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NIMO MY TOWN
By
Chief B.O Omile, Okpoka Ora Nimo
(All Rights Reserved)
It is with the greatest pride and humility that I write to discuss shortly about “Nimo My Town”. Nimo is an ancient city. She is one of the most thickly populated communities in the Awka Division of 82 towns and now she is the second most thickly populated town in Njikoka Local Government Area where she belongs. At present, the government estimated population for Nimo is 61,403. (Sixty one thousand four hundred and three)
Nimo originated from Owelle who is the eponymous father of Nimo, Abagana, Eziowelle, and Abba. Nimo had four children namely: -Okpaladinwenu (Etiti Nimo), Ezenebo (Ifiteani), Ojideleke (Egbengwu) and Ezeabani (Ifitenu).
Administration: – The leaders of this ancient city are highly intelligent, thoughtful, patriotic, and praise-worthily enthusiastic. The citizens are industrious, agriculturist, painstaking, academicians, and combatants, careful, and energetic planners for life sustenance.
Nimo had four administrative clans/Quarters, namely: – Etiti Nimo, Ifiteani, Egbengwu, and Ifitenu. Each Quarter had able and competent Traditional Ruler. These Traditional Rulers were assisted in governance by Isikolo, Ekwu, and Ndi Nze na Ndi Ozo title holders. Some of the able Ekwu and Ozo titled members assisted the Traditional Rulers Lieutenants in smooth running of their clans.
It is primarily important to state that at certain stage, the said Traditional Rulers were noted conspicuously for harsh treatments and wrong handling of their subjects. Some of them imposed certain obligations on their subjects. Some enforced homage that any he-goat brought forth on an Eke day, should be sent to them. Some enacted that a tribute of long basket of yams and a cock should be brought to them by all men whose wives were delivered of babies on Eke days. To enforce strict compliance to orders or laws they have made, they engaged agents, who nosed around to detect defaulters. Such defaulters were made to pay dearly for their dishonesty.
Among the Ndi Eze (Traditional Rulers) who ruled in Nimo at this time were Analikwu, Achuamaokwa, Onyiuke, Obiweleozor, Aro Ezeamii, Akunatu Nwaelom, and Okafor Oji Agbakwuogu.
The Era of White Man in Nimo
In Nimo, the White Man first settled at Oliakwukwo from where (he) the White Man, requested the Nimo people to present a person who would receive a “Warrant”. In compliance with this order, Mr. Analikwu of Egbengwu Nimo was unanimously presented to the White Man as their Chief. He accordingly received the Warrant.
For the first time, Nimo had a single leader, who operated under the close supervision of the White Man. Analikwu was reputed as the first Nimo citizen to plant the orange tree in the town. As a mark of friendship, he supplied oranges to the White Man on demand.
However, as the result of indiscriminate shooting of cows and other unfriendly aggressive acts by the White Man, the Nimo people felt uneasy about the marriage of convenience between them. Realizing that in spite of their (Nimo) prowess in war, they were no match to the White Man, they took the wise decision of non-open confrontation. They, therefore, resorted to the use of charms and incantations in order to quietly eject the White Man from Nimo land. Their plan apparently worked as the White Man quietly left Nimo.
When Analikwu (the Warrant Chief) died, he was succeeded by his son Muoka. In any case, Muoka had a brief reign because he was alleged to have put poison in the oranges which he sent to the White Man in continuation of the practice of his late father. On conviction, he was imprisoned.
Chief Ibekwe of Egbengwu Nimo acted for Muoka while he was in prison. On completion of his prison term, Muoka was not allowed to continue as the Chief.
A period of stalemate and confusion followed, as the other Ndi Eze, namely-Achuamaokwa Onyiuke, Obiwelozor, Akunatu Nwaelom, Aro Ezeamii, Okafor Oji Agbakwuogo and Ibekwe struggled for recognition. Later sanity prevailed and stalemate was resolved by the popular selection of Achuamaokwa Onyiuke, as the second Chief, to be presented to the White Man for recognition by the people of Nimo.
In order to prevent further claims by other contestants listed earlier, and in order to maintain peace and stability in Nimo, there was invocation of oath (Itu Iyi) that henceforth Nimo would endorse only one chief at a time. However, the general oath was later revoked when colonial administration established a Native Court in Nimo and it became mandatory to have more chiefs who would help in the adjudication of cases.
Achuamaokwa Onyiuke ruled for some time without open confrontation by his former colleagues. He was not a harsh ruler and was liked by the people. As age began tell on him, it became apparent that his enemies who had been plotting against him might frame him before the White Man and have him imprisoned. When the threat became so threatening, he presented his Michael Muoyekwu Onyiuke to Nimo, for consideration as his successor in his life time.
Michael Muoyekwu Onyiuke was accordingly unanimously accepted by Nimo people, as the 3rd Chief of Nimo, after Analikwu and Achuamaokwa. He ruled Nimo magnanimously and contributed immensely in checking robbery or forceful snatching of people’s belongings (mpu) which was then rampant, and which spearheaded by the unrecognized contestants to the chieftaincy. His affinity and humane disposition earned him the appellation “Master”.
When Michael Muoyekwu Onyiuke died in 1937, he was mourned by the entire town. To Nimo, the death of Muoyekwu Onyiuke was an irreparable loss. He was succeeded by his brother Alfred Nkwocha Onyiuke who took the Chieftancy Title of Owelle 3rd. As a very devoted conscientious, enthusiastic, patriotic, and humble ruler, Chief Alfred Nkwocha Onyiuke enjoyed the mass support of the people of Nimo. During his reign, many development projects were initiated and executed satisfactorily in Nimo. He effectively continued the ruler ship of Nimo with political responsibilities. For an example, between 1957 and 1959, he was the Minister of Local Government in the then Eastern Region of Nigeria House of Assembly.
When after the Nigerian Civil war (1967-1970) the then Military Governor of Anambra State Lt. Col. John Atom Kpera requested communities to present their traditional rulers for recognition, Chief Alfred Nkwocha Onyiuke was unanimously asked to continue as the Chief of Nimo in order to (like the Biblical Moses) lead Nimo to the “Promised land”. Whatever plans he had for Nimo were cut off by the death, which struck in 1983, thus bringing to an end his forty years as the Owelle of Nimo.
INAUGURATION OF N.B.S. – NIMO BROTHERHOOD SOCIETY
In 1932, Nimo Brotherhood Society was inaugurated in Lagos as the Head-Quarters by Chief F.G. Onyiuke and other ardent, honest and patriotic citizens of Nimo at No. 154 Igboshere Road and later other branches were inaugurated in nearly all the capital towns of the states of Nigeria. At this time, it must be frankly stated that the world of town unions and societies was yet unknown in Nigeria.
Nimo Brotherhood Society had three defined meetings yearly: – during Easter, August, and December. The December Annual Conference holds on 27th December every year for general review of the year’s work in Nimo. Nimo Brotherhood Society was founded as a national, cultural, and social organization for the sole purpose of National Identity and Nimo general progress with her citizens. It is necessary to reiterate that N.B.S. has been, is, and shall ever remain non-party, non-religious, and non-political but shall be definitely neutral in nothing affecting the destiny of Nimo either in whole or part.
Annulment of Religious Rivalry in Nimo
In 1933, the N.B.S. in its Annual conference condemned all religious rivalry and religious oppression, and finally established religious tolerance in Nimo and declared aid for any religion that needed her assistance for the progress of Nimo and has always stood by her words.
Laying the Foundation Stone of the Catholic Church in Nimo
In 1934, N.B.S successfully levied and collected the fund for laying the foundations stone of the present Catholic Church in Nimo. In the same year, a ruling for yearly clearing and repairing of all roads not maintained by the government in Nimo was upheld. These roads were carefully and satisfactorily shared for the four quarters of Nimo for repairing.
Employment of a National Secretary for Nimo
In 1948, N.B.S. successfully established and transferred her Head-quarters from Lagos to Nimo and successfully appointed a full-time National Secretary, Mr. Benjamin Omile, on application for the general services of Nimo. In the same year, N.B.S. ably organized the first Annual Mass Return of Adults of Nimo every two years and this later altered to three years to date.
First Tour by the National Secretary
In the same year, 1948, the first tour by the National Secretary to collect money for execution of community development projects was undertaken. By this time, it was a collection of Tax Equivalent. That is what one paid to the government; he paid the same to the covers of the N.B.S. This method was operated for a year. The National Secretary visited the following N.B.S. branches: – Lagos, Onitsha, Enugu, Aba, Ibadan, Okigwi, Benin City, Sapele, Warri, Osiono, Orlu, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Jos, Yola, Port Yarcourt, Bukuru, Awka, Potiskum, Zaria, Lokoja, Auchi, Umahia, Nguru, Galabar, Nsukka, Gombe, Maiduguri, Forcados, Emenah, Uyo etc., including farming camps over Asaba: Ubulubu, Iselle Mkpitima, Ugbolu, Alla, Ani Ngene, Otulu, Ebu, Machakoli, Atuma, Iselle – Ukwa, Ugo Okolocha, Iselle Azagba, Okwute Ugbo etc.
A total of about N80, 000.00 was realized during the tour.
Subvention to Town Schools
At the end of the tour, the N.B.S. Anuual Conference 1948 resolved that the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some schools in Nimo should be embarked upon. The following schools were given some subvention to effectively handle the work: – St. Mary’s Egbengwu Nimo, Nimo Convent School at Agu Mkpukpa, St. Paul’s Anglican School, Nimo St Vincent School Ifiteani Nimo, Uruegbe Primary School, and St. Bon’s School.
Clearing of Egwegwe Square Sacred Bush
One of the most glaring achievements embarked upon early enough by the N.B.S was the old step taken to clear the Egwegwe Sacred Bush. Egwegwe Square contained a sacred bush. Inside the bush (sacred bush) situated and extensive area properly organizes, swept and reserved for holding very crucial meetings that concerned progress of Nimo. Because of the present Turn Over to a new leaf, the sacred bush was cleared and named “Nimo Civic Center”. The clearing and cutting down of the lofty trees in the aforementioned sacred bush was in 1953 by the whole Nimo citizenry.
Dredging of Swamps on Odoagba Stream
The third bold and important project undertaken by the generality of Nimo citizenry at home and abroad was the dredging of the swamps at the Odoagba stream to enable the construction of nimo-Neni Bridge and road go ahead. It was interesting, remarkable, and memorable to see gentlemen carry head pans and buckets of swamps poised on their heads in order that the swamps were excavated satisfactorily for the bridge and road construction. This was in 1967 when the Nimo – Neni roads were officially commissioned before the Nigerian-Biafra war set in. In fact, but for this gigantic and bold step taken by the N.B.S. to turn out the citizens to cause the Nimo-Neni road constructed, sad news should have been told about Nimo and suburban towns, as it should have been a completed cut-off from communications.
One month’s salary per person per annum Levy
In 1949, N.B.S. successfully launched and supervised one month’s salary levy per person per annum for all Nimo adults of Nimo and this stayed for only a year and became moribund because it was problematic and difficult to collect. During this point in time, a levy of N3.00 per capita per annum for people at home and N5.00 per capita per annum for people abroad, for the maintenance of the National Secretariat was introduced.
Battle for the Resident Priest at Nimo
In 1950 and 1951 N.B.S. fought and won brilliantly the bitter battle of Resident Priest for Nimo. After this, the Nimo catholic started immediately in1951 to build the parish priest’s edifice.
Building of a type “D” Post Office at Nimo
In 1957, N.B.S. was the first community in Awa Division that successfully fought and won a sagas tic battle for building a type “D” Post Office at Nimo. This sounded impossible at the start.
Building of a Health Center at Nimo
In 1958, not minding that Nimo joined late into the war for a Health Center in the Division, yet outmaneuvered all contestants and thus scored success for the building of a Health Center at Nimo and this was second to none in the Awka Division. This was not without heavy losses to the surprise of the nation.
Building of a Secondary School at Nimo
In 1962/1963, after prolonged pen, academic and through battles, Nimo finally succeeded to gain approval from the Government for building a Secondary School at Agu Mkpukpa Nimo. In fact, the goings on, were not easy and of course we now are enjoying St Michael’s Model Comprehensive Secondary School.
Water Scheme Establishment
In the same year, 1963, both men and women of Nimo embarked on paying contributions for provisions of pipe borne water supply. Water is the prime necessity for life “Mmili bu ndu azu”. We will state categorically here that no any suburban town was awake to this amenity when we took off.
Building and Construction of Oye Nimo Market
In 1972, Nimo Brotherhood Society girder her loins and embarked on reconstruction of Oye Nimo market and building of Nimo-Njikika Local Government, Sub-Office, which has today accommodated Nneamaka Cooperative Society for Nimo women. Oye Nimo market was and is one of the popular markets in the Division.
In the same year, 1972, electrification of Nimo was started by the government. But when the government was unable to carry on the expensive and worthwhile amenity, Ifiteani clan of Nimo, immediately embarked on electrification of her inhabitants. She was later followed by Egbengwu Clan and lastly followed by Ifitenu and Etiti Nimo clans. This was a wonderful completed amenity.
Establishment of Nimo Rurax Automatic Telephone Exchange
In 1980, the Nimo Rurax automatic telephone exchange project came into being and in 1991 it was generally commissioned by the then Commissioner – Ministry of Communication and Aviation. What happened admirably and satisfactorily was that all hands were always on deck. Nimo citizens responded enthusiastically and appreciably to contributions. Manual labors and good will donations and thus there was steady flow of finance which nobly enhanced execution of community development projects. It is necessary to reiterate that the goings on were full of thorns and thistles but enjoyable because all citizens of Nimo participated in the execution of the projects very happily and patriotically.
Ichieship Award in Nimo
With the enthronement of Chief Alfred Nkwocha Onyiuke 111 as the Owelle of Nimo, after the death of Chief Muoyekwu Onyiuke in 1937, the chieftaincy character award emanated and in addition to this, on the assumption of Owelleship by J.C. E. Okafor Agilo, the introduction of Ichieship came to life. These innovations are tantamount to smooth and cooperative administration of Nimo.
Construction and Repair of Roads and Streets etc. at Nimo
N.B.S. carefully and seriously embarked on road and street repairs as hereunder named: –
1.Nimo to Abacha
2.Oye Nimo to Oyeagu Abagana
3.Ekeudo to Ezi Icheke Abagana
4.Uruegbe Nimo through Uruokofia to Njikoka Local Government Secretariat
5.Egbengwu to St. Michael’s Abba to Uruzu to Njikoka Local Government Secretariat
6.Nimo Post Office to Uruezebaluchi to Uruzu to Uruokofia. 7. Ekeudo to Uruokokwe to Awator
7.Egbengwu to Oye Nimo
8.Nimo Post Office to St. Vincent’s to Ekeudo
9.Samuel Aguolu to Muoegbunam to Otenyi
10.Ezira Primary School to Nimo Girls Secondary School
11.Anekwe to Nimo Abacha road through Owelle of Nimo gate, etc.
The above named roads, streets, avenues, and crescents are conspicuous amongst the communicational links which N.B.S. embarked upon.
Bank Facilities in Nimo
Today, Nimo inhabitants are enjoying Bank facilities. The first bank was the first bank to be established in Nimo. The second bank that came into service was the Peoples Bank. This however was not without tragic catastrophe created by suburban towns which Nimo never surmounted. It is not egotistic to say that all our achievements in Nimo had always been met with thorns and thistles and such sad situations had been repulsed by God for our social and economic existence. The N.B.S. had since its inauguration able Presidents, Secretaries, Executives and members hence the goings on in Nimo has been acceptable and appreciative.
Permanent Levy for Nimo from 1982
Experience learnt from the audit work of Nimo accountants showed that many people evaded payment of multiplicity levies imposed on the people and that once a person could get away without paying one levy, he could continue to avoid paying subsequent ones.
Consequently, a resolution was taken by the generality of Nimo people that a permanent levy scheduled be as here under tabulated.
1.Men at home N5.00 per capita.
2.Women at home N2.50.00 per woman capita.
3.Men abroad N20.00 per capita per annum.
4.Women abroad N 5.00 per capita per annum.
This continued to be increased every three years that as of now 1998, the new schedule is as follows:-
1.Men at home N100.00 per capita per annum.
2.Women at home N50.00 per capita per annum.
3.Men abroad N200.00 per capita per annum.
4.Women abroad N100.00 each yearly.
Marriage System in Nimo
Following the skyrocketing of bride price and other marriage expenses in Nimo which led to many evils, the N.B.S. set up a committee to study and make recommendations to curtail ostentatious and flamboyant spending and show of wealth, characteristic of marriage ceremonies in those days.
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The bride price to be paid on any woman, who did not attend any school, or who got a successful First School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent: or a woman who gained a successful West African Certificate: or read up to or below class V in any type of Secondary School or a woman who gained a successful grad 11 Teachers Certificate or its equivalent; or attended any Teachers College; or any type Commercial/Vocational Secondary School shall not be more than N1,000.00 ( one thousand naira), for the woman’s father or a person who is standing in the position of a father to her. It may be less. In addition, not more than the sum of N200.00 (two hundred naira) is to be paid by the bride-groom to the mother of the bride or a person who is standing in place of the bride’s mother. The total sum of money payable as bride price for any kind of woman referred to, in the instant Rules and Regulations 4 shall therefore, not exceed N1,200.00 (one thousand two hundred naira); but may be less.
Any woman, who has acquired any kind of post-secondary education including a University degree, National Certificate of Education, or Higher National Diploma Certificate, attracts a bride price not more than a, 800.00 (one thousand eight hundred naira) payable to her father or any other person in a position of father to her. It may be less, plus another sum of not more than N200.00 (two hundred naira) to be paid to her mother or any person standing in place of a bride’s mother. The total bride price any kind of women referred to in instant Rules and Regulations number 5, shall therefore, not exceed N200.00 ( Two hundred naira) but may be less.
The same committee was requested to handle burial and funeral ceremonies in Nimo and recommend how to slash down expenses. They handled the issue and tabled their report to the National Executive and Annual Assembly which accepted the recommendations for actions.
N.B.S. had since its inauguration able Presidents, Secretaries, Executive Members, and floor members hence goings on in Nimo has been acceptable and appreciative.
ILL WIND IN NIMO
It is condign at this juncture to state unhappily that Nimo in 1984 was immersed in a dilemma, which stayed for some couple of years. Within a matter of some months after the death of late Onyiuke III, the Owelle of Nimo late in 1983, our beloved ancient city embarked upon most deplorable but steady drift from one crisis to the other. This devastation drift as it involved a series of court action and round table discussions, progressively deteriorated. It ushered into Nimo an indescribable ill wind of the most dangerous and destructive type. It emphatically generated such bitterness, acrimony, deep seated hatred that once famous and highly respected Nimo was thrown into total disunity, utter disorder, state of strife near tumult and anarchy. The result was that the one time peace-loving and enviable people of Nimo got torn into various unhealthy antagonistic factions, factions which in no small measure, stultified and frustrated nay meaningful social interaction, developmental efforts and even religious practices.
This disgusting situation lingered on from 1984 to 1989 when his Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Dr. A.K. Obiefuna of Awka Diocese (Now Arch Bishop of Onitsha) demonstrated a prom and steady-fast role which he resolutely and exquisitely pursued. The temptation and hardship which gripped Nimo at that time were clear and unequivocal to His Lordship.
Successful Crowning of Chief J.C.E. Okafor-Agilo as the Owelle of Nimo
On 15th July 1989, Chief J.C.E. Okafor-Agilo in accordance with Nimo Chieftaincy Constitution was successfully crowned his Royal Highness, Igwe J.C.E. Okafor-Agilo Owelle of Nimo.
It should be said here emphatically that Nimos are usually discreet, meticulously searching, judiciously penetrative and manifest being of Nimo. They spare no time in dealing with people who cause confusion in Nimo.
Building of Girls Secondary School in Nimo
Progress continued flowing into Nimo and in 1997 Nimo Girls Secondary School was established, thus giving room for the women education. Much effort and finance were fostered before this came to a splendidly standard, and thanks to late John Muo who spearheaded the project, may his soul rest in perfect peace.
Special Mention of Patriotism in Nimo
Special mention of patriotism manifested by Lagos branch N.B.S., Nimo daughters married to none indigenes who live in Lagos and Dynamic Committee of friends, Nimo shall be discussed for emulation.
The Lagos branch of N.B.S. held the bull by the horns. It was this branch that gave Nimo Health Centre the Elevation we are now enjoying. This branch built the magnificent edifice and well-designed Out Patients department at the Nimo General Hospital. This noble act motivated other patriotic (Nimo daughters, resident in Lagos but are married to non-Nimo indigenes). These good daughters built the only inpatient ward now in the hospital. It was a very kind gesture and may God bless and guide them continuously. Special mention is also made about the gigantic struggle by Nimo Dynamic Committee of Friends, which boldly and effectively built the Plant House and Mortuary at the General Hospital, Nimo. These kinds of Ornaments afforded the Nimo Health Centre the Elevation to a General Hospital. We are outstandingly grateful to these benefactors of no mean caliber.
Today, no one can deny the fact that N.B.S. has safely molded and guided the fate of Nimo and has splendidly and indelibly placed Nimo on the map of the World from the date of her inauguration to the present, and not only that, N.B.S. has always shown the light of awakening to other towns in the suburb for emulation.
Finally, we utilize this rare medium of communication to profoundly implore all the people of our great ancient city to always focus and direct their endeavors towards realizing a virile and united community, by exhibiting in all our dealings that genuine, sincere, honest characteristic of being brother’s keeper. For united we stand, divided we fall. The absolute neglect and rejection of an avalanche of rumor, gossip, blackmail, castigation defamation and vehement resistance to the agents of all these enumerated maladies and more, would for sure lead and land us in that Promised haven of comfort and everlasting bliss.
Remember, Nimo citizens that one repair where he lives and that co-operation and consolidation are gateways to success.
Nimo community was/is blessed with many men of versatile embodiments. They are quiet people but if the citizens are infuriated and pushed to wall, they do not spare time to retort.
Consequently, Nimo was pushed to a dilemma on various occasions by the respective communities, Owa, Okpo, Ozalla, Ezike etc. Nimo immediately reacted by seriously, brilliantly, sagastically, and justifiably struggled tooth and nail and defeated the warring groups mentioned above praise-worthily.
It was a bravo to Nimo community who did not fight without being pushed to the wall.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of Chief Okpokora Na Nimo.