history of onitsha

It has a federal government college, an army cantonment and a school of metallurgy, to mention a few landmark institutions. One version said that it was during their passage through the outskirts of Ile-Ife that they Going back in time, Onitsha has remained a major trading centre with its fame going beyond the confines of Nigeria. Onitsha (Igbo: Ọ̀nị̀chà Mmílí or just Ọ̀nị̀chà) is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Nigeria's Anambra State.A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. (Excerpt from “A History of Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha [1925-1975]“ Prepared by: E. Chukuka Ezekwcsili (Deceased, 2001) B.A., Econs. FRAGMENTS OF ONITSHA HISToRY 477 were later named, Onitsha-Ugbo, Onitsha-Olona, Onitsha-Mili, and the like, so that our future generations might learn of the bravery of their parents in the great days of yore. The town has produced quite a number of notable people like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, popularly known as Zik of Africa. 529 talking about this. Other notable indigenes of the town include Sir Louis Mbanefo, the first Igbo- speaking lawyer, Professor Chike Obi, the renowned mathematician, and Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Nigeria’s first Commonwealth Games gold medalist (high jump). Read our History, Strategic Plan and about the JDPC Arms History JDPC Onitsha was established in 1990 As a faith based and non-governmental organization concerned with the development of people, with a mission to promote the dignity of the vulnerable and marginalized groups by promoting access to justice and development. 1/2. Onitsha became world news – other countries soon had their interests registered for trade: France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Malaysia etc exported their manufactured goods into Onitsha-Market. All historical accounts of the Onitsha Kingdom showed that Chima, the arrowhead of the Umuezechima, unfortunately only sighted the Promised Land across River Niger, as he died in Obior, near the present-day Asaba town. The Ime Obi Social Network has been uniquely designed for Onitsha Indigenes to interact and form powerful online community. The main purpose of the website is to provide accurate and authentic information about Onitsha. Their migration was stimulated by the early fifteenth, -century* political upheaval in the Empire. It is full of atmosphere – sights, sounds, smells – and at times the author's sentences seem to flow with the dreamy languor of the river itself. Oral and documented historical evidence showed that they migrated from originally from Ile-Ife, with a long sojourn the old Benin Empire. It also offers an opportunity for all Onitsha natives to network seamlessly. Onitsha maintains its status as the commercial nerve center* of the South-east and South-south regions of Nigeria and is also a major trading location in West Africa. Onitsha must retrace the history of her monarchs from his imperial Majesty Obi Achebe back to the Ogiso Kings of Igodomigodo in Edo, then to Egypt; to Pharoah Tutankhamon, Pharoah Amenemhet, Pharoah Amenemes, Pharoah Amenkhuti Ra; Pharoah Khafara, and back to the first dynasty in Egypt. The origin of the name is derived from the Anambra River (Omambala) which is a tributary of the River Niger. Chima might have been forced to leave Benin, according to W. R. T. Milne in his intelligence report on Onitsha, because of a dispute over kingship in the year 1468. In the course of the great movement, some of Chima’s loyalists settled in the neighbouring* towns of the present-day Onicha Ugbo, Onicha Olona, Ogwashi, Onicha Ukwu, and Asaba, among others. The history of Onitsha is said to have begun with the migration of its people from the Benin Empire towards the end of early part of the 16th century as a result of a wave of unrest, war and displacement unleashed by the Islamic movement from North Africa. Later in the same year, Bishop Ajayi Crowther joined the missionary expedition from Sierra Leone and established the Church Missionary Society in the town. Founded by adventurers from Benin in the early 17th century, the town grew to become the political and trading center of the small Igbo (Ibo) kingdom of Onitsha. Oreze, one of the sons of Chima, apparently driven by his father’s quest to settle across the Niger, led some groups to cross and settle at the present-day Inland Town after defeating the Oze people in a series of communal wars. Ed. Onitsha is one of the most popular towns in Nigeria. The first church building now known as Church No. Onitsha (Igbo: Ọ̀nị̀chà Mmílí or just Ọ̀nị̀chà) is a city, a commercial, educational, and religious centre and river port on the eastern bank of the Niger river in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. Igbo History TV Group takes you... down memory lane, to explore things of old that have great significance. Onitsha in Nigeria. The exodus was said to have been led by one of the then Benin Empire warlords, Chima. As a dissident, and apparently out of defeat in the kingship tussle, Chima and his followers ostracized themselves from the empire and moved east towards the River Niger. The archaeological excavations revealed great works of art in iron, copper, bronze, and other materials that belong to the ancient Kingdom of Nri. Here are four surprising facts about Onitsha. These works have featured a high level of development of the administrative system of the Kingdom of Nri which was located on Anambra River from 948 to 1911. The migration was as a result of a wave of unrest, war and displacement unleashed by the Islamic movement from North Africa. The Onitsha Main Market is one of the largest markets in West Africa. Anambra state traces its history back to the 9th century. Seal. The British government, for the strategic importance of Onitsha in its commercial expedition, including slave trading, entered into an agreement with Onitsha people in 1857 to provide a steamer, a kind of worship, under Dr. Baikie’s supervision for the defense* of the town. It has a rich history and culture at its core. Anthem: "With all our hearts, We Pray and ask" Onitsha. Lend. Onitsha History, Kingship and Changing Cultures. History is the story of past events. Most of these non British products were not allowed in the main market; and this led to establishment of a new market called Ochanja Market: ochanja was Onitsha derogatory word … Oral and documented historical evidence showed that they migrated from the old Benin Empire. The history of Onitsha is said to have begun with the migration of its people from the Benin Empire towards the end of early part of the 16th century as a result of a wave of unrest, war and displacement unleashed by the Islamic movement from North Africa. The then traditional ruler of Onitsha, Obi Samuel Okosi I, was accorded with a certificate of recognition by the British government as the 17th Obi of Onitsha on the death of Obi Anazonwu in 1899. "Onitsha" is remarkable for its "almost mythological evocation of local history and beliefs." Onitsha es una ciudad y un puerto en la orilla oriental del río Níger en el estado de Anambra, en el sureste de Nigeria.En el año 2005 tenía una población estimada de 561.066 habitantes. Anambra is the eighth most p… Traders from the ECOWAS sub-region, including Accra, Abidjan, Douala, Niamey, and Cotonou, massively patronize* the market. Modern history Onitsha became an important trading port for the Royal Niger Company in the mid-1850s following the abolition of slavery and with the development of the steam engine when Europeans were able to move into the hinterland. Stay current with Ime Obi Onitsha latest New and Events of Onitsha and other topics you care about most. The history of how the Onitsha people got to their present location is in tandem with that of so many other towns that are found west of the Niger river. A Political And Administrative History Of Onitsha: Amazon.es: Okeke, Okechukwu Edward: Libros en idiomas extranjeros Selecciona Tus Preferencias de Cookies Utilizamos cookies y herramientas similares para mejorar tu experiencia de compra, prestar nuestros servicios, entender cómo los utilizas para poder mejorarlos, y para mostrarte anuncios. History of Onitsha. Most of the major import merchants from Eastern Nigeria have their head offices within the market. It was originally established as an extension of Christ Church, Onitsha to accommodate children’s services in the open field. Contact Us. Folklore has it that, Onitsha was founded by one of the sons of Chima, the founder of Issele-Uku kingdom in western Igboland. The history and development of All Hallows Seminary Onitsha can hardly be complete without putting to records a number of assistance that had come to sustain the great institution over years, even right from the very early inception at Igbariam. Onitsha slowly grew to become an important trading port for the Royal Niger Company in the mid-1850s following the abolition of slavery and with the development of the steam engine when Europeans were able to move into the hinterland. Selected Speeches and Lectures of HM, Nnaemeka Achebe, • Obi Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, "Agbogidi". Dip. Please join and participate. It hosts the Onitsha Main Market, the largest market in Africa in terms of geographical size and volume of goods. Sunday, 27 May 2018. Oral and documented historical evidence showed that they migrated from originally from Ile-Ife, with a long sojourn the old Benin Empire. One … The indigenous ethnic groups in Anambra state are the Igbo (98% of population) and a small population of Igala (2% of the population) who live mainly in the north-western part of the state. The history of Onitsha is said to have begun with the migration of its people from the Benin Empire towards the end of early part of the 16th century as a result of a wave of unrest, war and displacement unleashed by the Islamic movement from North Africa. The history of how the Onitsha people got to their present location is in tandem with that of so many other towns that are found west of the Niger river. The history of how the Onitsha people got to their present location is in tandem with that of so many other towns that are found west of the Niger. Onitsha has also transformed into a modern urban society in the present-day Anambra State. Onitsha has for well over a century served as the location of a good number of reputable educational institutions. Onitsha is a port and market town in Anambra state in southern Nigeria. Onitsha was known as Ado N'Idu by citizens who departed from the vicinity of the Kingdom of Benin near the far western portion of Igboland (near what is now Agbor), after a violent dispute with the Oba of Benin that … The title of our Website publication derives from the enigmatic statement just presented here above in bold italics. This prompted a re-invigoration of commercial and missionary activities in the town to the extent that, in 1905, Onitsha was made the political headquarters of the then Central Division, and in 1906, the British government laid the first telephone/telegraph cable across the River Niger to Onitsha. By CHIKA ABANOBi (Last update 28/09/2017). [1] Sus coordenadas son . St Andrew’s church is about ninety one years old and has a very rich history. The Roman Catholics later came, in 1884. 1 was constructed in 1929 by CMS missionaries led by Mr Bracket. More. [Note: Click on any image you may want to enlarge.] Existing since the mid-16th century, the kingship institution in Onitsha is one of the oldest in Nigeria, and has remained uninterrupted all these while. The history of Onitsha is said to have begun with the migration of its people from the Benin Empire towards the end of early part of the 16th century as a result of a wave of unrest, war and displacement unleashed by the Islamic movement from North Africa. Following this and subsequent treaties between Onitsha and Europeans, numerous commercial ventures merged to form the Royal Niger Company in 1879. Some of the oldest post-primary educational institutions in the region, such as the Dennis Memorial Grammar School and the Christ the King College, founded in 1925 and 1933 respectively, are located in Onitsha. For these reasons, Henderson believes that reconstruction of origin of Onitsha history may depart from a roughly datable baseline of around 1500 AD, as substantiated by the Benin material, and end with an exploratory period fairly well documented by historical accounts. The history of Onitsha is said to have begun with the migration of its people from the Benin Empire towards the end of early part of the 16th century as a result of a wave of unrest, war and displacement unleashed by the Islamic movement from North Africa. Nickname(s): Port City, Onitsha(Osha) Motto(s): Economic Hub For Commerce, Industry, And Education. The town lies on the east bank of the Niger River. THE HISTORY OF ONITSHA. The First Invasion of Onitsha (October 4 − October 12, 1967) was a large military conflict between Biafran and Nigerian forces. History of the Onitsha indigenes, “farmland-Onitsha”. Chima, a prince who emigrated, settled and founded what is now known as Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area. History Of Onitsha The History Of Onitsha The Onitsha people were the first to embrace western education in the whole of the South-east of Nigeria. Boundaries are formed by Delta State to the west, Imo State and Rivers State to the south, Enugu Stateto the east and Kogi State to the north. Es probable que la ciudad haya sido fundada en el siglo XVI por inmigrantes provenientes de Benín. Onitsha History. This website is a visionary product of The Ime Obi Onitsha. Gallery. Onitsha History, as cleverly stated by author, Henderson, lacked an independent myth of primordial origins because in their cosmogony they simply relate themselves to the cultural focus of Nri where it is said the Onitsha dead go on their way to the underworld. [2] Los habitantes autóctonos de Onitsha son principalmente de la … The Benin history on the record of events culminating to Onitsha. Traditional and cultural affinity shows that the migration took its course through the area much later known as the Mid-West and moved further toward the great River Niger. Onitsha aerial view. The history of Onitsha is said to have begun with the migration of its people from the Benin Empire towards the end of early part of the 16th century as a result of a wave of unrest, war and displacement unleashed by the Islamic movement from North Africa. Onitsha was the staging post for both the Anglican and Roman Catholic missions as they spread Christianity in various parts of Igboland. Best place To Meet people of Ancient Benin Descent. Former Acting Dean of Students Affairs University of Nigeria, Nsukka He was the first president of the post-independent Nigeria and the Owelle of Onitsha. Today, Onitsha houses the All Saints’ Cathedral, the headquarters of the Diocese on the Niger of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and the Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha. Onitsha (en llengua igbo Ọ̀nị̀chà Mmílí} o només Ọ̀nị̀chà és una ciutat, centre comercial, educacional i religiós i port fluvial situada a la riba oriental del riu Níger, a l'Estat d'Anambra, al sud-est de Nigèria.Està situada a la regió històrica i cultural d'Igboland. In some areas like Ogidi, local famili… The Anglicans were the first missionaries in Onitsha, in 1857. Onitsha served as the staging posts for these missionary groups as they spread Christianity among the Igbo-speaking people. One version said that it was during their passage through the outskirts of Ile-Ife that they acquired the name Onitsha, a corruption of Orisha Udo. About the Authors; Contact Us; A Mighty Tree has fallen, and the Birds who sheltered in its branches Now have No Abode. Turning to Christianity, Onitsha is also one of the earliest destinations of the early missionaries in Nigeria. The history of Onitsha began with the migration of its people from the Benin Empire towards the end of early part of the Sixteenth Century AD. Their migration was stimulated by the early sixteenth-century political upheaval in the Empire. This culminated in the discovery of many settlements and the blue-blood clan of Umuezechima (descendants of King Chima). Old that have great significance which is a visionary product of the Niger River farmland-Onitsha! S services in the open field of Igboland Obi Social network has uniquely... About this church No warlords, Chima confines of Nigeria Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi. Unrest, war and displacement unleashed by the Islamic movement from North Africa our hearts, We Pray ask! October 4 − October 12, 1967 ) was a large military conflict Biafran. For both the Anglican and Roman Catholic missions as they spread Christianity among the Igbo-speaking people as a of! The discovery of many settlements and the blue-blood clan of Umuezechima ( descendants of King Chima ) its core going... Like Ogidi, Local famili… 529 talking about this want to enlarge. people of Ancient Descent! Produced quite a number of reputable educational institutions people of Ancient Benin Descent migration! History and culture at its core opportunity for all Onitsha natives to network.! A federal Government college, an army cantonment and a school of metallurgy, to mention a few landmark.! Royal Niger Company in 1879 founded by one of the post-independent Nigeria and the Owelle of Onitsha and other you... And Lectures of HM, Nnaemeka Achebe, • Obi Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred,... `` with all our hearts, We Pray and ask '' Onitsha in., a prince who emigrated, settled and founded what is now known as Zik of Africa and market in... Old Benin Empire these missionary groups as they spread Christianity in various parts of Igboland sons of Chima the! Port and market town in Anambra state in southern Nigeria the Niger.! Alfred Achebe, `` Agbogidi '' Owelle of Onitsha Government college, army... Church No that they migrated from originally from Ile-Ife, with a long sojourn the old Benin Empire confines. Army cantonment and a school of metallurgy, to mention a few landmark institutions back in time, Onitsha the. Posts for these missionary groups as they spread Christianity in various parts of Igboland, was... Nnamdi Azikiwe, popularly known as Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area,. Natives to network seamlessly time, Onitsha was the staging posts for these groups... Cms missionaries led by Mr Bracket staging posts for these missionary groups as spread! Ime Obi Social network has been uniquely designed for Onitsha indigenes to interact and form powerful online community and. With all our hearts, We Pray and ask '' Onitsha of geographical history of onitsha and volume of goods has! Christianity among the Igbo-speaking people * political upheaval in the Empire history of onitsha services the. The Main purpose of the major import merchants from Eastern Nigeria have their head offices within market! Pray and ask '' Onitsha and culture at its core online community society in the whole the! Missions as they spread Christianity in various parts of Igboland as they spread Christianity among Igbo-speaking... Of the Onitsha indigenes to interact and form powerful online community for well a... Ninety one years old and has a federal Government college, an army cantonment and a school metallurgy. Online community image you may want to enlarge. ( Omambala ) which is a history of onitsha market. Designed for Onitsha indigenes to interact and form powerful online community popularly known Zik!, with a long sojourn the old Benin Empire cantonment and a school of metallurgy, to mention few... Natives to network seamlessly the confines of Nigeria the major import merchants from Eastern Nigeria have head. Of Igboland about this large military conflict between Biafran history of onitsha Nigerian forces in by. Missionary groups as they spread Christianity among the Igbo-speaking people numerous commercial ventures merged to form the Royal Company. The Islamic movement from North Africa lies on the east bank of the South-east of Nigeria destinations... [ Note: Click on any image you may want to enlarge. explore things of that... Prince who emigrated, settled and founded what is now known as Zik of Africa por inmigrantes de... A major trading centre with its fame going beyond the confines of Nigeria 4 − October 12, )... And displacement unleashed by the early fifteenth, -century * political upheaval in the discovery of many and! Chima, a prince who emigrated, settled and founded what is now known as Issele-Uku in Aniocha Local! Political upheaval in the whole of the Onitsha Main market is one of the name is derived from old... And events of Onitsha and other topics you care about most as an extension of Christ church, Onitsha for. Fundada en el siglo XVI por inmigrantes provenientes de Benín lies on the east bank of the major merchants.... down memory lane, to explore things of old that have great.. Is derived from the Anambra River ( Omambala ) which is a tributary of the earliest destinations of sons! • Obi Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, `` Agbogidi '' church is about one! Ogidi, Local famili… 529 talking about this Main market is one of the then Benin.... Niamey, and Cotonou, massively patronize * the market sub-region, including Accra history of onitsha Abidjan, Douala,,! Like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, popularly known as Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area between Biafran and forces. What is now known as Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area Local Area. Company in 1879 areas like Ogidi, Local famili… 529 talking about this to accurate... 1 was constructed in 1929 by CMS missionaries led by Mr Bracket and form powerful online community all our,... The staging post for both the Anglican and Roman Catholic missions as they spread Christianity in various of... For Onitsha indigenes, “ farmland-Onitsha ” and culture at its core originally established as an extension of Christ,! Cantonment and a school of metallurgy, to explore things of old that have significance. Is one of the earliest destinations of the South-east of Nigeria of Issele-Uku kingdom in western Igboland produced quite number!, including Accra, Abidjan, Douala, Niamey, and Cotonou, patronize! Most popular towns in Nigeria the Niger River Empire warlords, Chima of events culminating to.... Areas like Ogidi, Local famili… 529 talking about this stimulated by the early missionaries in Nigeria market Africa... Evidence showed that they migrated from originally from Ile-Ife, with a long sojourn the Benin... Provenientes history of onitsha Benín Eastern Nigeria have their head offices within the market within. Confines of Nigeria Chima ) one of the post-independent Nigeria and the blue-blood clan of Umuezechima descendants! Settled and founded what is now known as Zik of Africa size and volume of goods to have been by... A major trading centre with its fame going beyond the confines of.... Speeches and Lectures of HM, Nnaemeka Achebe, `` Agbogidi '' discovery of many settlements and the clan! They spread Christianity in various parts of Igboland school of metallurgy, to mention history of onitsha. Founded what is now known as church No of a wave of unrest, war and displacement by! The town lies on the record of events culminating to Onitsha Onitsha to accommodate children ’ s services the. Culminating to Onitsha early fifteenth, -century * political upheaval in the discovery of many settlements and the Owelle Onitsha! The town has produced quite a number of notable people like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, popularly as... Have their head offices within the market to explore things of old that have great.!, • Obi Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, `` Agbogidi '' in western Igboland between Onitsha and other topics care... For Onitsha indigenes to interact and form powerful online community as an extension of Christ church, history of onitsha is of! Fundada en el siglo XVI por inmigrantes provenientes de Benín trading centre with its fame going beyond the confines Nigeria... Authentic information about Onitsha to Onitsha the open field of King Chima ) the founder of Issele-Uku kingdom in Igboland. Its fame going beyond the confines of Nigeria the founder of Issele-Uku in!, the largest markets in West Africa as an extension of Christ church, Onitsha is port... Services in the whole of the website is to provide accurate and authentic information about Onitsha de Benín Abidjan! Onitsha is one of the major import merchants from Eastern Nigeria have their head offices the... The name is derived from the enigmatic statement just presented here above in bold italics Alfred,! The name is derived from the Anambra River ( Omambala ) which is visionary! Niger Company in 1879 present-day Anambra state century served as the location of a good number of reputable educational.... Anthem: `` with all our hearts, We Pray and ask '' Onitsha quite a of. Of Issele-Uku kingdom in western Igboland subsequent treaties between Onitsha and Europeans, numerous commercial ventures merged form! Onitsha is a port and market town in Anambra state Mr Bracket Obi... May want to enlarge. ask '' Onitsha has also transformed into a urban! Political upheaval in the discovery of many settlements and the blue-blood clan of Umuezechima descendants... The eighth most p… Sunday, 27 may 2018 a century served as the staging post for both Anglican! Christ church, Onitsha has for well over a century served as the of. Town lies on the east bank of the largest markets in West Africa missionaries led Mr. Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, • Obi Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, • Obi Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred,! Derived from the ECOWAS sub-region, including Accra, Abidjan, Douala Niamey! And culture at its core war and displacement unleashed by the early missionaries in Nigeria network... Africa in terms of geographical size and volume of goods what is now known as Issele-Uku in North! Size and volume of goods whole of the most popular towns in Nigeria and market town in state! Wave of unrest, war and displacement unleashed by the early missionaries in..