Umuoji Youths Development Association (UYDA)

24/03/2025

CONGRATULATIONS TO URUEGBE VILLAGE AS THE NEW FACE OF THE UZOIYI FESTIVAL CONTINUES TO EMERGE

By Tony Onyima, Ph.D.

Culture is dynamic. It is learned, shared, and passed from generation to generation. It evolves as people continually negotiate the beliefs, values, ideals, and norms that define their way of life.
The Uzoiyi Cultural Festival is no exception. Like every living tradition, it bears the imprints of our ancestors who handed it down to us. The festival is as old as Umuoji itself. Through the years, we have preserved this heritage despite the pressures of modernity and the influences of Christianity.
But over time, something was lost. The festival seemed to lag behind the times. The masquerades, once thrilling, began to feel repetitive—if you had seen one, you had seen them all. The excitement faded. It became clear that Uzoiyi needed a new spark beyond the familiar display of masquerades. It required fresh energy and new spectacles to rekindle interest and pride.

About five years ago, an opportunity to help reimagine Uzoiyi came my way. The committee tasked with organising that year’s festival sought my advice. I seized the chance and wrote a proposal that envisioned Uzoiyi as a masquerade parade and a full-blown carnival. Working closely with Chief Cosmas Ikeme (Ichie Ugwunze) and his committee, I designed a logo and developed a marketing plan to attract corporate sponsorship. We also introduced a healthy spirit of competition. With the support of a retired director of culture from the Anambra State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, we crafted judging criteria to guide the competition.
To kickstart this new approach, I donated a trophy and funded the first set of cash prizes. The judges were primarily non-Ndi Umuoji and were chosen for their expertise in cultural events. Despite these efforts, corporate sponsors remained elusive. The festival’s content lacked the glamour and appeal needed to draw big brands at the time. Efforts by the organising committee to encourage villages to invest time and resources into their performances met with limited success. In some cases, internal village disputes further hampered participation. Disappointed but not discouraged, I stepped back and focused on other projects.

Then, two years ago, another opportunity arose. The chairman of the Umuobia Ukaoye Village Meeting, Nze Hillary Nnadi (Ononaenyi), and his executive team approached me. They asked for guidance as they prepared for their village’s participation in that year’s Uzoiyi. I reasoned that if change couldn’t yet happen on a grand scale, perhaps it could begin with one village. I accepted the challenge and got to work.
The most significant hurdle was mobilising quality participation. After initial hesitation, Umuobia’s upwardly mobile young men rose to the occasion, bringing their time, talent, and resources. Our goal was to introduce spectacle, colour, and glamour, focusing on creativity and innovation. In 2021, the effort paid off. Umuobia astonished everyone with its fresh ideas and dazzling presentation. We brought something beyond Ijele. I hoped that this would spark a friendly rivalry among the villages. And along the way, I found joy in the process.

It seems now that Uruegbe Village has taken up the gauntlet. In 2023, they prepared diligently and gave a commendable performance. Though their presentation leaned towards imitation, it was a worthy effort at innovation. They raised the bar by 2025. Their display this year was vibrant and spectacular. Congratulations to Uruegbe Village, particularly Chief Chibueze Muokwue (Ichie Omekaodinma), for his visionary leadership. Other villages also made impressive showings, introducing new masquerades and colourful costumes. Even Achalagu, the rainbow community known for its diversity, debuted with “Agu,” reflecting the meaning of their community’s name.

I now call upon the elites and leaders of all Umuoji villages to unite to sustain and grow this cultural heritage and our collective pride. I am deeply gratified to see my vision for Uzoiyi gradually coming to life. The festival is slowly transforming into the carnival I once imagined. Looking ahead to the March 15, 2026 edition, I am hopeful that Umuobia will return in grand style, making the competition even more exciting and elevating the festival’s appeal. By then, we should have built the kind of content that can attract corporate sponsors.
In the end, Umuoji stands as the actual winner.

06/06/2024

REMINDER!!!

JUNE 05 2024

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL, UIUN

NOTICE OF 2024 SPECIAL ASSEMBLY

The Acting President General of Umuoji Improvement Union Nigeria (UIUN) has directed the convening of the 2024 Special Assembly of UIUN as follows:
Date — Saturday, June 08 2024
Venue — Civic Centre (White House)
Time — 10 am dot.

Agenda:
1. President General Death/Burial Report
2. The Way Forward
3. AOB

Signed

Emeka Ray Egbueh
SGN

08/05/2024

May 06 2024

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL, UIUN

NOTICE OF 2024 SPECIAL ASSEMBLY

The Acting President General of Umuoji Improvement Union Nigeria (UIUN) has directed the convening of the 2024 Special Assembly of UIUN as follows:
Date — Saturday, June 08 2024
Venue — Civic Centre (White House)
Time — 10 am dot.

Agenda:
1. President General Death/Burial Report
2. The Way Forward
3. AOB

Signed

Emeka Ray Egbueh
SIGNED

16/03/2020

19/07/2019

In 2017, I penned the brief tribute below in honor of these two iconic Anambra citizens. Today Facebook reminded me of it and I re-read it with a sense of pride and fulfillment. With a little editing I am reposting the piece to mark the birthdays of these two great Nigerians because the sentiments expressed therein have not changed. Rather, time and circumstances have reinforced them. So read on.
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PETER OBI, VICTOR UMEH AND JULY 19

By Tony Onyima

They are both great sons of Ndigbo and passionate patriots. I met them differently in course of my career and we became friends. Even though we are in the same age bracket, I look up to them for their sense of duty, courage and unwavering tenacity of purpose. Their world view and where Ndigbo should be resonated with me. They share common purpose even though they disagree on appropriate approach. Today they are in different political trenches fighting for common good. They are brothers and friends; one is from Agulu and the other from Aguluzoigbo. Both are Papal Knights of the Roman Catholic Church. The coincidence of their birthday is divine. They share July 19 as their birthday; one is 58 years old today and the other 57 years old. Ndigbo appreciate both hence they appropriately named one Okwute Ndigbo and the other Ohamadike Ndigbo. Therefore, join me in celebrating these icons, patriots and champions of our cause. I remain hopeful that these uncommon fighters will one day seat at the table of brotherhood and count their blessings. On their heads, I pray that God will continue to guide and protect them. Congratulations Okwute and Ohamadike.

22/03/2019

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07/01/2019

Good day umunnem n'Okodu.

I want to run a *free-4-month* comprehensive lesson for Umuoji youths, who reside in Aba, on *Web design/development* and *coding* using *JAVA*.

This would serve as my part of contribution in youth development of Umuoji youths.

With time we shall try to extend it to other towns.

The lesson would start on *Monday January 14th 2019* at my office *New Concept Digital, 41 Jubilee Rd Aba* from 11:00am.

For inquiries call Iyke Okafor: 08033687034.

Please help share to other Umuoji groups.

14/05/2018

IT’S BEEN SIGNED & SEALED

The last hurdle for the commencement of work on the Umuoji Nkemeh Road was cleared today in Awka with the formal signing of the contract.
The job was given to CGC, a Chinese company that has done a number of big projects in Nigeria. With this development, the long awaited job is signed and sealed for takeoff. The company is expected to takeover the site in the next couple of days or at most two weeks.

Congratulations Ndi Umuoji; your prayers, patience and doggedness have paid off. My appreciation goes to Adadioranma for being the pencil with which God has used to re-write our history in reckoning again.

Tony Onyima (Ife Idemili)

06/04/2018

FOR MRS EUCHARIA OSAKWE

It was Martin Luther King Jr who many years ago asked life’s most pertinent and urgent question: “What are doing for others?” Others here will mean your brother, sister, neighbor, community and nation. Not too many people can confidently answer this life’s question.
But it’s obvious that Mrs. Eucharia Osakwe, Adadioranma, our own amazon, has answered this question by her unwavering commitment and uncommon sense of community. Her doggedness, tenacity of purpose and resilience in face of man-made obstacles have now ensured that reconstruction of Ugwumba-Nkemeh road is now a reality. For long years, we had wondered how and who will bell the Ugwumba-Nkemeh cat. Let me therefore join other Ndi Umuoji to sincerely thank and appreciate Mrs. Osakwe for her relentlessness. May God bless those who gave her moral support and touch the hearts of those who opposed her. She has unwittingly set an example of what every Onye Umuoji should do for our community. I pray that God will continue to guide and protect you. Oji kwenu, Oji kwezonu!

Tonyima ( Ife Idemili)

02/04/2017

RE:CENSORSHIP OF UZOIYI FESTIVAL MAGAZINE
It's almost one week since the 2017 UZOIYI Festival ended with so much success. The rebranding efforts are gradually yielding fruits as a record number of 17 villages attended with so much gusto. A number of the villages came with new things - rebuilt masquerades, banners and new uniforms. In my view, Abidi was the most improved participating village; with their rebuilt masquerade, the discipline and the harmonious dance steps of the accompanying group mainly made of the village's creme de la creme. In all, Ideoma retained the first position followed by Akala Etiti and Abidi, according to the three-man judges. Highlight of the festival was the fundraising ably piloted by indefatigable Engr. Ike Aguanunu (Nzeoji) who was the Chairman. His Highness, Dr. Cyril Enweze, Igwe Umuoji and members of IIC added color to the festival with their presence.
However, the sore point of the festival was the censorship of the magazine. A lot has been said on it on this platform. I had restrained from commenting on the controversy until I have had the full facts. I had last Monday sent an SMS to Dr. V. O Anyaegbuna, the PG seeking an explanation as to why the magazine had to be censored and the manner it was done. More than four days have passed, my dear PG is yet to reply my SMS. The facts about the UZOIYI Festival magazine as I know them are therefore as follows:
1. I had accepted the request of PG through the Organizing Committee to produce a magazine (instead of brochure they wanted) because I had reckoned that a rich magazine would be part of the marketing package for subsequent festivals. I went further to arrange for a professional production of documentary; hire a drone all at my expense. With editorial contributions from notable Ndi Umuoji, we produced, pardon my immodesty, a world class cultural magazine.
2. To spice the magazine, the Organizing Committee solicited for adverts from well meaning Ndi Umuoji. The response and enthusiasm were unprecedented. The committee got 39 full pages of adverts and five half pages. These adverts, including that of Dr. I. Obadike, Eze Umuoji were sent to me for production.
3. Even with a last minute advert on Thursday, I still finished the production on Friday and travelled to Umuoji on Saturday carrying with me a 72-paged and 500 copies of the magazine.
4. PG, Secretary and the Chairman of the Organizing Committee together took delivery of the 500 copies from my Bethany Court in Umuobia early Sunday morning of March 26, 2017.
5. I arrived late at the Stadium because I was waiting for the arrival of the documentary production team from Lagos. On arrival, I immediately went to work with the team. Later, my attention was drawn to the fact that some pages of the magazine were missing. I checked and found out that the centre spread-pages 33, 34, 35 and 36 were neatly yanked off. These pages contain the adverts of Eze Umuoji, Chief Victor Ide-Okoye PhD, UIU NA and Ideoma Village. I considered it impolite to confront anybody there and then.
WHO DID IT?
I have no doubt that the PG did it because the pages of the magazines he collected from me were complete.
WHY IT WAS DONE?
It's obvious that it was done to stop the advert of Eze Umuoji from seeing the light of the day. The unintended consequence was that UIU NA, Ide and Ideoma suffered along.
WAS IT DONE AT BEHEST OF IGWE?
I can only say it was done to please His Highness, Dr Cyril Enweze, Igwe Umuoji whose disposition towards Eze Umuoji is well known. Multiple sources told me that Igwe had demanded assurances that the magazine will not contain any thing concerning Eze Umuoji. In fact he had told the Chairman of the Organizing Committee that he would want to vet the magazine before it goes to press. He said that much at the IIC meeting which the Chairman of the Organizing Committee attended in order to brief IIC on the committee's preparations. Unfortunately, nobody broached the idea of vetting with me.So they ambushed the final work.
WAS THE ACTION NECESSARY?
No. If the PG knew that certain people will not be allowed to take out advert in the magazine, he shouldn't have allowed the public announcement. He should have either done private call for advert or print the magazine without any advert. Eze Umuoji responded like all other Ndi Umuoji and duly paid only for his advert to be yanked off after production.
HOW DO I FEEL?
Outraged. Used. R***d. Despicable. My professional integrity abused. In my 30 years of journalism practice and content development, I have NEVER experienced this type of crude censorship. Not even in the dark days of military rule.
HAVE I LOST HOPE ON UMUOJI?
Two tragedies hit Umuoji within the week. One is this censorship which is a new definition of intolerance and the other which is a clear sign that all is still not well with our dear community is this: Yesterday Governor Willie Obiano sworn in councilors from ALL the wards in the State with the exception of Umuoji. Why? As at last count there were five petitions and counter petitions from Umuoji against the nominees. So a wise government stepped Umuoji down and moved on with the willing.
But I have not lost hope for as long as my redeemer liveth. Certainly, this will not continue. I have this feeling that something will snap. However, we must rise to condemn this monster threatening the fabric of our community. As Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the notorious Somali-born Dutch-American author and activist said "tolerance of intolerance is cowardice". I rest my case.
Tony Onyima
Ife Idemili

16/03/2017

Cultural Splendor As Umuoji Marks #2015 Uzoiyi Festival on March 1, 2015:

Written by Abuchi Onwumelu (From Uruegbe Village Umuoji) 07034507760
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It was a cultural galore at ancient kingdom of Umuoji in Idemili-North Local Government Area of Anambra State as the community recently celebrated its 2015 “Uzoiyi festival” with pomp and pageantry.
The festival is an annual event, and one aspect of the culture of Umuoji Igwulube Okodu people, aimed at commemorating the Ideakpulu River, belief to inhibit gods, the regulator of the amount of rainfall in the town at farming season.
Also, it is the culmination of weeks of dining and winning with family, friends and well-wishers as the community thank God for her last Year’s harvest, even as they pray for moderate rains and bountiful harvest as planting season begins.
Previously, Umuoji, who are agrarian community, marked the aged long festival on week days as announced by the Chief Priest of the Idemili Oracle but as the days for the subsequent celebrations became inconsistent and as more observers identified with the festival, a date was set for the festivity.
That memorable date, our reporter reliably gathered was first Uka Afor (first Sunday in the month of March corresponding with Afor market day) irrespective of the world calendar.
Sequel to this, the 2015 Uzoiyi festival held on Sunday, March 1st witnessed a mammoth crowd of spectators and participants from all walks of life including the Anambra Central Senatorial candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming election, Chief Sir Victor Umeh and his wife; deputy state chairman of APGA, Chief Ifeanyi Udokwu (Ekwueme-Ogidi); the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Tony Onyima who was also from the town; Chief Basil Okonkwo (President General of Umuoji Improvement Union) ;Chief Sir Eddy Onwumelu (Mmili-Umuoji); among other personalities.
The festivity, as usual, featured masquerades display (which mostly represent different kinds of animals) and cultural dance drawn from the 23 villages that made up the community.
Speaking to journalists, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Tony Onyima disclosed that the masquerades featured in animal form portends that before now, Umuoji people were predominantly hunters and farmers.
Chief Onyima, who extolled his people for keeping Igbo culture and tradition in the limelight, noted that Governor Willie Obiano was committed to keeping African Culture alive.
For his part, the sponsor of the 2015 Uzoiyi festival, Chief Celestine Olisa Aniuno of the Oliswarren Group, described the celebration as an aged long event which would never go into extinction from generation to generation.
While declaring the ceremony open, the Traditional Ruler of Umuoji, HRH Igwe Dr. Cyril Enweze (Ebube Igwulube Okodu) praised God for bountiful harvest granted to the community last planting season, even as he prayed for long life and prosperity of his subjects.
The royal father, further commended Governor Willie Obiano for impacting positively on the community and pledged that Umuoji would continue to support his government.
Speaking at the event, the Senatorial Candidate of APGA in the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone and National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh rated the Community high for keeping to the norms, values and culture of Africa even as he Promised if elected to help in making the festival a world class .He enjoined the good of Umuoji to assist him in actualizing his dreams of becoming a senator.
Among the masquerades that participated were Ezemuo (the oldest masquerade in Africa); Onyekulufa; Akwuneche-enyi (king of masquerades) Igada Uruegbe (Stubborn Cow); Inyinya (horse); Aja-Agba-Agu Mgba (Tiger); Akum (hippopotamus); Atu (a tropical animal); Nyanwulu (camel); Akwugo; ); Obammili (a monster); Nkenekwu (Reindeer, a hermaphrodite animal); Aguiyi (crocodile); Odum (Lion);Afuekwe (seen is believing); Ugo (Eagle); Enyi-Nnunnu (Ostrich); Okpoko (a huge bird which makes lots of noise on its way); Ochammili (Giraffe); Enyi (Elephant) EgbenuOba; Ojele (Biggest masquerade) Zebra and others.

14/03/2017

Umuoji is a town in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. Legend has it that centuries ago, a seasoned warrior/hunter named Okoli Otie from Arochukwu fought his way down to the medieval Kingdom of Nri (1043-1911) where he settled and married an Nri woman. Shortly thereafter, this brave hunter, who has by now became known as Okodu, moved out of Nri with his bride and settled on an uninhabited spread of land that is known as the modern day Abatete. It should be noted here that a variant of Umuoji traditional history claims that Okodu and Okoli Otie are different individuals, and that it was Okodu, not Okoli Otie, who migrated from Nri to Abatete. However, sound Igbo traditional history analysis strongly suggests that Okodu and Okoli Otie are one and the same person. The name, Okodu, may have been given to him in Nri, perhaps, a title in recognition of his physical and hunting prowess. While the debate about the true origin of Okodu rages on between erudite scholars and traditional historians, some key facts about Okodu are settled, and they are:
1) That Okodu was once a residence of Nri (either as native-born or migrant)
2) That Okodu’s wife was an Nri woman
3) That Okodu and his wife migrated to an uninhabited spread of land that is known today as Abatete
4) That Okodu and his wife had three sons namely Omaliko, Oji and Dimudeke
5) That Omaliko, the first son was the progenitor of Abetete, Oji progenited Umuoji, and Dimudike’s progeny is Nkpor (originally known as Umudim)
6) That the descendants of Oji’s only known siblings, present day Abatete and Nkpor, commonly recognize Okoli Otie as their ancestral father.
The historical account goes on to state that, in conformity with Igbo customs, Omaliko, the first son of Okodu, became the sole inheritor of Okodu’s piece of land. The reality of Omaliko’s exclusive inheritance resulted in Oji and Dimudeke having to depart to find separate settlements.
Be it as it may, the legend that is generally accepted by Umuojians continues that Oji had four sons namely Eziora, Ifiteora, Dimechem and Akala, in birth order. These four sons of Oji Okodu constitute the four loosely administrative quarters in Umuoji. Each of Oji’s four sons begot several sons of their own, and each of their sons individually originated one of the twenty-three villages in Umuoji. Unfortunately, the legend says nothing of what became of Oji’s female offspring or whether he or his sons had any daughters. The favored traditional history goes on to narrate that Oji’s sons and grandsons had such large families that their population soon eclipsed those of Omaliko and Dimudeke combined. It is said that old Okodu, who must have been blessed with longevity, was so impressed with the multitude that descended from his second son, Oji, which he proudly referred to them as “Igwulube Okodu”, literally interpreted to mean “Okodu’s swam of locusts.”
Listed below, in order of seniority, are the four sons of Oji and their children who were the progenitors of the constituent twenty-three villages in Umuoji.
1. EZIORA
Abor, Umuobia, Ire, Ekwulu, Amoji and Urueze
2. IFITEORA
Ifite, Urudeke, Umuazu and Umuoli
3. DIMECHEM
Aguma Elum, Umuoma, Uruaneke, Urumkpu, Ideoma, Dianokwu, Dimboko, and Umuechem
4. AKALA
Aguma, Uruegbe, Akala Etiti, Anaogu and Abidi