Okija is a city in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State in Nigeria. Okija, the oldest town in the Ihiala local government area, and one of the biggest towns in Igboland. Okijians are generally Christians. It is the home of Madonna University, Okija. In Okija, Orashi River on its flow to the Atlantic, joins Okposi river one of its tributaries.
Okija made up of 30 villages is a city in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra state, Eastern part of Nigeria, West Africa. It is bounded within the East by Ihembosi and Ukpor cities (Nnewi south), within the west by Olu or Ogbakubara, within the north by Ozubulu and within the South by Ihiala. Its geographical co-ordinate are 5 degree 54' 0 North and 6degree 54' 0 East. Okija is principally a noticeable or flat land, however the square measure few hills or Highlands. Okija people are predominately Christians. She has its own city Council, therefore the governance rests on the Igwe (King) and the native councilors known as Okparas and also the members of the cabinet who hold chieftancy title ( ozo ezeahia) such as obi, ichie, akpaja,nziwu,ogbuehi,agba ekwe e.t.c whose collective knowledge brings forth best decisions. Generally, ‘Igbos” a tribe in Nigeria of which Okija belongs to has four market days, which are Eke, Orie, Afor, and Nkwo. Every town in Igbo land has a particular market day it sees as the big market when people from different towns come to the town to shop for food items and any other house-hold item. Therefore, on this note, the big market day in Okija is called Nkwo. Oil Mill located at Isieke Okija which serve as palm oil producing company during the civil war is among the tourist sites in Okija. Okija has produce prominent men and women both in government, education and in the entertainment world. These include but not limited to: 1)Dr Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi(Obi-Jackson), C. E.O Netoil and Obi-Jackson Foundation 2) Prof. Ben Oyido – Former Central Bank of Nigeria Director of Currency. 3)Dr. Daniel Chukwudozie– C.E.O Dozzy Powerful Oil. 2)Nze Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo (former special adviser to the former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan) 3)Chief Ken Emeakayi-former commissioner for roads and transports in Anambra state 4)Ebuka Obi-Uchendu - a popular television and media personality. 5)Akachukwu Ibeh – C.E.O AkaGod Investment, a notable personality in Nigeria Nollywood. 6) Phar. Ifeanyi Atuenyi - C.E.O Pharmanews NG.
BRIEF HISTORY THE OF OKIJA(Okija - Achala - Ogidi) According to one legend, Okija, Ihiala, Ihembosi, and Uli had one father referred to as Achala, a decedent or an offspring of Ogidi the town of late Chinua Achebe and Chimamda Adichie. This could be why Okija is often called Okija- Achala- Ogidi. This legendary further explained that Okija was the primary son(first), Ihembosi the second, Ihiala the third, and Uli the fourth and of course the last. Naturally, decisions which require breaking of Kolonut by the eldest son as tradition demands which demonstrate a symbol of seniority are made and this act rest on the shoulders of Okija. This could be why Okija breaks Kolanut for all the Cities in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State.
THE VEGETATION OF OKIJA The vegetation of Okija is mainly forest with palm trees. The land is terribly fertile, thus she grows lots of huge and little yams, cassava, coco yams, maize, plantain, bread food(ukwa) and palm manufacture(oil and kernel) etc. The chief occupation in Okija is Agriculture which include farming, fishing, searching and animal keeping (especially goats, sheep, pigs, and fowls). Okija is known as the most important meat and fish producers and provider in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State. However, there many rivers and streams in Okija that necessitate the fertility of the land with the major river being Ulasi River which virtually surrounds Okija, and flows through Ubahu-agbugba on Onitsha - Owerri road to Isieke.
OKIJA CULTURAL FESTIVAL Okija Wrestling Festival (Mgba Okija)
1) The Okija Wrestling Festival (MGBA OKIJA) is one of Nigeria’s biggest traditional events. Geared towards fostering peace, unity and social interaction, it is also a display of our rich cultural heritage. The festival has transformed Okija into a tourist destination, attracting spectators and scouts from across Nigeria and beyond. The platform also provides a springboard for winners to pursue professional careers in traditional wrestling. We create the platform and we expect the youths to come, perform and be empowered. With a star prize of a six million naira Toyota Hiace and two million naira in cash, winners are richly empowered and rewarded. Runners up also receive a handsome prize. 2)New yam festival(iri ji or iwa ji) : this festival mostly comes up every September. It is a celebration whereby appreciation is given God for making their land fertile, hence bringing forth good quality yams.
3)Ogha muo(masquerade visiting) : this is a cultural activity whereby all the masquerades in each village pay a visit to particular village in Okija. There are so many display by all the masquerades which makes it fun and enjoyable. Over the years, the Okija cultural festival has earned its place at the heart of the Anambra state calendar following the introduction of Obi-Jackson Foundation. In celebration of Culture, the Foundation hosts the Face of Okija beauty pageant, the Okija wrestling Festival and the Okija music Festival. [1] [2]
Culture
Okija Shrine
The Okija Shrine or Ogwuwu Akpu is the popular local shrine in the city. It was a dispute settlement shrine where people with personal, land and business issues go to in order to seek adjudication by the gods.
Notable Nigerians from Okija
Okija is home to many notable Nigerians, including;
- Ebuka Obi-Uchendu a popular television and media personality
- Nze Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo (special adviser to Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria)
External links
- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Proudly-Okija/134586123356192?ref=ts&fref=ts
- Macabre discovery in Okija, Anambra State! - by Alfred Obiora Uzokwe
- OPINION :- The Ogwugwu Okija fairy tale - by Jimmie Asoegwu and Obi Anoliefo, courtesy of Vanguard and the Internet Archive
- "Okija: Shrine Saga Enters the Movies"
- Understanding The Okija Shrine Phenomenon And The Art Of Mental Poisoning by Emmanuel U. Obi
- Full, Authentic List of Patrons of Okija Shrine (Part Two)
- Horror: Police find 50 bodies, 20 skulls in Anambra shrine
Reference List
- ^ Anazoo, I.J; et al. (2008). "Sanitary Quality of Ulasi River, Okija, Anambra State, Nigeria". Microbiology, Anambra State University of Science and Technology. African Journal of Applied Zoology and Environmental Biology. 7: 1. ISSN 1119-023X. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
- ^ Mbajiorgu, C. C.; et al. (2003). "A water quality study of Ulasi river at selected locations" (PDF). 29th WEDC International Conference Towards The Millennium Development Goals: 1. Retrieved May 14, 2016.