Emekukwu

Emekuku, more correctly pronounced Omee kuukwu is a town in Owerri North Local Government of Imo state in South-Eastern Nigeria.

"Omee kuukwu" is the correct Igbo name for this town, but it was anglicized "Emekuku" by foreigners. The town is located near the city of Owerri. It is also regarded as the birthplace of the Roman Catholic Church in the now Owerri Arch-diocese and Port Harcourt Diocese. Emekuku has 10 villages that make up the town, namely: Ezeogba, Ezedibia, Okwu Emeke, Akalovo, Umuakuru, Azara-owala, Azara-egbelu, Ubowala, Uboegbelu, and Umuocham.

There are two great rivers in Emekukwu: Okitankwo and Oramuru- ukwa. Emekuku people belong to a group of people generally referred to as 'Owerri people' sharing the same tonal dialect and similar cultures with this larger group. Nkwo Emeke is the biggest market in Emekuku land and trading activities peak on Nkwo days (Igbo calendar). Orie Nwinyi Emeke is another important market in Ozara Egbelu one of the ten villages that make up the town. The most important festival in Emekuku town is called 'Ugu Uzo' Emeke. It is usually celebrated in the month of November of every year. Its celebration date is usually determined by a group of elders from the town known as 'Ndi Oha Emeke'. It is a celebration which starts with the clearing of the paths to each constituent community's stream and peaks with merry making, feasting and the chanting of an ancient song known as 'Nwa Uri ala'.