Amawbia
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Amawbia AMA-ỌBIA |
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s): Ugbogiliga | |
 Amawbia
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| Coordinates: 6°12′0.9612″N 7°02′51.0534″E / 6.200267000°N 7.047514833°E | |
| Country |
 Nigeria
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| State | Anambra State |
| Government | |
| • Type | State, Traditional |
| • Governor | Willie Obiano |
| • Okpalaigwe | Michael Okoye |
| Demonym(s) | Onye Amawbia |
| Time zone | WAT (UTC+1) |
| Postal Code | 420108 |
| Area code(s) | 046 |
Amawbia is a town in Awka South Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria. The town has six surviving villages: Umueze, Ngene, Adabebe, Umukabia, Ezimezi and Enu-oji. From time immemorial, Amawbia had been an autonomous community, managing its own affairs. Beginning from 1905, Amawbia had been the seat of government for the former Awka District, the former Njikoka Local Government, and presently, Awka Local Government. Amawbia is also home to the state house i.e. Governor's lodge and the State Prisons. It was formed as a settlement for foreigners and the name is probably derived from ama ndi obia.
The town Amawbia, which is also known as Ugbo-Ogiliga, is situated along the old Enugu-Onitsha road in what is today known as Nnamdi Azikiwe Avenue. It is about 35 km from Onitsha, on that road in Anambra State, Nigeria. The progenitor of Amawbia is, according to common oral tradition, Awofia, one of the sons of Nri Ifikwuanim, the first son of Eri (900AD). Eri migrated from the present site of Aguleri, in Anambra East Local Government Area, to Nri, in Anaocha Local Government. Another legend holds that the Amawbia people are descendants of mercenaries hired by the people of Awka, who were later on allowed to settle in their region. This story is common among some Awka natives.
The people of Amawbia have a Traditional Ruler as the head of the town who represents a symbol of their Unity and Solidarity. He shall according to the town’s constitution “uphold the customs and traditions of Amawbia people and serve as a formidable force making for stability and moderation. “The Traditional Ruler is known and called the Okpaligwe 1 of Amawbia. The current Okpalaigwe is HRH Michael Okoye.
Festivities observed by Amawbia people which are numerous (e.g. Iru-Otite, Onwa asato and Eziokpaligwe festival etc) are marked with eating, drinking, drumming and singing. Special attires, ornament and designs with cam wood, indigo etc are worn. A very popular festival in Amawbia is the Ezi Okpaligwe festival which marks the end of the year's farming year. During this festival, which takes up to 5 days in the past has been amended to 3 days presently. The six villages of the town - Umueze, Ngene, Adabebe, Umukabia, Enuoji and Ezimezi provide in turns, cultural entertainment in form of dances, masquerading, etc. It is also the time to show case different dances and an avenue for different villages to raise revenue for the year. Prizes and certificates are normally awarded.
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Wikipedia