This Article Contains The Following:
a. Background
b. Origin
c. Villages
d. Infrastructure
e. Random
f. Conclusion
Background:
Adazi-Enu is a beautiful, vibrant town located in the heart of Anaocha local government area, Anambra State, Nigeria. It shared common boundaries with Ichida, Neni, Akwaeze and Adazi Ani. Despite it's small geographicall landmark, It is known for its lush green landscapes, traditional culture, and welcoming people. The people of Adazi-Enu are known for their hospitality, and visitors can enjoy traditional meals such as egusi soup, fufu, banga soup and others.
a. LGA:
Adazi Enu is under Anaocha constituency 1 followed by other towns such as: Agulu, Adazi Ani, Adazi Enu, Adazi Nnukwu.
b. Religion:
Adazi-Enu people are predominantly Christians with a large number of Roman Catholics. There is also a significant presence of traditional Igbo religion, with many people practicing a blend of both Christian and traditional beliefs. Overall, religion is an important part of life in Adazi-Enu.
c. Economic Activities:
In Anaocha LGA, Adazi-Enu is another thriving center of economic activity, with a diverse range of businesses. The town is well known for its traditional market popularly known as Nkwo Adazi-Enu which sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and others. In addition, there are a number of small-scale producing goods such as palm oil, cassava flour, and others. The town is also home to a number of service-based businesses, including bank, and restaurants. However, agriculture is another important sector of the economy, with many residents growing crops such as yams, cassava, cocoyam, etc.
Origin:
Just like Eze-Nnebo of Akwa-Neni clan, Okotu is among the descendants of settlers/migrants from Nri Ancient Kingdom who settled around Agu Ata especially in Igbo Nkwo (Igbo Ukwu, capital of Nri kingdom) presently under Agu Ata known for their smithing economic activities, research infered that they were the earliest smithers of copper and its alloys in West Africa, working the metal through hammering, bending, twisting, and incising. They are likely among the earliest groups of West Africans to employ the lost-wax casting techniques in the production of bronze sculptures in Igbo Nkwo.
When Okotu became of age, he left his father's house in Umona (In Agu-Ata) while searching for a serene environment for settlement, he traveled as far as to settle where he is today (presently in Umuabu village in Adazi-Enu, Okonobi family precisely). Not much is known about the parentage and the siblings of Okotu, it is said that he had four other relatives such as Nnebo and Isuofia. However, along the line, the name Igwulube was the same person or not. If they were the same person, it stands to reason that Okutu gave birth to Adazi-Enu, Ichida, and others. If the reverse was the case, definintely, Okotu begot Igwulube who then birthed Adazienu and others.
Accordingly, oral tradition suggests that Okotu had a son named Igwulube. This son is said to have married two wives namely:
1. Ada and
2. Ichi (Mgboye)
Ada gave birth to three sons who later become the ancestors of:
1. Adazi-Enu
2. Adazi-Ani and
3. Adazi-Nnukwu.
Ichi’s first son was named
1. Ichi-Adaa- ‘Ichi has come’ which later curtailed to Ichida, while the second son of Ichi was named:
2. Nwa-Amam-Ichi- ‘Ichi has been favoured with a child,’ shortened to Amichi.
3. Other sons were Ikenga, Ogbodi and Osumenyi.
The sons of Igwulube after coming of age left to establish their own towns. As was customary, the first son lived in the father’s house, as such Adazi-Enu continued to live in their father’s house while Ichida was instructed to move southwards and he put up his home at Isiube which is today the head family in Ichida. Adazi-Ani moved north-westward and settled in the present location. Adazi-Nnukwu moved northwards and came to the location it occupies till date. Amichi too migrated and settled in its present location.
Article Expansion:
Adazi Enu was the head (Isi) Okotu in Okotu family and settled at Umuabu village, however, his first son (Name: Unknown) migrated and settled in the present day Ogweni Ocha village.
Okotu dynasty expanded to up to nine communities (Okotu Teghete). Obeledu was a descendant of a man called Ezike Ugada who hails from Adazi Nnukwu.
Igwulube Okoteghete connotes the nine towns that are descendants of Okotu namely: Adazi Enu, Adazi Ani, Adazi Nnukwu, Ichida, Amichi, Ikenga, Ogbodi, Osumenyi and Obeledu.
During the times of our ancestors, when issues or challenges arise, they'll come together as Igwuribe a.k.a teghete to find solutions to certain problems.
Every first week of August, after harvest of yams, Adazi Enu as the most senior will first of all display yam in the market before his brothers.
Currently Adazi Enu, Adazi Ani and Adazi Nnukwu still maintain the brotheriness by having an Annual Okotu family get together.
Administration:
First Igwe, Obi Okotu I was Chief Mek Iloghalu, then Obiokotu II is HRH Igwe A.O Okpalaechelu. The governing apex body in Adazienu: Adazi-Enu Town Union (ATU). Emmanuel Ejidike succeeded Hon Levi Okpalaeke as the new President General. Chief Edward Ezeokonkwo was appointed as the New Traditional Prime Minister of Adazi-Enu.
Villages:
By village seniority
1. Umu-Abu
2. Ogweni-Ocha
3. Akwa-nkwo
4. Obe
5. Enugu-Adazi
6. Ogweni-Oji
Festivals:
1. New Yam Festival:
The New Yam Festival, or Iwa Ji, is a highly anticipated annual celebration in Adazi-Enu community. The festival is held in August at the start of the harvest season. It is a time of thanksgiving and celebration, where the people of the town come together to give thanks for the year's harvest and pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. In this view, Umuabu village will first of all display yam before other villages.
2. Adazi Enu Youth Carnival (Defunct):
The Adazi Enu Youth Carnival, or Adazi Enu Community Carnival, was a popular annual celebration that took place in Adazi-Enu. The carnival featured traditional music, dance, and food, as well as competitions, games, and other cultural activities. The carnival was organized by the town's youth association, and was held every December. However, the carnival was discontinued in recent years due to lack of funding and declining interest. It is not currently held, but it remains a fond memory for many who experienced it.
Websites: https://adazienuindiaspora.com/index.html
Organizations:
1. The Adazi Enu Unity Cup/All Stars:
Adazi Enu All Stars is a popular local soccer team in Adazi-Enu. The team competes in the Anambra State Football League and has a loyal following of fans from the town and surrounding areas. The team is known for its fast-paced style of play and its strong community spirit. The Adazi Enu All Stars has had several successful seasons and has helped to put the town on the map for its soccer talent. The team is an important part of the town's culture and pride.
Notable People:
1. Chief Nkanyi Ezenwugo
2. Chief Edward Ezeokonkwo
Infrastructure:
1. Adazienu health center
2. Nkwo daily market
3. Microfinance Bank
4. Community high school
5. St Dominic catholic church
6. St Patrick Catholic church
Conclusion:
We've seen how Igwulube Okoteghete begot Adazi Enu and others. Adazi Enu is made up of six (6) villages which includes migrant villages from other communities. The people of Adazi Enu are peaceful people and are predominantly farmers and traders.
