Nkpor is a town with lots of history and culture located in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. In 2007, the estimated population of this settlement was 109,377. It is bounded by Onitsha to the west, Oze to the north, and Ogidi and Umuoji to the east. The southern boundary is with Obosi.
Nkpor is blessed with numerous Igbo traditions and business activities, and its history places it as one of the towns to reckon with in southeastern Nigeria.
Origin and History
Nkpor originates from the Igbo word “nkpogho,” which means “repositioning.” From this, one can understand the history of the people who moved from where they originally lived. The story of Nkpor starts with its ancestor, Okoli Otie or Oti, a hunter (origin is in dispute). He moved to the Idemmili area after he had married a woman from Nri in today’s Anambra State. Their children later founded the towns of Nkpor, Abatete, and Umuoji.
Okoli Otie had three boys.
- Edeogu, who founded Abatete.
- Ora, who became the progenitor of Umuoji through his son Oji
- Ideke (also called Dimudeke), the youngest of all, founded Nkpor.
The family history goes like this:
- Edeogu, the eldest son, founded the town now known as Abatete.
- Ora, the second son, had a son named Oji. Oji named his son after his father, Ora. Today, people who come from Oji are called Umuoji.
- Ideke, the youngest son, founded the Nkpor community.
The people of Nkpor were originally known as Umudim and lived in the area known as Oraukwu. After consulting with their elder brothers, Abatete and Umuoji, they migrated to their present location due to countless conflicts with neighbouring communities in search of security and good farmland. Their repositioning to this new home gave them their new name, Nkpor.
Nkpor has a strong history with its neighbours, Abatete and Umuoji, since they all came from the same ancestor, Okoli Otie . This shared history binds them together and earns them respect. Nkpor is known as a very peaceful town, though it is also called Obodo Dike, the land of the brave, for its strength and ability to rise above challenges.
Nkpor has five villages named after the children of Dimudeke:
- Umusiome (Isiome)
- Isingwu (Ngwu)
- Ububa
- Amafor (Nwafo)
- Mgbachu
Umusiome, the oldest village, traditionally provides the king of Nkpor, the Eze Nkpor. The kingship is passed on through a well-kept family line.
Traditional Governance and Social Structure
Nkpor has a traditional monarchy. The king referred to as Eze Nkpor, is always selected from the Arinze family of the Umuezenubosi clan in the village of Umusiome. The king works with the Igwe-in-Council, which comprises 25 red-cap chiefs from the five villages.
Each village has a head leader, known as Ichie Ume, and four other leaders, called Ndichie. They all make decisions together for their villages.
The Ndichie helps settle disputes about culture and tradition. Only the Ndichie are allowed to wear a red cap. To be called a red-cap chief, one must first undergo the Ozo title. The Ozo title in Igbo culture holds many values that portray great heights and regard.
The Ozo Title: Symbol of Prestige
The Ozo title is among the highest cultural honours in Igbo society, and to Nkpor, it is significant in his identity. It is bestowed only on those of good character with the prerequisite wealth to handle its responsibilities. There are five ranks in the Ozo title within Nkpor, beginning from the highest to the lowest:
- Ozo Idi
- Ozo Nze Isi
- Ozo Nze Ani
- Ozo Ikwele
- Ozo Okpala
When the Ozo title holders, known as Ndi Nze, meet, they share kola nuts based on who is older, showing the clear rank in this tradition. These title holders help keep customs safe and are essential in key ceremonies.
Cultural Festivals and Agriculture
Nkpor has many traditional festivals, such as:
- Ntu Festival
- Oru Mmuo and Nnu Mmuo
- Ufiojioku (yam festival)
- Udo N’ajana
- Alomchi
- Mgbeagbo
- Enemma Festival
These festivals highlight the town’s farming tradition, which involves cultivating crops such as yam, cassava, cocoyam, and maise. Nkpor is noted for a substantial variety of maise called akpu aka Nkpor, symbolising strength and plenty.
Traditional food in Nkpor comes from a farming background. People eat cassava fufu (akpu) with onugbu, (bitter leaf) for breakfast. For lunch, boiled yam is taken with palm oil. For dinner, they have akpu with soup.
Economic Growth and Markets
Nkpor has grown into a commercial centre from its rural background. It has lots of markets, old and modern, including:
- Eke Nkpor
- Afor Nkpor
- Nkwo Market Amafor
- New Aftermarket Parts Market
- Relief Market (Nkpor Main Market)
- New Tyre Market
- Old Tyre Market Motorcycle Spare Parts Market
These markets attract traders from all over Nigeria and neighbouring countries, thus making Nkpor a renowned commercial town. In addition to its markets, Nkpor is witnessing industrial development in the Greater Onitsha area. The town is fast becoming a haven for skilled labour, factories, and foreign investments.
Education and Infrastructure
Nkpor is home to important institutions, such as:
- Anambra State School of Nursing
- General Hospital Nkpor, linked to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
These institutions show how Nkpor is becoming more critical in healthcare and education.
Nkpor: A Town of Two Parts, Rich History, and Unique Geography
There is a valley that divides the town into two regions resulting in Nkpor-Uno and Nkpor-Agu. This valley is one of the tributaries of the River Niger.
Nkpor is divided into two sections: Nkpor-Agu and Nkpor-Uno. Both include the five main villages of Nkpor, but Nkpor-Agu has an additional autonomous village called Akuzo.
The Akuzo people are believed to be descendants of Isiome, the eldest son of Ideke, the progenitor of Nkpor.
Nkpor in Idemili Land
Nkpor’s identity is deeply tied to its location within Idemili land, named after the Idemili River, home to the revered Idemili deity.
The Idemmili Goddess and her messenger, Eke Idemmili (ball python) play a vital role in the spiritual life of both Nkpor and Idemmili. These cultural symbols link Nkpor to the 17 towns in the Idemmili area. The python, Eke Idemili, is a revered symbol that every 17 towns of Idemili respect.
This spiritual tie explains how Nkpor, Abatete, and Umuoji are connected, for they are of the exact origin from Okoli Otie. The three villages have a relationship of mutual respect and cooperation with one another; they usually support each other in times of war. Nkpor is well known for having strong warriors; thus, it has been nicknamed Obodo Dike, or the land of the brave, due to its boldness and strength.
Nkpor is a town where tradition and modern life blend well. With its long history, strong economy, and cultural pride, it is one of the important towns in Anambra State and Nigeria. From its bustling markets to its deep traditions, Nkpor shows the unity and strength of its people. The town is growing and continues to symbolise Igbo heritage while using modern opportunities.
References
- Oral Story from Chief Christopher Okwueze Ezeme (Iduu 1 of Nkpor). 2005.
- Pulse. (2024, August 11). The python: A revered symbol of worship in Nigeria.
- Omenyi, N. (n.d.). Igwe: The political system of the Igbo people. Google Books.
- Nwokedi, O. (2016, April 2). The history and the origin of Umuoji people. Oliver Nwokedi’s Blog.
