last Prophet |publisher=m.okadabooks |location=Nigeria |pages=1 |language=English}}</ref> Awom [[Oboro (Nigeria)|Oboro]] and Ibeuzo Ukwu are the autonomous communities of Amawom. [[English language|English]] and [[Igbo language|Igbo]] are the languages spoken in the town.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ikwuano Local Government Area |url=https://www.manpower.com.ng/places/lga/42/ikwuano |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.manpower.com.ng}}</ref>
'''Amawom''' is a town in [[Oboro (Nigeria)|Oboro]], [[Ikwuano]] [[Local government areas of Nigeria|Local Government Area]] of [[Abia State]], [[Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ezugwu |first=Obinna |title=2023: What Ndigbo Must Do - Rep Onuigbo - Business Hallmark |url=https://hallmarknews.com/2023-what-ndigbo-must-do-rep-onuigbo/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=hallmarknews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ikwuano LGA |url=https://www.finelib.com/listing/Ikwuano-LGA/62186/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.finelib.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Ajiri |date=2020-09-16 |title=Abia communities cry out for help as gully erosion bites harder |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/abia-communities-cry-out-for-help-as-gully-erosion-bites-harder/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=The Sun Nigeria |language=en-us}}</ref> The name is derived from two words''; Ama'' meaning location and ''Awom'' meaning farm.<ref name=":0">Mazi J. K. Okey, the President of Appeal Court Mbiopong (Chief) and Nwakudu Awazie (Councillor) for Amawom, Mazi Okoronkwo Ogwudu for Umudike, on the 5th of May, 1953</ref> Amawom is believed to have been discovered in the 18th century.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Obasi |first=Victor |title=The Last Prophet |publisher=m.okadabooks |location=Nigeria |pages=1 |language=English}}</ref> Awom Oboro and Ibeuzo Ukwu are the autonomous communities of Amawom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Chukwu |date=2020-04-30 |title=Covid-19: Ikwuano traditional rulers donate relief materials to subjects - Orient Daily News |url=https://orientdailynews.com/geopolis/abia/covid-19-ikwuano-traditional-rulers-donate-relief-materials-to-subjects/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> [[English language|English]] and [[Igbo language|Igbo]] are the languages spoken in the town.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ikwuano Local Government Area |url=https://www.manpower.com.ng/places/lga/42/ikwuano |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=www.manpower.com.ng}}</ref>


==History==
==History==

Amawom is made up of 10 villages namely; Mgbaja, Agbommiri, Umuobia, Mbachukwu, Umuokom, Mbakamanu, Mbaisara, Aga, Amaya and Aruamaeke.
Amawom is made up of 10 villages namely; Mgbaja, Agbommiri, Umuobia, Mbachukwu, Umuokom, Mbakamanu, Mbaisara, Aga, Amaya and Aruamaeke.


History had it that the present composition of Amawom has not always been so, but that the different villages migrated from different areas to the present settlement. The present harmony in culture is as a result of age long years of social and cultural interaction.
History has it that the present composition of
In the pre-colonial days when there were still vast unoccupied lands in different areas, people migrated from one location to another in search of better conditions of living. This could either be in quest for better land, portable water or just a more accommodating space. This movement could also be as a result of inter-tribal squabbles and wars. Such conditions aforementioned necessitated the migration of the present inhabitants of Amawom from their previous locations.
Amawom has not always been so, but that the
Oral tradition has it that the first settlers in Amawom are the Mgbajas. They migrated and settled with other settlers first at Olori Oboro where presently there is a [[customary court]]. It is said that at a point in time, a member of one of the nuclear families in Olori called Igbo Nwanyi owned a [[cow]]. This cow grazed freely in the surrounding bushes. A time came when there was a [[drought]] and water became scarce. The cow
different villages migrated from different areas to
started going long distances, sometimes staying some days out before returning home. They noticed however that each time the cow returned, it carried white [[clay]] (nzu) on its legs. So they suspected that there must be a [[stream]] wherever the cow went to drink water.
the present settlement. The present harmony in
With this reasoning, Igbo Nwanyi sent his slaves to trail the cow in its next grazing journey. The
culture is as a result of age long years of social
slaves followed the cow and were led to a stream where they saw earlier foot prints of the cow. The slaves reported back to their master, who then took his family and slaves and settled near the stream which he called ‘Iyi Ukwu” (big stream). That first spot in which they settled had many [[umbrella]]-like trees called ‘Uru’. Hence, the place is called ‘Mbara Uru' (Uru Arena). This spot consequently became the center for all socio-cultural and commercial activities in Amawom. The Mgbaja being the earliest settlers have the status of the first son (opara) in Amawom.
and cultural interaction.
In the pre-colonial days when there were still vast unoccupied lands in different areas, people migrated from one location to another in search of a better condition of living. This could either be in quest for better land, portable water or just a
more accommodating space. This movement could also be as a result of inter tribal squabbles and wars. Such conditions aforementioned necessitated the migration of the present inhabitants of Amawom from their previous locations.
Oral tradition has it that the first settlers in
Amawom are the Mgbajas. They migrated and settled with other settlers first at Olori [[Oboro (Nigeria)|Oboro]] where presently there is a [[customary court]].
It is said that at a point in time, a member of one
of the nuclear families in Olori called Igbo Nwanyi
owned a cow. This cow grazes freely in the surrounding bushes. A time came when there was drought and water became scarce. The cow started going long distances, sometimes staying some days away before returning home. They noticed however that each time the cow returns, it carried white [[clay]] (nzu) on its legs. So they suspected that there must be a stream wherever the cow went to drink water. With this reasoning, Igbo Nwanyi sent his slaves to trail the cow in the next grazing journey. The slaves followed the cow and were led to a stream where they saw earlier foot prints of the cow. The
slaves reported back to their master, who then took his
family and slaves and settled near the stream which he called ‘Iyi Ukwu” (big stream). That first
spot they settled has many [[umbrella]]-like trees
called ‘Uru’. Hence the place is called ‘Mbara Uru” (Uru Arena). This place consequently became the center for all socio cultural and commercial activities in Amawom. The Mgbaja
being the earlier settlers have the status of the first son (opara) in Amawom.
After the Mgbajas, came another group migrating from [[Bende, Abia|Bende]]. They settled near Mgbaja and are known as Agbommiri. This reflects the location of the village acting as the water
After the Mgbajas, came another group migrating from [[Bende, Abia|Bende]]. They settled near Mgbaja and are known as Agbommiri. This reflects the location of the village acting as the water
receptacle of the town (‘ndi mmiri na ebulatari aku’) as all [[waterfalls]] drain towards Agbommiri.
receptacle of the town (‘ndi mmiri na ebulatari aku’) as all [[waterfalls]] drain towards Agbommiri.
Umuobia, the third settlers came from Ohokobe Ndume. Their ancestor, Obia settled north of Mgbaja. The people still maintain some links with their kinsmen at Ohokobe Ndume as they exchange visits during festivals.
Umuobia, the third settlers came from Ohokobe Ndume. Their ancestor, Obia settled north of Mgbaja. The people still maintain some links with their kinsmen at Ohokobe Ndume as they exchange visits during festivals.
The next after Umuobia was Mbaisara. They migrated from Iyalu in [[Ibere]]. Next in sequence is Aga. They migrated from [[Bende, Abia|Bende]] too. The first man to settle from Ndiokoro
The next after Umuobia was Mbaisara. They migrated from Iyalu in [[Ibere]].
Next in sequence was Aga. They migrated from [[Bende, Abia|Bende]] too. The first man to settle from Ndiokoro
Ukwu Bende in Aga was Maazi Ikpo. He as a result of a minor misunderstanding arising from the inception of exalted beings to hold and control certain offices of serving their [[juju]] which he was against, left to settle somewhere which
Ukwu [[Bende, Abia|Bende]] in Aga is Mazi Ikpo. As a result
he located at Ukpom Bende where he had old friends who previously occupied the town before him. He settled with his two sons; Amaobi and Nwulu. They later continued their journey leaving majority of their relatives at Ukpom Bende and finally settling at Amawom. He was a prominent [[farmer]] and [[blacksmith]], he produced [[Hoe (tool)|hoes]], [[cutlasses]] and [[gun|local guns]]. He acquired enough land for his descendants. Aga came with her own culture. Every child born in Aga must unfailingly have a [[nickname]]. This does not cause any dispute among them. It is inherited from their ancestors.
of a minor misunderstanding arising from the origin of exalted beings to hold and control certain offices of serving their [[juju]] which he was against, left to settle somewhere which was at Ukpom [[Bende, Abia|Bende]] where he had old friends who previously occupied the town before him. He settled with his two sons, Amaobi and
After Aga followed, the Mbachukwu were next, they also migrated from [[Bende, Abia|Bende]]. Then followed the Mbakamanu, their ancestors first settled at Ekebedi in [[Oboro (Nigeria)|Oboro]] from where they eventually settled in Amawom at last.
Nwulu. They later continued their journey leaving
The next was Umuokom, their ancestor Okom, migrated from Mbom in [[Ibeku]].
majority of their relatives at Ukpom [[Bende, Abia|Bende]] and finally settled at Aga. Mazi Ikpo was a prominent [[farmer]] and [[blacksmith]], he produced [[hoes]], matchets and [[gun|local guns]]. He acquired enough land for his descendants. The Aga people came with their own culture and every child born in Aga must unfailingly have a nickname. This does not cause any dispute among them. It is inherited from their ancestors.
The next was Amaya. They migrated from [[Isiala Oboro]], formerly called Mbiopong.
After Aga followed, Mbachukwu was next, they also
migrated from [[Bende, Abia|Bende]]. Then followed Mbakamanu, their ancestors first settled at Ekebedi in [[Oboro (Nigeria)|Oboro]] from where they eventually came to Amawom at last.
The next was Umuokom, their ancestor, Okom migrated from Mbom in [[Ibeku]]. The next was Amaya. They migrated from [[Isiala Oboro]], formerly called [[Isiala Oboro|Mbiopong]]. [[Isiala Oboro|Mbiopong]] is currently the headquarters of [[Ikwuano]] [[Local government areas of Nigeria|LGA]].
The last settlers were the Aru Amaeke people. They
The last settlers were the Aru Amaeke people. They
migrated from [[Arochukwu]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">History of Amawom Oboro by Mazi Azuh as told by Mazi Anyanwu Okechukwu (NEFIK)</ref>
migrated from [[Arochukwu]].

Missionaries arrived Amawom in the year 1916. Mazi Olekagoha is presently the eldest man of Amawom. They have a [[juju]] called Ogwuma which is similar to the one at Ekeweri (Ekebedi). The first [[oil mill]] in [[Ikwuano]] is situated in Amawom.<ref name=":0" />


==Culture==
==Culture==

Amawom is a town rich in culture. According to their customs, the hamlets share their rights commonly in order of merit in their activities held at Amawom. Festivals in Amawom include
Amawom is a town rich in culture. According to their customs, the hamlets share their rites commonly in order of [[Meritocracy|merit]] in their activities holding in Amawom.
Igba Mgba, Iri Iji, Igbu Ehi, Uju Agbala, Igba Ikoro,
[[Festival|Festivals]] in Amawom include:
Uju Ede, Iri Ero, Isi Okonko, Egwu Ikpa, Inya Agwo,
Igba Mgba, Iri Iji, Igbu Ehi, Uju Agbala, Igba Ikoro, Uju Ede, Iri Ero, Isi Okonko, Egwu Ikpa, Inya Agwo, Izu Ahia, Igba Ekpe etc.
Izu Ahia, Igba [[Ekpe]] etc.
Among the cultural heritage of Amawom people, the [[Ekpe]] festival has its climax at the beheading of a [[goat]] with one stroke of a matchet by a masquerade.
Among the cultural heritage of Amawom people is the [[Ekpe]] festival which has its climax at the
beheading of a [[goat]] with one stroke of a [[matchet]] by a masquerade.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Ekpe Festival in Umuahia, Abia State Nigeria - Finelib.com Events |url=https://www.finelib.com/events/festivals/ekpe-festival-umuahia/241 |access-date=2023-02-14 |website=www.finelib.com}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

==Economy==
==Economy==

Economically, Amawom is also rich. They have enough farmland in which they cultivate to produce different kinds of food, such as [[garri]], [[melon]], [[yam]], [[maize]], [[cocoyam]], [[pumpkin]], [[cocoa]], [[plantain]], [[banana]], [[palm oil]], [[timber]] etc. which are sold at cheaper prices. When all these items are sold in their daily market which starts at 4pm and closes by 7pm, it yields a lot of revenue for Amawom people.
Economically, Amawom is rich. They have enough farmland in which they cultivate to produce different kinds of food such as [[garri]], [[melon]], [[Yam (vegetable)|yam]], [[maize]], [[cocoyam]], [[pumpkin]], [[Cocoa bean|cocoa]], [[Cooking banana|plantain]], [[banana]], [[palm oil]], [[timber]] and many others which are sold at cheap prices. When all these items are sold in their daily market which starts at 4pm and closes by 7pm, it yields a lot of [[revenue]] for the Amawom people.
Amawom is also a commercial center of [[Ikwuano]], many villages in [[Oboro (Nigeria)|Oboro]] come to Amawom for trading.
Amawom is also a commercial center, many villages in [[Oboro (Nigeria)|Oboro]] come to Amawom for [[trading]].
Mbara Uru market is the center for [[commerce]] and [[trade]]. Amawom is blessed with different kinds of natural resources such as good drinking water, [[farmland]], economic trees, [[wildlife]]/animals, [[forests]] etc.
Mbara Uru Market is the center for [[commerce]] and [[trade]]. Amawom is blessed with different kinds of [[Natural resource|natural resources]] such as good drinking water, [[Agricultural land|farmland]], economic trees, [[wildlife]], [[Forest|forests]] etc.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />

==Religion==
==Religion==


There are two types of religion in Amawom. They are [[Christianity]] and [[Traditional Religion]] religions.
There are two types of religions practiced in Amawom. They are [[Christianity]] and the [[Traditional African religions|Traditional]] religions. The [[Christians]] are to obey the commandments of [[God]] and follow the teachings of [[Jesus Christ]].
The traditionalists worship [[Deity|deities]]. The oracles in Amawom are Ogwuma, Ahia Njoku, Ala Isi Ama etc. The only person permitted to make sacrifices to these [[gods]] is a chief priest. When the priest dies, the next elderly person in the family succeeds him.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
The Christians are to obey the commandments of [[God]] and follow the teachings of [[Jesus Christ]].
The traditionalists believe in [[idols]] and/or [[deities]]. The oracles in Amawom are Ogwuma, Ahia Njoku, Ala Isi Ama and many others. The only person to make sacrifices to these gods is the chief priest. When the priest dies, the next elderly person in the family
succeeds him.


==Politics==
==Politics==

During the pre-colonial era, Amawom had no chief. The system of governance was segmental. Decision making was based on different autonomous groups that are within the family level. Policy making was always at the house of the eldest man of the family.
During pre-colonial era, Amawom had no [[Tribal chief|chief]]. The system of government was segmental.
Due to the [[Amalgamation of Nigeria|Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates]] in 1914, Amawom had her first Chief in Chief Okukuru who was then succeeded by Chief Iroatu,
then High Chief Nzeribe Orunta, then the last Chief before the creation of autonomy was Chief N.N. Okey. As a result of the creation of more autonomous communities, Amawom got two autonomous communities and they are, Ibe Uzo and Awom. The first [[Eze]] of Awom was Late HRH Eze U. Orunta and Ibe Uzo's was the Late HRH Major Irole.
Decision making was based on different autonomous groups that are within the family level. Policy making was always carried out in the house of the eldest man of the family. The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 caused Amawom to have her first Chief in Chief Okukuru who was then succeeded by Chief Iroatu, then High Chief Nzeribe Orunta, then the last Chief before the creation of [[autonomy]] was Chief N.N. Okey. As a result of the creation of more [[Autonomous Communities Administration|autonomous communities]], Amawom got two autonomous communities and they are: Ibe Uzo and Awom. The first Eze of Awom was Late HRH Eze U. Orunta, and Ibe Uzo's was Late HRH Major Irole. Presently, the central working committee has a cabinet in which there are representatives from each village, age grade, Ndi-Nkwo-Ukwu and the [[youth]]. All these groups act as the [[Legislator|legislators]] of the community. The [[Age grade|age grades]] act as [[policemen]] and [[tax collectors]]. The Ndi Nkwo-Ukwu settle disputes, they also act as the [[judiciary]]. There is no [[Separation of powers|separation of power]] because the three arms of
government work hand in hand.
Presently, the central working committee has a cabinet in which there are representatives from each village, age grade, Ndi-Nkwo-Ukwu and the youths. All of these groups are the [[legislators]] of the community.
Amawom is politically organized. In political matters, it is not [[autocratic]] rather it is [[Democracy|democratic]] because people are allowed to air
The age grades act as the [[policemen]] and [[tax collectors]]. The Ndi Nkwo-Ukwu settles disputes,
their views before a decision is taken. The people’s reaction determines the type of decision to be taken. Decision making is by [[Consensus decision-making|consensus]].
they also act as the [[judiciary]]. There is no separation of power because the three arms of
government in Amawom work hand in hand.
Amawom is politically organized. In political matters, it is not [[autocratic]] rather it is [[democratic]] because people are allowed to air their views before decisions are taken. The people’s reaction determines the type of decision to be taken. Decision making is by [[consensus]].
Whenever a decision is to be taken, the people and social groups are always consulted.
Whenever a decision is to be taken, the people and social groups are always consulted.
An Amawom Chief/[[Eze]] doesn’t have power like the [[Emirs]] of [[Northern Nigeria]]. If he makes a wrong policy, the people must oppose him. [[Igbo people|Igbos]] don’t necessarily recognize [[Chiefs]]. This is why political affairs
Amawom Chiefs/[[Eze|Ezes]] don’t have power like the [[Emirs]] of [[Northern Nigeria]]. If he makes a wrong policy, the people must oppose him.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
in Amawom are democratically organized.


==Socio-political Structure==
==Socio-political structure==
The 10 villages in Amawom inter-marry. They also inter-marry with other neighboring villages, because of this they settle their disputes amicably for being related by blood one way or the other.
The 10 villages of Amawom [[endogamy|intermarry]]. They also intermarry with other neighboring villages, because of this they settle their disputes amicably for being related by blood in one way or the other. Different social groups contribute to/with political leaders to administer their duties. But if they are looked down on, opposition arises, and it may lead to political instability.
Kindreds visit and entertain their people during the New Yam and [[Ekpe]] festivals. Amawom also organizes [[traditional wrestling]] in which neighboring villages come to witness.
Different social groups contribute political leaders to administer their duties. But if they are looked down on, oppositions arises, and it can lead to political instability.
Mbara Uru market is the [[social centre]] of Amawom and different social activities take place there.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
Kindreds visit and entertain their people during [[New Yam Festival of the Igbo|New Yam]] and [[Ekpe]] Festivals. Amawom
also organizes traditional wrestling in which neighboring villages come to witness.
Mbara Uru market is the social center in Amawom and different social activities take place
there.


==Schools==
==Schools==

Latest revision as of 07:35, 5 April 2024

Amawom
Amawom
Town
Amawom
Amawom is located in Nigeria
Amawom
Amawom
Location of Amawom in Nigeria
Coordinates: 5°28′0″N 7°34′0″E / 5.46667°N 7.56667°E / 5.46667; 7.56667
Country Nigeria
StateAbia State
L.G.AIkwuano
ClanOboro
Government
 • TypeMonarchy
 • EzeEze HRM Elder Chukwudike Ebila Ironsi (Awom Oboro) & Eze HRM I.C. Ezeala (Ibeuzo Ukwu)
Elevation
449 ft (137 m)
Population
 (2023)
 • Total
15,000
 • Ethnicities
Igbo
 • Religion
Christianity
Time zoneUTC+1 (WAT)
3-digit postal code prefix
440109
Area code440
ISO 3166 codeNG.AB.IK
Websitehttps://ng.geoview.info/amawom,7073524

Amawom is a town in Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria.[1][2][3] The name is derived from two words; Ama meaning location and Awom meaning farm.[4] Amawom is believed to have been discovered in the 18th century.[5] Awom Oboro and Ibeuzo Ukwu are the autonomous communities of Amawom.[6] English and Igbo are the languages spoken in the town.[7]

History

[edit]

Amawom is made up of 10 villages namely; Mgbaja, Agbommiri, Umuobia, Mbachukwu, Umuokom, Mbakamanu, Mbaisara, Aga, Amaya and Aruamaeke.

History had it that the present composition of Amawom has not always been so, but that the different villages migrated from different areas to the present settlement. The present harmony in culture is as a result of age long years of social and cultural interaction. In the pre-colonial days when there were still vast unoccupied lands in different areas, people migrated from one location to another in search of better conditions of living. This could either be in quest for better land, portable water or just a more accommodating space. This movement could also be as a result of inter-tribal squabbles and wars. Such conditions aforementioned necessitated the migration of the present inhabitants of Amawom from their previous locations. Oral tradition has it that the first settlers in Amawom are the Mgbajas. They migrated and settled with other settlers first at Olori Oboro where presently there is a customary court. It is said that at a point in time, a member of one of the nuclear families in Olori called Igbo Nwanyi owned a cow. This cow grazed freely in the surrounding bushes. A time came when there was a drought and water became scarce. The cow started going long distances, sometimes staying some days out before returning home. They noticed however that each time the cow returned, it carried white clay (nzu) on its legs. So they suspected that there must be a stream wherever the cow went to drink water. With this reasoning, Igbo Nwanyi sent his slaves to trail the cow in its next grazing journey. The slaves followed the cow and were led to a stream where they saw earlier foot prints of the cow. The slaves reported back to their master, who then took his family and slaves and settled near the stream which he called ‘Iyi Ukwu” (big stream). That first spot in which they settled had many umbrella-like trees called ‘Uru’. Hence, the place is called ‘Mbara Uru' (Uru Arena). This spot consequently became the center for all socio-cultural and commercial activities in Amawom. The Mgbaja being the earliest settlers have the status of the first son (opara) in Amawom. After the Mgbajas, came another group migrating from Bende. They settled near Mgbaja and are known as Agbommiri. This reflects the location of the village acting as the water receptacle of the town (‘ndi mmiri na ebulatari aku’) as all waterfalls drain towards Agbommiri. Umuobia, the third settlers came from Ohokobe Ndume. Their ancestor, Obia settled north of Mgbaja. The people still maintain some links with their kinsmen at Ohokobe Ndume as they exchange visits during festivals. The next after Umuobia was Mbaisara. They migrated from Iyalu in Ibere. Next in sequence was Aga. They migrated from Bende too. The first man to settle from Ndiokoro Ukwu Bende in Aga was Maazi Ikpo. He as a result of a minor misunderstanding arising from the inception of exalted beings to hold and control certain offices of serving their juju which he was against, left to settle somewhere which he located at Ukpom Bende where he had old friends who previously occupied the town before him. He settled with his two sons; Amaobi and Nwulu. They later continued their journey leaving majority of their relatives at Ukpom Bende and finally settling at Amawom. He was a prominent farmer and blacksmith, he produced hoes, cutlasses and local guns. He acquired enough land for his descendants. Aga came with her own culture. Every child born in Aga must unfailingly have a nickname. This does not cause any dispute among them. It is inherited from their ancestors. After Aga followed, the Mbachukwu were next, they also migrated from Bende. Then followed the Mbakamanu, their ancestors first settled at Ekebedi in Oboro from where they eventually settled in Amawom at last. The next was Umuokom, their ancestor Okom, migrated from Mbom in Ibeku. The next was Amaya. They migrated from Isiala Oboro, formerly called Mbiopong. The last settlers were the Aru Amaeke people. They migrated from Arochukwu.[4][8]

Culture

[edit]

Amawom is a town rich in culture. According to their customs, the hamlets share their rites commonly in order of merit in their activities holding in Amawom. Festivals in Amawom include: Igba Mgba, Iri Iji, Igbu Ehi, Uju Agbala, Igba Ikoro, Uju Ede, Iri Ero, Isi Okonko, Egwu Ikpa, Inya Agwo, Izu Ahia, Igba Ekpe etc. Among the cultural heritage of Amawom people is the Ekpe festival which has its climax at the beheading of a goat with one stroke of a matchet by a masquerade.[8][9][4]

Economy

[edit]

Economically, Amawom is rich. They have enough farmland in which they cultivate to produce different kinds of food such as garri, melon, yam, maize, cocoyam, pumpkin, cocoa, plantain, banana, palm oil, timber and many others which are sold at cheap prices. When all these items are sold in their daily market which starts at 4pm and closes by 7pm, it yields a lot of revenue for the Amawom people. Amawom is also a commercial center, many villages in Oboro come to Amawom for trading. Mbara Uru Market is the center for commerce and trade. Amawom is blessed with different kinds of natural resources such as good drinking water, farmland, economic trees, wildlife, forests etc.[8][4]

Religion

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There are two types of religions practiced in Amawom. They are Christianity and the Traditional religions. The Christians are to obey the commandments of God and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. The traditionalists worship deities. The oracles in Amawom are Ogwuma, Ahia Njoku, Ala Isi Ama etc. The only person permitted to make sacrifices to these gods is a chief priest. When the priest dies, the next elderly person in the family succeeds him.[8][4]

Politics

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During pre-colonial era, Amawom had no chief. The system of government was segmental. Decision making was based on different autonomous groups that are within the family level. Policy making was always carried out in the house of the eldest man of the family. The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 caused Amawom to have her first Chief in Chief Okukuru who was then succeeded by Chief Iroatu, then High Chief Nzeribe Orunta, then the last Chief before the creation of autonomy was Chief N.N. Okey. As a result of the creation of more autonomous communities, Amawom got two autonomous communities and they are: Ibe Uzo and Awom. The first Eze of Awom was Late HRH Eze U. Orunta, and Ibe Uzo's was Late HRH Major Irole. Presently, the central working committee has a cabinet in which there are representatives from each village, age grade, Ndi-Nkwo-Ukwu and the youth. All these groups act as the legislators of the community. The age grades act as policemen and tax collectors. The Ndi Nkwo-Ukwu settle disputes, they also act as the judiciary. There is no separation of power because the three arms of government work hand in hand. Amawom is politically organized. In political matters, it is not autocratic rather it is democratic because people are allowed to air their views before a decision is taken. The people’s reaction determines the type of decision to be taken. Decision making is by consensus. Whenever a decision is to be taken, the people and social groups are always consulted. Amawom Chiefs/Ezes don’t have power like the Emirs of Northern Nigeria. If he makes a wrong policy, the people must oppose him.[8][4]

Socio-political structure

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The 10 villages of Amawom intermarry. They also intermarry with other neighboring villages, because of this they settle their disputes amicably for being related by blood in one way or the other. Different social groups contribute to/with political leaders to administer their duties. But if they are looked down on, opposition arises, and it may lead to political instability. Kindreds visit and entertain their people during the New Yam and Ekpe festivals. Amawom also organizes traditional wrestling in which neighboring villages come to witness. Mbara Uru market is the social centre of Amawom and different social activities take place there.[8][4]

Schools

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• Awom Na Ebo Secondary Technical School[10]

• Amawom Community School[11]

• Amawom Central School[12]

See also

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Umudike

References

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  1. ^ Ezugwu, Obinna. "2023: What Ndigbo Must Do - Rep Onuigbo - Business Hallmark". hallmarknews.com. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
  2. ^ "Ikwuano LGA". www.finelib.com. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
  3. ^ Daniels, Ajiri (2020-09-16). "Abia communities cry out for help as gully erosion bites harder". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Mazi J. K. Okey, the President of Appeal Court Mbiopong (Chief) and Nwakudu Awazie (Councillor) for Amawom, Mazi Okoronkwo Ogwudu for Umudike, on the 5th of May, 1953
  5. ^ Obasi, Victor. The Last Prophet. Nigeria: m.okadabooks. p. 1.
  6. ^ Nelson, Chukwu (2020-04-30). "Covid-19: Ikwuano traditional rulers donate relief materials to subjects - Orient Daily News". Retrieved 2023-02-06.
  7. ^ "Ikwuano Local Government Area". www.manpower.com.ng. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
  8. ^ a b c d e f History of Amawom Oboro by Mazi Azuh as told by Mazi Anyanwu Okechukwu (NEFIK)
  9. ^ "The Ekpe Festival in Umuahia, Abia State Nigeria - Finelib.com Events". www.finelib.com. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
  10. ^ "NRCRI trains, empowers 20,000 on root, tuber crops value addition". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2016-12-18. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
  11. ^ "Amawom Community School". Directory & MarketPlace. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
  12. ^ Nigeria, Media (2018-04-23). "Ikwuano L.G.A Polling Units/Wards". Media Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-02-06.