Eziachi community: Our Culture, Our Heritage, Our Pride By Amb. Chika Uju

Our Culture, Our Heritage, Our Pride

Eziachi is a community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria, blessed with a rich cultural heritage and traditions that have governed and guided the people for generations.

It is a community with everything that makes a people proud of their roots. Eziachi is also home to many educated and accomplished people who continue to contribute to the growth and development of the community and society at large.

The community is made up of different villages each with its own customs and traditions all operating under the traditional leadership of HRH (Eze) Enyinnaya Ndoh.

Among the villages in Eziachi is Umori known as Erim, which is made up of (Ofo isii) six kindreds. The six(6, isii) kindreds are as follows: Okwaranonobi, Umuduruihe, Umuokwaraodu, Umumaduko, Umunwachi and Umumbakwe respectively.

Erim is a peaceful and well-respected village known for preserving and respecting its cultural traditions.

One of the cherished cultural traditions of Erim is the Okorosha masquerade festival,popularly known as ‘Nmanwu’ in Igbo.

The Okorosha is a colourful cultural display that takes place every four years and brings together people from within and outside the community.

The people of Umori display different forms of Okorosha. Some masquerades dance,some sing,while others combine singing and dancing. Members of the community also join in the songs and celebrations,creating an atmosphere of excitement,unity and cultural pride.

It is truly a colourful festival that attracts people from different walks of life who come to witness,appreciate and celebrate the masquerades of their choice.

A memory of My Late Father:

My late father, Nze Onumajuru, Achugo Francis Joseph was once among those who joyfully participated in and supported this cultural tradition when he was younger.

During the Okorosha celebrations,he would invite family members,friends,in-laws and well-wishers to our home. Everyone would be welcomed warmly and entertained with delicious traditional meals and drinks, especially breadfruit(Ukwa),palm wine (nmayi ngwo).

People would eat,drink,laugh,exchange pleasantries and celebrate together before returning to their various homes.

Those were beautiful moments of togetherness that remain precious memories in my heart.

My late father was also a respected Nze title holder,known by the title Nze Okwaranwanaedo I.

Later in his life, he joined the Sabbath Community where he was baptized and ordained as a Shepherd Father at Christ Our Lord Sabbath Mission Worldwide, HTQR, Umori Eziachi.

Following his new religious commitment, he stopped participating in the masquerade activities of his village.

Nevertheless, the memories of those earlier years and the joy he shared with family and friends remain part of our family history.

A Tradition That Lives On:

Till today, the people of Erim continue to preserve and display their masquerade tradition. The celebrations take place at Amaukwu Umori Village Square,where the village hall is sited, where people gather to witness this important aspect of their cultural heritage.

As a young child,I witnessed these celebrations and by God’s grace,I am still privileged to witness them today.

This year’s activity is expected to take place in December with the specific dates to be announced by the Eji Ofo in the person of chief/Nze Ihezue,Nnamdi S(Orluwueze, Bama City), the Chairman of the village in the person of chief Bob Ukomadu Amaechi and other relevant authorities responsible for the administration and preservation of the village’s cultural traditions.

Traditionally,women do not participate directly in the masquerade display, including the daughters of the community.It remains a cultural activity traditionally reserved for boys and men.

The celebrations continue through the Eke market days until the first week of January of the following year.

Beyond the masquerade itself, this period is a time of unity, reconciliation and togetherness. People from the village as well as those living outside the community, return home to visit one another exchange greetings,reconnect with family and friends and strengthen the bonds that hold the community together.

Preserving Our Heritage:

Culture is more than entertainment.It is a people’s identity, history and connection to their ancestors.It is what reminds us of where we come from and gives future generations something valuable to inherit.

As we celebrate the Okorosha tradition of Umori(Erim)Eziachi, let us continue to preserve the good values embedded in our culture while encouraging peace,unity, respect and responsible participation.

I wish the people of Erim Eziachi a successful and peaceful cultural celebration this year.

May God guide, protect and preserve my kinsmen and everyone who will travel home to participate in or witness the celebrations.

May our culture continue to unite us.
May our heritage never be forgotten.
May our pride in who we are continue from generation to generation.

Our culture.
Our heritage.
Our pride.
We stand!

I am proudly Igbo.
I am proudly Erim.

Erim zuru meeeeee!
Udo ooooooooo…….

Udo oooooooooo!
Erim zuru meeeeeeeee…….

Amb. Chika Uju (nee Achugo Onumajuru)
Onodugo, the original ka nwanyi ga tu kwanu, Emeritus Chairlady, Umori(Erim) Daughters Association.