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AKOKWA
AKOKWA is one
of the towns that make up the current IDEATO-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA of ORLU Secretarial zone, Imo state, although it
is the headquarter of the proposed almost approved IDEATO – EAST LOCAL
GOVERNMENT Area. It is located on the northern axis of Imo state boundary with Anambra state, precisely, it is the last town
in Imo state side with Anambra State, it occupies about 12 kilometer square of land with estimated 4 million,peace-loving,black
race, Igbo speaking peoples. As the most pronouns, popular and important town it is located at the central route that leads
to Onisha via Nnewi and Awka via Uga, Ekwaluobia, on the Anambra site and Umuahia via Okigwe, Owerri (the state capital via
Orlu on Imo state. Noted for it’s organize cultures and hospitality it is made of six villages namely: Umuokwara, Umuezeaga,
Akwu, Owerri – Akokwa, Umuopia and Umukegwu on the order of seniority. It has and share a boundary with Isiopo, Osina,
Uzii and Arondizuogu on the state axis and Uga and Umuchu on the neighbouring state axis. Each of the six villages although
an autonomous communities has it’s traditional rulers, but there is undisputed and central cabinet office, otherwise
known as OBI OF AKOKWA as it’s supreme council.These highly revered towns boast of all traditional market days but has
once “THE ORIE” as it’s only daily market located at the center of the town Akokwa is a religious town
that practices Christianity although about 2 percent practices out-fashioned traditional religion, the sects are old aged
among the people and is in verge of extinction.There is government presence in this town through some active and dormant project
and establishment. Categorically, there are about eight primary, 2 secondary, a police station, a post office, power station,
water supply station, hospital, motor-garage, contrary, individual accounts for modern projects and establishment, like Nursery,
Primary and Secondary schools, Colleges, Hospital, Clinic, Recreation center, Resort, Hotels, Business centers and so on.There
is also some church establishment, like Schools, Hospital, Rehabilitation centers, Training centers etGreater adult percentages
are self-employed ranging from successful and hardworking business men and farmers; they’re professors, politicians’
scholars, known highly – talented amateur and professional sports group, men of God and others.The town, Akokwa have
limited natural resources and no river or stream on it’s shore out boast of a cool and breezy atmosphere, also it has
wildlife maintenance culture.Furthermore, this home of highly positioned, and high-profile personalities lacks the culture
of human relationship, “QUOTE ME” as such the youths are self-contented and are determined on their own to achieves
greatness hence they are scattered across every shore world-wide in pursuit of their goals. Moreso, about 40% of the youths
are business oriented and others in school of higher learning. An insight into
our organize culture shows our 2 prominent annual festivals such as New Year and yam and masquerade festivals.New yam festival
of Akokwa was fixed on every last Saturday of the month August unlike other communities and town that uses date for theirs.
On any of such day, there is a parade among the notable farmers in Akokwa, to present their biggest and heaviest yam at the
central cabinet council for competition of ‘’ID GI’’(practically means yam husband), and at the end
of the thoroughly cross – examination of all the yams on parade, any yam considers the biggest, then owner will be awarded
the title of “DI GI” instantly, without no cash reward until the next festival. The little fun fare has bring
a healthy and welcome development in our town in that we as a people does not lack yam all year round.For masqurade festival,
it is a festival the male folks adore a lot, even though there is some issues
of disagreement of how some youths practices it, of whch, some or all Christian sect disapproves it, all the same it a heathly
culture. The festival take a whole 4 months ranging from December till March but it last for a period of average five days,
and it is celebrates on autonomous basis. Unlike the new yam award of “DI GI”, there is none on these festival
but it’s practitioner spends fortune to bring out the best masqurade on each of the festival day.For the masqurade itself,
it divided into major two groups namely:NGBADIKE (male) and ODUDU (female)
(Please keep posted on these issue,I will
updates it when I gathered all the info I needs)
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IMO STATE
Historical Development: Imo State is one of the seven states
created by the Federal Military Government on February 3,1976 during the MohammedObasanjo regime.
Hitherto, the area known as tmo State was part of the defunct East Central State which was one of the twelve states initially
created by the Federal Military Government (General Yakubu Gowon's regime) in 1967.
With the creation
of more states in 1991 by General lbrahim Babangida, Abia State was carved out from Imo State. The new Imo State is divided
into twentyseven local governments areas (LGAs), and three senatorial zones .
Administrative Structure:
Like other states of the federation, the administrative structure of the state is threetiered state, local and autonomous
community levels. At the state level, it is composed of three arms the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary.
The executive arm is headed by an elected Governor who is assisted by a deputy gov ernor, commissioners and executive advisers.
The legislative arm, headed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, is made up of elected legisla tors; it is the lawmaking
body of the state.
The judiciary is charged with the responsibility of the administration of justice
and is headed by the Chief Judge of the state. Functions of the government are carried out through the various ministries
and parastatals.
The ministries are: Justice, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, Health,
Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Finance, Works and Transport. There are four new directorates for Information and Culture;
Land, Survey and Urban Planning; Social Development, Youth and Sports and Rural Development.
The Office
of the Secretary to the State Government is the official secretariat of the state government and is headed by the Secretary
to the State Government. It coordinates the activities of the various ministries, directorates and extra ministerial departments.
Each local government is headed by a chair man, assisted by a deputy chairman and supervi sory
councillors, who make up the executive arm. The Local Government legislative arm is composed of ten to twelve elected ward
counsellors from each local government area, headed by a Speaker of the LGA, while the Judiciary is represented by one customary
court in each LGA, headed by a Chairman.
At the community level, the autonomous communities are
headed by traditional rulers called Ezes, who in turn have their own cabinet of appointed chiefs and titled men
Location: Imo State derives its name from Imo River, which takes its course from the Okigwe/Awka upland. It lies within latitudes
4°45'N and 7°15'N, and longitude 6°50'E and 7°25'E. It occupies the area between the lower River Niger and the upper and middle
Imo River.
Imo State is bounded on the east by Abia State, on the west by the River Niger and
Delta State; and on the north byAnambra State, while Rivers State lies to the south. Imo State cov ers an area of about 5,100sq
km.
Ethnic Composition and Culture: The inhab itants of Imo State are lgbos, a culturally homoge neous
group. The lgbo language is spoken throughout the state with minor differences in dialects. The official language of the state
is how ever, English. Imo State has a very rich cultural her itage. This is manifested in dressing, music, dance, festivals,
arts and crafts, and the traditional hospitality of the people.
Festivals: There are many
traditional festivals observed in the State. Each community has differ ent festivals celebrated in honour of ancient deities
or to mark an important event in the history of the area. There are different festivals to usher in the harvest season, the
most popular being the Ahiajoku Festival, which is observed in all the farm ing communities.
Music
and Dancing: Imo State is rich in tradi tional music and dances, which have persisted in spite of foreign influences. The
lgbos have different types of music to suit various occasions, such as work, leisure, marriage, and funeral.
Much of the traditional music is a combination of vocal and instrumental artistry, which produces a tuneful melody. Honoured
traditional music and dances include Abigbo, Ekpe, Ikoro, Okonko, Mmawa, et cetera
Dress: The
traditional apparel for the men is an overflowing jumper or a longsleeved shirt worn over the George wrapper, which is tied
round the waist, flowing down to the ankles.
This dress is complemented with a cap and
a walking stick, which serves as an instrument of support and defence. The traditional wear for the women is a blouse, worn
over a loin cloth. This female outfit goes with a headtie, ear rings and necklaces.
Arts and Crafts:
Traditional artists abound in the state. Works of art produced in the state include: carved doors, walking sticks of different
designs, sculptures, flutes, wooden mortars and pestles, gongs, and the famous talking drums. Metal works and various types
of fabrications are locally produced.
Culture: Part of the culture of the state is the lgbo traditional
hospitality to visitors, which begins with the presentation of kolanuts to the visitor.
The kolanut
signifies that the visitor is heartily wel comed. The ritual of the presentation of the kolanut is consummated with the offering
of prayers and thanksgiving or petition to the supreme God and other deities, for the protection of the visitor and the host.
Religion: There is freedom of worship in Imo State and religion occupies a central place in the lives of the people. The people
are predominantly Christians of different denominations.
There are also a good number of Moslems in
the state. They live together in harmony with their Christian neigh bours. Some people in the state still cling to the local
traditional religion
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N I G E R I A.
Background:
Following
nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government
was completed. The president faces the daunting task of rebuilding a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered
through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the OBASANJO administration must defuse
longstanding ethnic and religious tensions, if it is to build a sound foundation for economic growth and political stability.
Despite some irregularities, the April 2003 elections marked the first civilian transfer of power in Nigeria's history.
- Location:
Western Africa, bordering the Gulf
of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon
- Map references:
Africa
Area:
total: 923,768 sq km
land: 910,768 sq km
water: 13,000 sq km
- Land boundaries:
total: 4,047 km
border
countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km
- Population:
128,771,988
note: estimates
for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy,
higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population
by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2005 est.)
- Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total
population: 1.02 male(s)/female
- Ethnic groups:
Nigeria, Africa's most populous
country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and politically influential: Hausa
and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%
Religions:
Muslim
50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%
Languages:
English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo),
Fulani
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 68%
male:
75.7%
female: 60.6%
Government type:
federal republic
Capital:
Abuja; note - on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially transferred from Lagos to Abuja;
most federal government offices have now moved to Abuja
Administrative divisions:
36 states and
1 territory*; Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu,
Federal Capital Territory*, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun,
Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara
Independence:
1 October 1960 (from
UK)
National holiday:
Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960)
Constitution:
new constitution adopted May 1999
Legal system:
based on English common law, Islamic Shariah
law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law
- Economy - overview:
Oil-rich Nigeria, long
hobbled by political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic management, is undertaking
some reforms under the new civilian administration. Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away
from overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides 20% of GDP, 95% of foreign exchange earnings, and
about 65% of budgetary revenues. The largely subsistence agricultural sector has failed to keep up with rapid population growth
- Nigeria is Africa's most populous country - and the country, once a large net exporter of food, now must import food. Following
the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in August 2000, Nigeria received a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and
a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on economic reforms. Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program in April 2002,
after failing to meet spending and exchange rate targets, making it ineligible for additional debt forgiveness from the Paris
Club. In the last year the government has begun showing the political will to implement the market-oriented reforms urged
by the IMF, such as to modernize the banking system, to curb inflation by blocking excessive wage demands, and to resolve
regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the oil industry. During 2003 the government began deregulating fuel
prices, announced the privatization of the country's four oil refineries, and instituted the National Economic Empowerment
Development Strategy, a domestically designed and run program modeled on the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility for
fiscal and monetary management. GDP rose strongly in 2004
- Agriculture - products:
cocoa, peanuts, palm
oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; timber; fish
Industries:
crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other
construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel, small commercial ship construction
and repair
- Telephone system:
general assessment: an
inadequate system, further limited by poor maintenance; major expansion is required and a start has been made
domestic:
intercity traffic is carried by coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, a domestic communications satellite system with 19 earth
stations, and a coastal submarine cable; mobile cellular facilities and the Internet are available
international: country
code - 234; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); fiber optic submarine cable (SAT-3/WASC)
provides connectivity to Europe and Asia
(i will still update this when the needs arises)
emeka isinkita
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