Oru Day Celebration

2016 Oru Day Celebration

2016 ORU day celebration featuring the famous Owu masquerade in Lanham Maryland.

Posted by Oru progressive Union Inc on Monday, December 19, 2016

Oru Party 2016

2016 Oru Party

Posted by Oru progressive Union Inc on Monday, December 19, 2016


Posted by Oru progressive Union Inc on Monday, December 19, 2016


Posted by Oru progressive Union Inc on Monday, December 19, 2016

Oru Picnic 2017

Video From the 2017 Oru Picnic

ORU children’s picnic held on August 6, 2017 at Watkins Park in Upper Marlboro Maryland to recognize our children’s educational achievements. Congratulations to all.

Posted by Oru progressive Union Inc on Monday, August 7, 2017

 

Oru-UK-Branch

United Kingdom Branch

This Union was formed in 1989, primarily due to the fact that the founders felt that we had to form an organisation here in the UK that could help bring all Oru sons and daughters together for a common purpose. The founding members were Mssrs B.U. Agwunobi, J.C. Ibe and J.R. Nwakaeze.

The first President was Mr S O Ojimadu (now patron), albeit on a protem basis. The first elected President was Mr E.U. Asikawuru (1991-1995), followed by Sir J.C. Ibe (1995-2000). Since 2000, the Union has been led by the current President, B.U. Agwunobi, who incidentally was the General Secretary from the outset until elected President in 2000, and re-elected in 2002.

The Union holds general meetings on the last Sunday of every month in a hall. Attendees include the members and their spouses, and their children. Members also include all Oru indigenes, married and unmarried. Since October 2002, our children have been allocated a separate room where they are taught Igbo language by a professional teacher, for up to 2 hours.

Over the years the Union has evolved, ensuring progress all round. Members assist each other in good and bad times, ie births, marriages/weddings, illnesses and bereavement. Regarding self help issues, the Union has helped our people back home through various projects, notably in education. We acknowledge that more help is needed, for there is genuine hardship in the 16 towns in Oru, but we can only do whatever that is possible, and subject to budget constraint.

Oru Community Union UK plays a significant role within the host country, in terms of liaising with other bona fide Igbo organisations. We are affiliated to the Igbo umbrella organisation here in the UK by the name of The Council of Igbo Communities UK, which represents the Igbos on a number of issues (home and abroad), and are affiliated to the Ohaneze N’digbo. Since the organisation’s formation in 1991, Oru has played the most prominent role, in comparison to other represented communities.

Representation to the Igbo Assembly is made up of 3 delegates from each Igbo organisation (usually the President, General Secretary and one other). Oru has produced leaders within the Igbo Council, ie Prince C.B. Obi was the Leader (1999-2000), and Mazi B.U. Agwunobi was the Secretary to the Council (1994-1998. Sir J.C. Ibe was the Administrator for Special Duties (1994-1998). Currently, I am the Economic and Development Administrator.

Generally, we in the UK not only try to assist ourselves, but are keen on home issues, too. Inevitably we are keen to know how the social, economic and political issues are affecting our loved ones back home. Through the Media Committee, and several other committees, including politics, we welcome dialogue with those in government in Oru. We are interested in how the education system is faring; we are keen to see the basic infrastructure provision, ie water and light, we would like to see better roads, etc.

Having embarked on certain education initiatives (such as refurbishing old buildings and supplying chairs and desks to all the Central Schools) we feel that we have every right to call ourselves stakeholders in Oru affairs within the two local governments, East and West. Indeed we implore on all Oru sons and daughters worldwide to start refocusing on the betterment of our people. It pays to be generous!

Clearly it is impossible for me to narrate all our successes here. Suffice it to say that for further information regarding the affairs of the Union one may contact any of the members, or at the first instance, the General Secretary, Mazi Curtis Obi-Okorie (07956 290931) or myself (07885 807 372, or 020 8292 8061).

Long Live Oru!

B. U. Agwunobi
Former President, Oru Community Union UK.

 

 

Ubulu-Town

Ubulu

Ubulu is one of the cardinal towns in Oru West Local Government. There are three autonomous communities, comprising: Umunna/Amadiehi; Amorie/Umuchukwu and Eziama/Ubaha.

Umunna Village comprises: Umudimonyima, Dudunmiri and Uzinamba. The following are from Umudimonyima: Umuoleaku, Umuonyenyile, Umuoru, Umuanyachu and Ihejiofor.

Amadiehi Village comprises: Umuokpara and Ohakpu
Amorie Village comprises: Umudara, Ubahadara, Amorie Umunkwa and Umuefechi.
Umuchukwu Village comprises of Umuchukwu.
Eziama Village comprises: Uziezike, Umudim, Umuanghu, Ojoko, Umuezeala, Umuuzu and Ubahaokum.
Ubaha Village comprises: Umuokpara, Umuodiri and Umuekwoabo.

Ubulu Town has a rich and interesting history, and more information will be supplied shortly.

This information was provided by Sir Innocent Mgbobukwa of UK Branch. To provide additional information about Ubulu, please use the comment form below.

 

 

Ozara-Town

Ozara

Ozara, Oru West is a town in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. It comprises seven villages, namely: Umuogu, Umuokporoma, umuezike, umuobioma, Etitilabu, Ubahalanuwam, and Aboh. Umuogu is the eldest village in Ozara and the youngest is Aboh Ozara. 

It has three elementary schools, which are Town School, Central School, and Aboh Primary School. Central school is the oldest, it was formally a community mission (church) even till date the elders still refer to it as mission. It has many Christian churches, prominent among which is St Patrick Catholic Parish. It has only one Rev. Fr., Aban Chimezie Aguezeala, from Aboh and many Rev sisters with Rosephina Okafor from Umuobioma. 

The population is estimated at 3000 people. Towns neighbouring Ozara are Ohakpu, Amorka, Egbuoma and Mgbidi. It is located northeast of Imo State at the boundary with Anambra State. Some prominent people from Ozara include late chief L.M.G Ezenwata, late Chief C.C. Okafor, Chief Aloysius Obodoako, Chief Gregory Eze Okafor, Francis Nnoruom, Mr Fidelis Chukwuati Anyikire,Chief Benson Udennaka, Godwin Ugochukwu, late Nze K.C. Umenyido-Ebochukwu, Dr Felix Anyikire, Mr Chukwudi Anyikire, Mr Stephen Emmanuel Chijioke (AKA) S.E.C. Ozaralinks Investment, Michael Ononugu, Mr Michael Chikezie Anyikire, Dominic Chima, and Demean Ohanyere among others. 

Ozara has one elected traditional ruler-Jonas Ahize and the appointed one by Imo state government Onyaka Ononuju. The president of the town union-(OPU) is Mr Peter Anonyio. Ozara has a local market called Orie Ozara which takes place every four days in a week. The major occupations of Ozara people are farming, trading, and teaching. The late Nze Kevin Chukwudire Umenyido-Ebochukwu of Umuobioma was the first educated teacher from Ozara, after graduating from the famous Government College Umuahia. 

Ozara people through self effort built three primary schools, one secondary school located in Ubahalanuwam, a health centre, electricity project and a plan for a road project before the unfortunate contest for traditional ruler that has lasted for years set them back. This contest has been the major cause of enmity in the community. Ozara has a table land with so many tall palm trees. Ozara community now has a source of drinking water, bore hole built by Governor Ohakim (former governor of Imo State), but only at one place. But there are many other bore holes owned by the villagers. Though there are other natural sources called Obana. Stones are mined in Ozara, at Aboh Ozara precisely.  

This information was provided by Tony Dozie Desmond. To provide additional information about Ozara, please use the comment form below.
March 1, 2012

Otulu-Town

Otulu

Otulu is located in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Otulu is along Owerri-Onitsha Road. Otulu is bounded by Mgbidi, Awo-Omamma, Amiri and Omuma. Otulu originally has 3 villages with 16 kindreds (now villages). The 3 villages are: 

1. Umuhu
2. Umuezem
3. Ubahawa

The creation of autonomous communities by the Imo State Government gave Otulu two autonomous communities namely:

1. Umuhu-Umueze Autonomous Community (made up of Umuhu and Umuezem).
2. Otulu Autonomous Community made up of Ubahawa.

(Ref: Imo State Gazette No. 4 Vol. 28 of 29th October, 2003. Courtesy: Otulu Elite League, USA Convention Program, 2010).

Umuhu-Umueze autonomous community has 8 villages (formerly known as kindreds – 4 in Umuhu, 4 in Umuezem) namely:

1. Umunkwa
2. Umuofia
3. Umunka
4. Umuelile
5. Umudurukwu
6. Umuaro
7. Umuochihe
8. Umuaso

The traditional ruler is known as Igwe. When Umuhu-Umueze autonomous community was created, it became necessary to have an Igwe. Otulu autonomous community (Ubahawa) has 8 villages (formerly known as kindreds) namely:

1. Umuokwa
2. Ubahawaoji
3. Umundikwa
4. Umuabuba
5. Umunabia
6. Umuosonkita
7. Umuojienwe
8. Okponsu

The traditional ruler is known as Obi of Otulu. This is hereditary within the family. The Obi of Otulu has always ruled the entire Otulu town through the cabinet members and other subdivisions. The traditional rulers settle disputes between citizens, represent the communities, appoint the Village Heads, organize the people to protect the communities, etc. Otulu citizens were mostly farmers. Otulu has an organization in the United States of America known and called Otulu Elite Leage, USA.

This article was prepared and submitted by Chris Gozie Ezinne of Washington, DC branch. It was reviewed by some Otulians (Nze Vincent Onyeka, Mr. Mathias Ojibeka).
Jan 10, 2011.

To provide additional information about Otulu, please use the comment form below.

Omuma-Town

Omuma

Omuma is the capital of Oru East, a local government area of Imo State in Southeastern Nigeria. It is one of the oldest towns in Imo State. Omuma is located at latitude 5.5594893° N and longitude 6.9720482° E. Its boundary to the north is Mgbidi, to the east is Amiri and Otulu, to the west is Nempi and Akatta. Omuma has four communities: Abia-Omuma, Ozuh-Omuma, Umuhu-Omuma, Etiti-Omuma. Christianity is the dominant religion in Omuma. The culture of Omuma is typical of Igbo cultures, being steeped in Igbo music.

Some cultural activities and festivals are associated with ancient tribal gods and rites, but since the spread of Christianity, many are no longer performed. The new yam festival is a solemn occasion and starts with the planting season in March when the chief priest and elders start the planting of yams. Before the first yam is planted, elders pay homage to their traditional ruler or chief, the Dede Igbo, the custodian of tradition and the ancestral father of the Omuma Igbo people. Top members of the Igbo people, such as high chiefs, respected elders, important personalities in the community, form an entourage to make the journey to the Dede.

When this entourage arrives at the Ezeonomobi Igbo, the members are received by the leader according to cultural tradition, by presenting them locally brewed palm wine, kola nut, white clay, first offered to the gods as supplication before the visitors. The group conducts brief prayers; the conventional calendar puts the planting season in January, while the Igbo calendar, agrarian, is called the first Eke and starts in February, known as Onwa Mmiri Nda Afo. In Igbo areas, yam is an important economic crop, a regular staple in most homes. The yam is considered the chief forerunner of other crops in the region. The planting season begins in the first week of February and the crop takes six months to mature, making the festival period between late July and early August when the valuable crop is harvested.

The schools in Omuma include: Divine Favour Secondary School, Omuma Technical College, Omuma Community School, Omuma Uche Stenography Academy, Umuhu-Omuma Holy Trinity Secondary School, Omuma Ozuh Primary School, Ozuh-Omuma Abia Central School, Abia-Omuma Community Primary School, Amaodum Etiti-Omuma Umuhu Primary School, Umuhu-Omuma Powerline Primary School, Abia-Omuma Omuma Central School, Omuma.

Omuma produces many agricultural products, such as yams, taro, maize and palm oil. Omuma has crude oil and natural gas reserves, like most of the Igbo regions. Notable industries in Omuma include bread factories, bottled water companies and palm oil mills. The Omuma market, popularly known as “Orie Omuma”, is the biggest in Oru East L. G. A. Attracting people from all over south eastern Nigeria and beyond.

Author: Okenze Sydney Ugochukwu
November 21, 2020

To provide additional information about Omuma, please use the comment form below.

Ohakpu-Town

Ohakpu

Ohakpu, is an ancient town in Oru West L.G.A of Imo State, famously known for their age long masquerade (Nne mmuo) called Ikwe Ohakpu. It is made up of five villages, Ezukwu, Ikenga, Amafor, Ubahudara and Umuchukwu (Ndiokwaraeke) named in their order of seniority.

Their origin can be traced principally to Ezukwu the aboriginal inhabitant living in a cave, after migrating from Egbema. He was met by a hunter named Ikenga, who co-inhabited with him, hence the tussle’ on who arrived first. Dara and Chima originally part and offsprings of Ezukwu moved out to become Ubahudara, Amafor migrated from Okija in Anambra State and Ndiokwaraeke came from the wave of migration from Arochukwu. 

In general the original inhabitants claim to have come from Egbema near Oguta hence the similarity of culture and name bearing as can be seen in the performance of Owu festival, igu, names like Ejebilagbo, Ekwegbara and deities like Ekwensu, Ogwugwu, and Enyinja. Other migrants abound from other communities in and around Oru and Ihiala.

Ohakpu is a boarder town on the boundary of Imo state and Anambra state. Their closest neighbours are Uli and Amorka in Ihiala, Anambra state, Ozara in Oru-West and Egbuoma in Oguta Imo state. The traditional stool is presently occupied by HRH Eze Ben Ononuju Ojiaka (Ogbuehi V). The community has a primary and secondary school. The natives are predominantly Christians and a small chunk of traditionalists. The community singly built St Aloysius Catholic Church, Community Primary School, Commercial Secondary School and Electrification of the entire town.

Being a table land, there is no presence of a river and the predominant source of supply is from streams in adjoining towns like Ozara, Uli and Amorka before the advent of pipe borne water. The major occupation of Ohakpu natives is farming, hunting and Trading. Their hunting spree led to the emgiration of Ekwem a famous hunter who later formed Ubahuekwem community in Ihiala. Their farming explores takes them to far away Ogada, Egwe and Osemoto all near Oguta.

The culture and tradition of Ohakpu people cuts across the famous Ikwe Masquerade and Ekeleke of the Ndiokwaras, Owu festival, Igu Aho and Iro mmuo. They have two markets Eke and Afor Ohakpu, which trade every four days.

Engr. Kelechi Okeke
Umueletamuzo, Ubahudara, Ohakpu
2012
.

Nempi-Town

Nempi

Nempi is one of the ancient towns in the former Oru LGA, now Oru West LGA after the creation of Oru East LGA by the Babangida administration. Nempi has 17 villages which  are  governed by 3 Kings namely; the Obi of Amafor – HRH Late Eze A. M. Akamigbo, Ezeonyeoruru 1, Obi the IV in charge of Amafor kingdom, the Obi of Ihiteoha – HRH Eze Obed Agabaenwere, and the paramount ruler of Nempi Ancient Kingdom HRH. Eze A. M. Obiekweihe, the Ogbuehi II of Nempi.

Nempi has 4 public primary schools, 4 private primary schools, one public secondary school and a daily market of international repute, 2 public health centers located in Amafor and Ihiteoha, a pro cathedral of the catholic church and an Archdeaconry of the Anglican church. Nempi produced the first medical doctor in Oru in 1959. He built his hospital – BEX Memorial Hospitals at Nempi and Onitsha. She produced the first LGA chairman in Oru LGA. Nempi indigenes championed the cause of development in Oru LGA and the defunct Biafra.

The 17 villages in Nempi are (in alphabetical order):

1. Agbata
2. Amafo
3. Eziama
4. Oma
5. Ubahadara
6. Ubahalawaram
7. Ubahaokpara
8. Ubahaugbele
9. Ubahawa
10. Ugbele
11. Umuduru
12. Umuebee
13. Umuehi
14. Umuezike
15. Umulu
16. Umuojiabia
17. Umuokpara

Information provided by Obi Chidozie Anthonius.
18 April, 2017