As an environmental health officer before commencing
on any work in the community, you had to notify the local government about the
activities you want to carry out in the community for them to be aware, so that
in carrying out your activities in the local government you will not be
embarrassed by the individuals or people.
on any work in the community, you had to notify the local government about the
activities you want to carry out in the community for them to be aware, so that
in carrying out your activities in the local government you will not be
embarrassed by the individuals or people.
History of Owa
Owa is certainly one of the largest Ika communities.
It shares boundaries with Agbor, Abavo, Idumesah, Umunede and Ute-okpu.
Interestingly, some of the Owa communities are found in Edo state such as Iru
and Owariuzor (Erbu Obamosa). It has a local government which is Ika North East
Local Government Area of Delta State in Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the
town of Owa Oyibu.
It shares boundaries with Agbor, Abavo, Idumesah, Umunede and Ute-okpu.
Interestingly, some of the Owa communities are found in Edo state such as Iru
and Owariuzor (Erbu Obamosa). It has a local government which is Ika North East
Local Government Area of Delta State in Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the
town of Owa Oyibu.
Owa is an example of Ika community with dual Nri and
Benin origin. Owa Oyibu the headquarter of Ika North East was founded by Odogu the son of Ijie
(Ijue) of Ute – Okpu from Nri, in present South Eastern part of the country. Owa has an area of 463km
and a population of 183,657 at the 2006 census other villages in the community
had their settlers migrating from Benin and other Agbor areas.
Benin origin. Owa Oyibu the headquarter of Ika North East was founded by Odogu the son of Ijie
(Ijue) of Ute – Okpu from Nri, in present South Eastern part of the country. Owa has an area of 463km
and a population of 183,657 at the 2006 census other villages in the community
had their settlers migrating from Benin and other Agbor areas.
Owa migration might have begun around 900AD with Nri
migrants first settling at Ute-Okpu around 12th and 13th
century, led by Ijue. It was from Ute-Okpu
that Odogu founded Owa dynasty.
migrants first settling at Ute-Okpu around 12th and 13th
century, led by Ijue. It was from Ute-Okpu
that Odogu founded Owa dynasty.
Quarters
Owa comprises of seven (7) villages which are;
1. Oyibu
2. Owa – Alidima
3. Owa-Nta
4. Owa-Alero
5. Alizomor
6. Owa –Ofie
7. Owa –Ekei
Boji Boji Owa ( Metropolis)
Names of cities, town and communities in Ika North
East includes:
East includes:
1.)Achara (2)Agban (3)Akpama (4)Ekwuoma (5)Akumazi (6)Aliegbo
(7)Alilor (8)Aliobume (9)Aliodeh (10)Alugba (11)Aniekpukwu (12)Anieyime (13)Aninwachokor
(14)Ase (15)Boji Boji Owa (16)Eje (17)Etiti (18)Ibiegwa (19)Idumuozeh (20)Idumuigwe
(21)Idumuobior (22)Idumu –Ile (23)Idumu – Oba (24)Idumu –Obi (25)Idumu-Ukpa
(26)Idumu-Ileje (27)Idumu-Uzogbo (28)Ikeze (29)Illabor (30)Imike (31)Isiah Camp
(32)Isiube (33)Hamuzun (34)Mbiri (35)Mbiri Farm Settlement (36)Ndobu (37)Ogbute
(38)Obi Quarter (39)Obume (40)Oduga (41)Ogbe –Akpu (42)Ogbe –Obi (43)Okete (44)Orji
(45)Otolokpo (46)Owa –Alero (47)Owa – Alidima (48)Owa –Alizomor (49)Owa – Ekei
(50)Owa – Ofie (51)Owa –Oyibu (L.G.A. headquarters) (52)Owa-Nta Idumuefor (53)Owerri
– Olubor (54)Ugbeka (55)Umuagboma (56)Umuhu (57)Umukpulu (58)Umunede (59)Ute
(60)Ute –Alohen (61)Ute –Enugu (62)Ute-Erumu (63)Ute- owerre
(7)Alilor (8)Aliobume (9)Aliodeh (10)Alugba (11)Aniekpukwu (12)Anieyime (13)Aninwachokor
(14)Ase (15)Boji Boji Owa (16)Eje (17)Etiti (18)Ibiegwa (19)Idumuozeh (20)Idumuigwe
(21)Idumuobior (22)Idumu –Ile (23)Idumu – Oba (24)Idumu –Obi (25)Idumu-Ukpa
(26)Idumu-Ileje (27)Idumu-Uzogbo (28)Ikeze (29)Illabor (30)Imike (31)Isiah Camp
(32)Isiube (33)Hamuzun (34)Mbiri (35)Mbiri Farm Settlement (36)Ndobu (37)Ogbute
(38)Obi Quarter (39)Obume (40)Oduga (41)Ogbe –Akpu (42)Ogbe –Obi (43)Okete (44)Orji
(45)Otolokpo (46)Owa –Alero (47)Owa – Alidima (48)Owa –Alizomor (49)Owa – Ekei
(50)Owa – Ofie (51)Owa –Oyibu (L.G.A. headquarters) (52)Owa-Nta Idumuefor (53)Owerri
– Olubor (54)Ugbeka (55)Umuagboma (56)Umuhu (57)Umukpulu (58)Umunede (59)Ute
(60)Ute –Alohen (61)Ute –Enugu (62)Ute-Erumu (63)Ute- owerre
History of Owa Alero
Owa Alero is one of the communities in Ika North
East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. It is located in
Nigeria about 218miles (or 359km )South
West of Abuja, the country capital town. Owa Alero was founded by Omi and his wife who hail and migrated from
Benin. It is headed by Obi, Dr. Emmanuel
Onyeike Efeizomor II.
East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. It is located in
Nigeria about 218miles (or 359km )South
West of Abuja, the country capital town. Owa Alero was founded by Omi and his wife who hail and migrated from
Benin. It is headed by Obi, Dr. Emmanuel
Onyeike Efeizomor II.
Politics and government
The traditional ruler and custodian of the people’s
custom and tradition is Obi. The Obi of Owa is influential in Ika land in
matters relating to Owa. He is also a
state council of traditional rulers, which also provides him an traditional
platform for influential on state wide matters.
custom and tradition is Obi. The Obi of Owa is influential in Ika land in
matters relating to Owa. He is also a
state council of traditional rulers, which also provides him an traditional
platform for influential on state wide matters.
Economy
The main economic activities is farming, hunting,
accompanied by traders and the food crops they cultivate includes yam, cassava, maize, cocoyam, Okro,
pepper etc. They also produce palm oil. Cassava is the food consumed by the Owa-Alero
people in the form of akpu and garri.
accompanied by traders and the food crops they cultivate includes yam, cassava, maize, cocoyam, Okro,
pepper etc. They also produce palm oil. Cassava is the food consumed by the Owa-Alero
people in the form of akpu and garri.
Education
Owa Alero has a primary school (Iroro Primary School)
and a secondary school (Owa – Alero Secondary School).
and a secondary school (Owa – Alero Secondary School).
Religious belief
Although the predominant religion in Owa –Alero is
Christianity, but many indigene (natives) still practice pagan worship. The
evident is seen in some ancestral shrine found in Owa-Alero.
Christianity, but many indigene (natives) still practice pagan worship. The
evident is seen in some ancestral shrine found in Owa-Alero.
List of resources available
Schools and Institution
1
Iroro Primary School
Iroro Primary School
2
Owa Alero Secondary School.
Owa Alero Secondary School.
Religious Places
1
Anglican Church
Anglican Church
2
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah witness
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah witness
3
Redeemed Christian Church
Redeemed Christian Church
4
Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry
Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry
5
Assemblies of God
Assemblies of God
6
Lord Chosen Church.
Lord Chosen Church.
Market
Owa Alero market days includes Nkwor, Eke, Orie, Afor
but the market they trade is Orie.
but the market they trade is Orie.
Industry
1
Block industries
Block industries
2
Palm oil (mill) industries
Palm oil (mill) industries
3
Cassava mill.
Cassava mill.
Health Facilities
1
General hospital
General hospital
2
Primary health centre
Primary health centre
Cultural Practices
Owa Alero community has been attributed with various
cultural practices. Some are good and some are not good. For human health
cultural practices. Some are good and some are not good. For human health
Social custom and
festival of Owa-Alero.
festival of Owa-Alero.
1
New Yam Festival (Iwa gi): it is carried
out when the new yam is harvested people cooked yam and some roast yam which
they share to neighbour and is eaten with palm oil.
New Yam Festival (Iwa gi): it is carried
out when the new yam is harvested people cooked yam and some roast yam which
they share to neighbour and is eaten with palm oil.
2
Igwe Festival: It is a festival celebrated at
the end and beginning of a new year which started since ancient time in Benin,
Agbor, Owa, Umunede and other Ika towns. Probably in about 1447, during the
reign of Oba OGUN popularly known as Ewuare no Gidigan (The Great).
Igwe Festival: It is a festival celebrated at
the end and beginning of a new year which started since ancient time in Benin,
Agbor, Owa, Umunede and other Ika towns. Probably in about 1447, during the
reign of Oba OGUN popularly known as Ewuare no Gidigan (The Great).
The Igwe festival
mark the new year for the people. It is most sacred and joyous festival in all
of Ika land. It ushers peace, stability and success. This is a time when the
Ibie were ceremony is also performance with the Ewewre leaves. In Igwe
festival, the kings, chiefs and noble men and the entire people serve their
spiritual head called Ehi.
mark the new year for the people. It is most sacred and joyous festival in all
of Ika land. It ushers peace, stability and success. This is a time when the
Ibie were ceremony is also performance with the Ewewre leaves. In Igwe
festival, the kings, chiefs and noble men and the entire people serve their
spiritual head called Ehi.
The Ehi is feed with drinks, kolanuts, chicken,
coconuts, native chalks and prayers are offered for the protection and
blessings of the family and community. After the Igwe festival comes the Ubi masquerade
Ubi is a type of masquerade made with palm fronts and Ubi means an evil spirit.
coconuts, native chalks and prayers are offered for the protection and
blessings of the family and community. After the Igwe festival comes the Ubi masquerade
Ubi is a type of masquerade made with palm fronts and Ubi means an evil spirit.
The soli is later chased away by the use of the leaves
of good luck called Ibiewere and the singing of the Igwe song, Ewere gbe oyoyo
De le, Ewere Nbom yoyoooo. This is also a time when the kings and chiefs go to
the ancestral shrine to pray to their ancestral. Then comes the famous dance
called Udje, perform by the kings and chiefs the chiefs file out according to
rank and are well dressed in beaded materials, while holding the Ada (cutlass)
and Eberen ( scimitar) throwing it up and dancing the rule is that it must not
fall as if it falls, it is regarded as a
sign of bad things that will happen to the holder of the Ade or Eberen.
of good luck called Ibiewere and the singing of the Igwe song, Ewere gbe oyoyo
De le, Ewere Nbom yoyoooo. This is also a time when the kings and chiefs go to
the ancestral shrine to pray to their ancestral. Then comes the famous dance
called Udje, perform by the kings and chiefs the chiefs file out according to
rank and are well dressed in beaded materials, while holding the Ada (cutlass)
and Eberen ( scimitar) throwing it up and dancing the rule is that it must not
fall as if it falls, it is regarded as a
sign of bad things that will happen to the holder of the Ade or Eberen.
Finally, the chiefs will dance towards the obi and hand
him on Ewere leave, while the obi will hand him the native chalks as a sign of
blessing and luck. The Igwe ceremony is
one of the most important ceremony that
binds all Ika people both in Edo and delta together, it help to define their
Ikaness and it also binds us with our brothers, the Benin who also perform this
ceremony and this ceremony takes place usually toward the end of December.
him on Ewere leave, while the obi will hand him the native chalks as a sign of
blessing and luck. The Igwe ceremony is
one of the most important ceremony that
binds all Ika people both in Edo and delta together, it help to define their
Ikaness and it also binds us with our brothers, the Benin who also perform this
ceremony and this ceremony takes place usually toward the end of December.
During the Igue, when they want to drive the soil
spirit represented by the Ubi they will say Ubi Rie, which means in ancient Ika
language soil spirit depart or go away. When concluding the Igue, the people
will say Igue Anwuyan meaning I have served my head may I serve it again next
year during this period, the village are in the moods of Oghogho (happiness)
Oyo (joy) Oyinmisemen (praise worship of
ancestors and Oselobua Supreme God).
spirit represented by the Ubi they will say Ubi Rie, which means in ancient Ika
language soil spirit depart or go away. When concluding the Igue, the people
will say Igue Anwuyan meaning I have served my head may I serve it again next
year during this period, the village are in the moods of Oghogho (happiness)
Oyo (joy) Oyinmisemen (praise worship of
ancestors and Oselobua Supreme God).
Useful cultural practices
1
Eating of snails which is proteinous
Eating of snails which is proteinous
2
Adequate breast feeding of new born babies.
Adequate breast feeding of new born babies.
3
Non- strenuous exercise
Non- strenuous exercise
4
Not allowing pregnant woman to do hard jobs
Not allowing pregnant woman to do hard jobs
Harmful cultural practices
Throwing up of cutlass and scimitar (curve blade or
sword) while dancing.
sword) while dancing.
Customs
When paying a girl dairy the family members must be
there and the dairy is paid to the father of the girl and money and items are
shared to the family members.
there and the dairy is paid to the father of the girl and money and items are
shared to the family members.
Infrastructures Available in Owa-Alero
1
Pipe borne water
Pipe borne water
2
Electricity
Electricity
3
Schools
Schools
4
Roads
Roads
5
Hospital
Hospital
6
Market
Market
Major economic activities
in Owa-Alero community
in Owa-Alero community
Trading
Owa-Alero community embark in various trading
activities such as the sales of yam, palm oil, garri, okro, fire wood, cassava
tubers and others to achieve money.
activities such as the sales of yam, palm oil, garri, okro, fire wood, cassava
tubers and others to achieve money.
Farming
They are involved in farming activities such as
cultivating of cassava, yam, melon and okro seed, maize, pepper, tomatoes,
vegetable etc.
cultivating of cassava, yam, melon and okro seed, maize, pepper, tomatoes,
vegetable etc.
Hunting
They are involved in hunting of meat such as grass
–cutters, rabbit, squirrel, etc.
–cutters, rabbit, squirrel, etc.
Factors affecting the community
1
Poor electricity supply
Poor electricity supply
2
Inadequate health facilities for the populace
Inadequate health facilities for the populace
3
Indiscriminate disposal of waste
Indiscriminate disposal of waste
4
Inadequate health personnel
Inadequate health personnel
5
Lack of equipment (health facilities)
Lack of equipment (health facilities)
Feedback to the community
In respect to the investigation carried out in
Owa-Alero community, it shows that they have some importance resource such as
the health facilities which include the health centres, hospital. People
especially women should be encouraged to make use of these facilities for
proper ante natal and post natal care in order to reduce the morbidity rate.
They also have schools, primary and secondary schools, which help to train
individual in order to acquire more knowledge in the society.
Owa-Alero community, it shows that they have some importance resource such as
the health facilities which include the health centres, hospital. People
especially women should be encouraged to make use of these facilities for
proper ante natal and post natal care in order to reduce the morbidity rate.
They also have schools, primary and secondary schools, which help to train
individual in order to acquire more knowledge in the society.
They also have useful cultural practices such as
eating of snail egg, fish which are proteinous to health of individual and adequate
breast feeding of new born babies which give the child antibodies to fight
against disease and burst his/her immunity to resist the disease. And also not
allowing pregnant women to perform hard jobs in other to protect the life of
the child and mother. They also have harmful cultural practices such as the
throwing up of cutlass and scimitar when dancing Ubi festival.
eating of snail egg, fish which are proteinous to health of individual and adequate
breast feeding of new born babies which give the child antibodies to fight
against disease and burst his/her immunity to resist the disease. And also not
allowing pregnant women to perform hard jobs in other to protect the life of
the child and mother. They also have harmful cultural practices such as the
throwing up of cutlass and scimitar when dancing Ubi festival.
I therefore advice that such practices should be stopped
in other to protect the life of the people. It shows that they have some
factors which affect their health negatively such as poor electricity supply.
Inadequate health facilities indiscriminate disposal of waste lack of health
equipment and personnel. I hereby advice that there should be improvement in
those factors in other to promote the health of the people. The indiscriminate
disposal of waste should be stop and there should be provision of waste
facilities at strategic places which should be disposed off each day.
Government should try to provide adequate health facilities equipment and
skilled personnel, in other for people to have access to health service and to
prolong their lives.
in other to protect the life of the people. It shows that they have some
factors which affect their health negatively such as poor electricity supply.
Inadequate health facilities indiscriminate disposal of waste lack of health
equipment and personnel. I hereby advice that there should be improvement in
those factors in other to promote the health of the people. The indiscriminate
disposal of waste should be stop and there should be provision of waste
facilities at strategic places which should be disposed off each day.
Government should try to provide adequate health facilities equipment and
skilled personnel, in other for people to have access to health service and to
prolong their lives.
