NGWA DAY 2025: HISTORY OF NGWALAND...."NGWANESS... UMUNNA EHILA"

 

*The History of Ngwaland*

A brief history of Ngwaland, the homeland of the Ngwa people — one of the largest and most influential subgroups of the Igbo nation in southeastern Nigeria.

The story of Ngwaland began many centuries ago.

According to oral history, the Ngwa people migrated from an area around Umunoha through Ama-Igbo towards Ezinihitte. As their population increased, they moved further south and west in search of fertile land, eventually settling near the Imo River.

Tradition tells of three founding brothers — Ngwaukwu, Nwoha, and Avosi — who led these early settlers.

Their first sacred gathering place was Okpuala Ngwa, which became the spiritual and ancestral headquarters of Ngwaland.

It is well to not e that, before the arrival of the British, Ngwaland was a peaceful and organized society built around villages and clans. Leadership was through councils of elders, age grades, and family heads, who made decisions by consensus.

The Ngwa people were — and still are — hard-working farmers. They grew yams, cassava, cocoyam, and palm produce. Their land was fertile, earning them respect as great cultivators across the Igbo region.

Culturally, they practiced traditional religion, worshipping God — Chineke — through local deities and ancestors.

They also celebrated festivals like Ekpe and Owu, which strengthened unity and preserved their heritage.

Ngwaland shared borders with Ubakala to the north, Asa and Ndoki to the south, and Ibibio and Anang people to the east.

Trade flourished in palm oil, local crafts, and farm produce.

The Ngwa were known for their honesty, skill, and vibrancy marked who the are.

By the late 19th century, British traders and missionaries moved inland from Opobo and Bonny through Akwete, reaching Ngwaland. In 1892, Ngwaland officially came under British influence.

This marked the beginning of colonial rule, which introduced new systems of taxation, government, and education.

The city of Aba, located within Ngwaland, grew into a major commercial and administrative center under British rule.

Western education and Christianity spread quickly, changing many aspects of Ngwa life while also blending with traditional values.

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Ngwaland became part of the present-day Abia State.

Today, the Ngwa people are found across several Local Government Areas, including Aba North, Aba South, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Osisioma Ngwa, Obingwa, and Ugwunagbo.

Economically, Ngwaland remains a powerhouse in agriculture, commerce, and industry — especially in Aba, known as the “Japan of Africa” for its creativity and craftsmanship.

Culturally, the Ngwa people continue to value their traditions, language, and communal spirit.

They are proud, hospitable, and deeply rooted in both faith and hard work.

Conclusively, the story of Ngwaland is one of migration, unity, strength, and resilience.

From ancient settlers by the Imo River to a thriving people shaping Nigeria’s economy and culture, the Ngwa continue to walk proudly in the footsteps of their ancestors.

All the above mentioned about Ngwa Land and Ngwa People gave birth to the memorial celebration of Ngwa Day Celebration....a reminessance of the Past to inform the Present and keep history with the Future.....

Ngwa Day Celebration......A place where the Past lives in the Present.

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