Emu-Uno is a big community inside Ndokwa West Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria. It is located in a part of the Anioma region (Delta Igbo), with a strong culture, history and farming life. Towns like Utagba-Uno, Abbi, and Onicha-ukwuani are nearby.
This is going to give a full gist about Emu-Uno, its history, how it operates, how it makes money, its culture, and the current problems it faces.
Origin of Emu-Uno
According to Folktales, the founders of Emu-Uno came From big Igbo areas (Nri-Awka)
settling down close to a good land by the Ase River, a small water body.
They have family ties with the Ukwuani people around them.
The name “Emu-Uno” means “Emu in the homeland,” so it is not confused with other “Emu” areas.
Colonization and After Independence
It was joined to British rule in the early 1900s. In mid-Western Region (1963-1976),Later, to Bendel State before Delta State started in(1991)
How They Operate
Traditionally
Emu-Uno has an old form of leadership: Eze(king): He watches over the Culture
Council of Elders (Ndichie): Family heads and titled elders
Age Grade: Groups working in the community
Modernity
It is known as an independent community under Ndokwa West LGA, It has a little voice in the Local Government, they were given health centers and schools
How They Generate Income
Farming is their top source of income
Food Crops: Yam, cassava, plantain, maize.
Cash Crops: Palm oil, rubber, cashew.
Fishing:For riverine areas
Buying and Selling
In the weekly market (like the Orie Emu market), they trade with Kwale, Ashaka, and Ossissa,garri and palm oil businesses.
New Things
Handwork (basket weaving and blacksmithing)Petty trade with motorcycle form of transportation.The search for government works by the youths is unending.
Culture and Tradition
Language and Their Personalities
They speak Ukwuani (a prototype Igbo), and they have a strong connection with the Ndokwa/Ukwuani people
Festivals and Ceremonies
Iwa Ji (New Yam Festival): A big harvest party
Ogene Dance: Way back in kinds of music and dance
Marriages: Talks about bride price process of Igba nkwu
Religion: They still worship Ogwugwu and Alusi, but Christianity has taken over(Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal).
Things That Exist And Development
They have public primary and secondary schools, close by is also the University of Delta, Agbor.
The problem there is a lack of classrooms and teachers in the schools
Hospitals
They are Government Health centers, but most people still use herbal medicines
Pregnant women and children’s well-being bothers them.
Road and Light
Roads lack tar, and it is being destroyed by rain
There is no steady light; waters are from boreholes, wells, and rivers.
Their Present Problems
Problems of development
Bad roads hinder trading, and the lack of job opportunities for youths making them move to cities, Oil spills also destroy the land
Cultural problems
Youths no longer practice the of Odinani and Community’s tradition, Land disputes with neighboring communities, Modernity is beginning to overpower the old ways.
What Is Likely To Happen In The Future
Chances of Growing
Upgrading of farms with cooperatives, The use of culture for tourism, Use oil-generated funds to fix roads and other things, assisting the youths,Teaching them skills they can use, Learning of computer and any other digital skills, supporting small agro-businesses.
Emu-Uno is a small picture of Anioma Culture, facing modernity issues and its chances of growing. It holds its roots firm, but it is located in an area where if money is spent on people and infrastructure, things may get better. Preserving its Ukwuani style and its growth is its main aim for its upcoming kids.
