Cultural awareness

Umueri Town, Anambra: History, Airport, Festivals & Community Life

Published on July 31, 2025

Introduction

Umueri (also written as Umuleri) is one of the oldest and most culturally important towns in Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria. Located in the Anambra East Local Government Area, Umueri is believed to be a direct descendant of Eri, the legendary ancestor of the Igbo people. The name “Umueri” means “children of Eri”, and the town is often referred to as Umueri Ovuakwu, which means “Umueri the Great.”

With a long history that ties directly to the roots of Igbo civilization, Umueri is more than just a town, it is a symbol of heritage, unity, and spiritual tradition. The community is known for its rich festivals, peaceful coexistence, and most recently, for hosting the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, located in Ivite-Umueri.

Location and Boundaries

Umueri is located in the northeastern part of Anambra State, along the banks of the Omambala (Anambra) River. It shares boundaries with several communities:

Aguleri to the northeast
Nando to the southeast
Nsugbe to the west
Anam communities to the north
Nteje and Umunya to the south

It lies in a fertile river valley, making it ideal for farming and fishing. The landscape is mainly lowland, with swamps, streams, and tributaries of the Omambala River running through its borders. The climate is tropical, with distinct rainy and dry seasons that support agriculture and palm produce.

Historical Background

According to oral tradition, Eri, the ancestral father of many Igbo communities, first settled in the Anambra Valley. He was a spiritual figure believed to have descended from heaven and is said to have founded several towns including Aguleri, Umueri, Nri, and Igbo-Etiti.

The town traces its roots directly to Eri. The community believes that they are his direct descendants and therefore have a special place in Igbo cosmology. Over time, the descendants of Eri spread out, founding different clans and villages across Igbo land. However, Umueri continues to uphold ancient traditions and spiritual practices passed down through generations.

Clan and Village Structure

Umueri is traditionally divided into three major quarters, which are:

1. Ezi Umueri

2. Ikenga Umueri

3. Ivite Umueri

Each of these quarters is made up of villages and kindreds, and they work together for the governance, development, and protection of the town. The quarters share common customs, but each has unique roles during festivals, community decisions, and traditional rites.

The town union system is also strong. Youth groups, women’s associations, and elders’ councils all have specific responsibilities within each quarter, helping to maintain peace and development across the community.

Traditional Leadership

The town operates under a monarchical system headed by a traditional ruler known as the Igwe. The kingship is recognized both locally and by the Anambra State Government. The Igwe is supported by a cabinet of elders, including the Onowu (prime minister), Ajie, Ogene, and other title holders.

The king serves as a spiritual father, peacekeeper, and custodian of customs. During the Ofala Festival, which is celebrated every few years, the Igwe comes out in royal regalia to bless the land and reaffirm his role.

The present king is His Royal Majesty (HRM) Igwe Dr. Sir Ben Izuchukwu Emeka. He goes by the title, Igwe Umueri Okebo II

(HRM) Igwe Dr. Sir Ben Izuchukwu Emeka, Igwe Umueri Okebo II

Igwe Emeka ascended the throne as the second in the Okebo royal lineage and has become a respected voice in Anambra State. He is widely acknowledged for promoting unity, culture, and development in Umueri and beyond.

In recent years, Igwe Emeka has

Advocated for community tourism by calling for the creation of a hospitality and hotel directory in Anambra (ABS Radio TV, May 2025)
Supported Operation UdoGachi, a government-backed security initiative aimed at improving safety in rural communities (ABS TV, Feb 2025)
Celebrated his 6th Ofala Festival in February 2023, a major cultural event bringing together Umueri sons and daughters from across Nigeria and the diaspora (ABS TV Ofala Coverage)

He remains a strong advocate for community development, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence between Umueri and neighboring towns.

Festivals and Cultural Life

Umueri is rich in festivals, with some of the most unique and oldest Igbo cultural celebrations originating here.

1. Ogugu Aro (Igu Aro) Festival

The Ogugu Aro Festival, also known as Igu Aro, is one of the oldest spiritual festivals in Igbo land. It is held early in the year, usually in January or February, and is linked to the Aro deity. The purpose of this festival is to receive prophecies and spiritual messages for the coming year especially in areas like harvest, peace, or danger.

The festival involves traditional priests, titled men, and elders. During the ceremony, messages are delivered to the community through divination, and sacrifices are made to the gods for protection. The Obuga shrine in Nneyi village is a sacred location for this festival and remains an important spiritual site for the people of Umueri.

2. Alommuo (New Yam Festival)

Like many Igbo communities, Umueri celebrates the New Yam Festival, known locally as Alommuo. This is one of the town’s biggest cultural events and takes place around August or September, after the harvest season.

During the festival

The first yams are offered to the gods and ancestors
The Igwe blesses the land and harvest
Families prepare yam meals and invite visitor

Traditional dances, masquerades, and wrestling matches take place

The Alommuo Festival is a time of thanksgiving, reunion, and cultural pride. It reminds the people of their identity and brings home many indigenes living in cities or abroad.

3. Ijele Masquerade and Other Cultural Dances

Umueri is believed to be among the first communities to perform the Ijele masquerade, which is considered the largest and most sacred masquerade in Igbo land. Ijele is a tall, colorful, and majestic masquerade that performs only on rare occasions. It symbolizes power, ancestral presence, and spiritual authority.

Ijele masquerade, Umueri

Other Umueri masquerades

Other cultural dances in Umueri include:

Nkwa Umueri
Egwu Ogbamgba
Egwu Amala
Mmanwu (masquerade) parades

These dances are performed during festivals, weddings, and chieftaincy ceremonies.

Religion and Belief System

Before Christianity arrived, the people practiced traditional African religion, which involved ancestral worship, deities, and sacred groves. Many of these beliefs still exist in cultural rites and festivals. Shrines such as the Aro shrine and Obuga are still respected by elders and traditional priests.

Today, Christianity is the dominant religion. The major churches in the town include Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Assemblies of God, and Various Pentecostal denominations

Most families combine Christian faith with respect for cultural customs and traditional values.

Economy and Livelihood

The town’s economy is based on farming, fishing, trading, and civil service. The town has a large expanse of fertile land used for planting:

Yam
Cassava
Cocoyam
Vegetables
Maize
Palm fruits

Fishing is also popular due to the proximity to rivers and streams. Many families own fish ponds or participate in seasonal fishing activities.

Palm oil processing, cassava mills, and local markets help to sustain the local economy. Women often engage in trade, selling produce in Nkwo Umueri, Eke Nando, or Otuocha market.

Development and Infrastructure

In recent years, Umueri has gained attention for major development projects, most notably the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, which is located in Ivite-Umueri. This project has greatly boosted the visibility of the town and opened new economic opportunities.

1. Anambra International Cargo Airport

Commissioned in October 2021, the airport is named the Chinua Achebe International Airport. The airport is expected to:

Facilitate local and international trade
Support import and export businesses
Create jobs for local youths
Improve access to neighboring towns like Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi

The airport has already led to the construction of new access roads and has attracted investors and housing developers. Though still in its early phases, the presence of the airport marks Umueri as a growing commercial hub in Anambra East.

2. Roads and Utilities

Despite the airport, many internal roads within the town are in poor condition. Some village paths are untarred, and erosion has affected a few areas. During the rainy season, movement becomes difficult in rural parts of the town.

Electricity is fairly stable in some quarters but irregular in others. Community leaders have appealed to the state government and companies like Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to improve power supply.

Access to clean water is also a challenge. Some homes rely on boreholes and rainwater collection, while others still fetch water from streams.

Education and Health

1. Education

The people values education, and many of its indigenes are well-read professionals across Nigeria and abroad. However, the local educational infrastructure still needs improvement. There are a number of primary and secondary schools, both public and mission-owned, such as:

Community Secondary School, Umueri

St. Gabriel’s Secondary School (Catholic-owned)

Primary schools in each quarter

Private schools are also springing up to meet demand. However, many schools lack sufficient facilities, such as computers, science labs, libraries, and sports equipment.

2. Healthcare

The town has a few primary healthcare centers, but residents often travel to Otuocha General Hospital or hospitals in Onitsha and Awka for serious treatment.

The town still faces:

Inadequate drug supply
Few trained health professionals
Lack of modern equipment
Poor emergency services

Groups in the Umueri diaspora and community development unions are working to improve healthcare access through outreach and medical missions.

Land Ownership and Community Unity

Umueri like many other towns, has experienced land disputes in the past, especially with neighboring Aguleri. These disputes have often centered on traditional boundaries and land allocation for development projects like the airport.

However, in recent years, there have been deliberate efforts toward peace and reconciliation. Both communities have:

Formed peace committees
Involved the Anambra State Government
Hosted joint festivals and meetings
Encouraged youths to avoid violence

Diaspora Contributions

The people of the community living abroad especially in the UK, USA, South Africa, and Canada play a strong role in the development of the town. These contributions include:

Funding of community projects (boreholes, schools, town halls)
Hosting annual diaspora conferences and cultural shows
Promoting Ijele masquerade and other dances at international events
Supporting indigent students through scholarship schemes

Some diaspora organizations include:

Umueri Union UK
Umueri in South Africa Association
Umueri Progressives USA
Global Umueri Youth Forum

They serve as ambassadors of Umueri heritage while helping preserve the town’s values and supporting its progress.

Culture and Identity

The people are proud of their cultural identity. Their customs emphasize:

Respect for elders
Hard work and hospitality
Ancestral worship blended with Christianity
Peaceful coexistence and unity

Traditional music, drumming, storytelling, and masquerade parades are still part of major events like weddings, coronations, funerals, and New Yam festivals.

The use of Igbo language is also strong, especially among elders and traditional leaders. However, efforts are being made to teach Igbo to younger generations through schools and cultural clubs.

Conclusion

Umueri is more than just a town in Anambra State, it is a living testament to the ancestral roots of the Igbo people. From its legendary connection to Eri, the father of many Igbo communities, to its vibrant festivals like Ogugu Aro and Alommuo, It continues to uphold the cultural identity of southeastern Nigeria.

The town’s structure, built on unity, tradition, and respect for leadership reflects the values of its people. With HRM Igwe Dr. Sir Ben Izuchukwu Emeka leading as Igwe Umueri Okebo II, and with rising development like the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri is moving steadily from its ancient roots into a future full of opportunity.

Despite its challenges in infrastructure and healthcare, the strength of Umueri lies in its people both at home and in the diaspora, who continue to invest in the community’s growth and preserve its proud heritage.

As Umueri embraces modern progress while honoring ancient customs, it stands as a remarkable example of how tradition and development can go hand in hand.

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