Ezema Nru

Ezema Nru Ezema, Nru na-ato
Rural Settlement
Road leading to Ezema from Fen park Hotels
Motto: peace and love
Ezema Nru Location in the state of Enugu
Coordinates: 6°51′24″N 7°23′45″E / 6.85667°N 7.39583°E / 6.85667; 7.39583Coordinates: 6°51′24″N 7°23′45″E / 6.85667°N 7.39583°E / 6.85667; 7.39583
Country	Nigeria
State	Enugu State
LGA	Nsukka
Government
• Type	Traditional
• Governing Bodies	The Akpuruarua, Ezema Youths and Ezema Development Union
Elevation	1,810 ft (550 m)
Time zone	WAT
6-digit postal code	410101
ISO 3166 code	NG.EN.NS

Ezema Nru is one of four sub-communities that make up the autonomous community of Nru Nsukka in Nigeria. It is adjacent to the three other sub-communities: Edem Nru, Umuoyo Nru and Iheagu. It also shares a border with Eha Alumona.

The community of Ezema is part of Igboland, a cultural region of Southeastern Nigeria, and is dominated by Igbo-speaking peoples. Politically, it is part of Nru Nsukka in the town of Nsukka, Enugu state.

Villages

The community of Ezema is made up of ten villages: Amagu, Amugoro, Amamkpume, Uwelu, Amankwo, Umumkporogidi, Amorah, Amaezedim, Umuokwo, and Umuario. Each village has its own village head, known as Onyishi, which is usually the eldest man or woman in the village. The title "Onyishi" is also used as a surname by the family members of the elders. An example of the title's usage as a surname is Chief Samuel Maduka Onyishi.

The oldest village in Ezema is Amagu, which acts as the main gathering point for all meetings involving the elders or the Ezema community.

Ezema is believed to be one of the most peaceful communities in Nru Nsukka.

Organizations

The most-active groups in Ezema are the Ezema Youth Association (incorporated in 2016) and the Ezema Development Union. These two groups are under the control of the Ezema Council of Elders, and the elders require the groups to consult with them in any decision-making.

Ezema Youths logo

Geography

The high hills called Ugwu Ezema are located in this sub-community.

Business and occupations

Otobogidi is the business area in Ezema, and also serves as the most-centralized point for the Ezemanians. Otobogidi also serves as mini-market for the Ezema community.

Many of the people of Ezema are artisans. This is seen in various areas in Amorah Village. Blacksmithing skills, for example, have been maintained for centuries in Ezema. Most of the occupants of Nsukka town operate businesses in the Nsukka Central market known as Ogige main market.^[1]

Religion

The two major religions in Ezema are Christianity and Odinani, the Igbo traditional religion.

Churches in Ezema include:

• Saint Theophilus, Roman Catholic Diocese of Nsukka
• Saint Peter Anglican communion
• Baptist Church
• Deeper Christian Life Ministry

Those who practice Odinani pay homage to the deity Idenyi nkwo (also referred to as Alusi). Worship is led by the Attamah (chief priest) who is from, and resides in, Ezema.

Notable people

Notable figures in Ezema include: Onyishi Jerome Ozioko, Hon. Celestine Ogbu, Admin. Mercy Onah, TC Ozioko, Samuel Onyishi, and Sir Fidelis Onah.

References