Ufuma’s Rich Heritage, Agricultural Legacy Shine on ABS Cultural ProgrammeBy Our CorrespondentAWKA,

The rich history, cultural heritage and enduring contributions of Ufuma community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State took centre stage during the 16th edition of Oge Ejirimara Ndi Orumba North, a cultural heritage programme aired on the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS).

The programme, sponsored by the Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Capt. Barr. Casmir Nwafor (Rtd) was coordinated by the Supervisor for Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Kingsley Echezonachukwu Ngugu, as part of ongoing efforts to document and promote the history, culture, and developmental contributions of communities in the council area.

Presenting the feature lecture titled “Ufuma Town in Orumba North: Origin, Culture, Local Values and Professional Strength,” Nze Henry Chukwuka Nnebe (Agunaechemba, Ijelenze Uvume Egbe na Diji), Chairman of the Ufuma Festival Committee and National President of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, conveyed the goodwill and felicitations of His Royal Highness, Igwe S. Chika Uchime, Diji III of Ufuma, and Commodore Clement Amobi Ofor (Rtd), President-General of the Ufuma Development Union, to the organisers and listeners of the programme.

Nze Nnebe described Ufuma as one of the ancient communities in Orumba North, with a civilisation built on peace, agriculture, spirituality, education, commerce and service to humanity, noting that the community has preserved its identity while making significant contributions to the development of Orumba North, Anambra State, Igboland and Nigeria.

According to him, the ancestry homeland of the Ufuma people is situated at Ofesiodo, where the community has lived, developed, and preserved its identity across generations. He said Ufuma’s heritage is reflected in revered institutions such as Ajana, whose mystical significance remains deeply respected, and the sacred Ihejioku Forest, which symbolises the community’s enduring relationship with agriculture and the cultural importance of yam as a source of life, prosperity and thanksgiving.

He noted that Ufuma occupies a unique place in Igbo cultural history through Otute Uvume, a 30-day roasted yam festival rooted in the traditional belief that the people of Uvume first discovered that yam could be eaten after roasting. According to him, the festival celebrates thanksgiving, unity, agriculture, and the preservation of ancestral wisdom while strengthening communal bonds.

Speaking on the community’s traditional governance, Nze Nnebe explained that Ufuma is headed by the Diji, the custodian of the people’s customs, culture and unity, who is supported by the Diji-in-Council, comprising the Nze and the nine village chiefs representing the community’s nine villages. The village chiefs are the Ogem of Umuogem, Onyiuka of Umuonyiuka, Eji of Umueji, Nebo of Umunebo, Agu of Umuagu, Enebu of Umuenebu, Opia of Enugwuabo, Onyiba of Umuonyiba and Oshibe of Umuaguoshibe.

He added that these institutions, together with recognised traditional societies such as Ogbuehi, Otigbu Inyinya, Emume Ozo and the age-grade system, have for centuries sustained peace, administered justice, preserved Ufuma’s cultural heritage and strengthened communal cohesion.

Nze Nnebe further noted that Ufuma’s indigenous justice system was founded on dialogue, fairness and reconciliation, while violence on Eke market day was traditionally regarded as a serious taboo because of the community’s strong commitment to peace and harmonious coexistence.

Highlighting Ufuma’s pioneering contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural development, Nze Nnebe said the community was among the country’s earliest elite oil palm breeding centres. He explained that a 48-hectare natural oil palm grove in Ufuma was used for the selection and controlled breeding of superior Dura and Tenera oil palm varieties, whose improved genetic materials supplied the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC) nursery programme during the administration of the late Premier Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara.

He noted that the initiative laid an important foundation for the expansion and modernisation of Nigeria’s oil palm industry before the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) later assumed national leadership in oil palm research.

Reflecting on the Nigerian Civil War, Nze Nnebe said Ufuma served as an important agricultural hub and operational base for the Biafran Land Army programme, while the historic Afor Ufuma Market remained a major supply centre where food items such as garri, palm kernels and fish were sourced and distributed to displaced persons and families.

He also highlighted Ufuma’s remarkable Christian heritage, recalling that Holy Trinity Church, Ufuma, established in 1910, became a centre of worship, education, and evangelism. During the Nigerian Civil War, he said, the creation of the Anglican Diocese of Enugu in 1969 was closely associated with Ufuma, as the church hosted the enthronement of Rt Rev. Gideon Nweke Otubelu was the first Bishop of the Diocese on August 12, 1969, as well as the inaugural meeting of the Diocesan Council. He said the development placed Ufuma among the landmark centres in the history of Anglicanism in Eastern Nigeria.

Nze Nnebe also acknowledged the contributions of the Ufuma Practical Praying Band, founded by Evangelists Eleazar and Sophy Nwokolo, as well as the numerous sons and daughters of the community who have excelled in medicine, law, engineering, banking, commerce, education, religion, public service and governance.

On the political development of Orumba North, Nze Nnebe recalled Ufuma’s significant role in the evolution of local administration, including the agitation that culminated in the creation of the former Orumba County Council in 1956 under the leadership of the late Chief Stephen Onyekwena, a renowned produce merchant.

He further noted that Ufuma produced the first Executive Chairman (Mayor) of Orumba North Local Government Area, Chief Christopher Okechukwu (Osuofia), who made notable contributions to the development of the council through initiatives such as the development of the Orumba Secretariat, the establishment of Orumba Mass Transit and road maintenance programmes.

He added that Ufuma has continued to contribute significantly to the political and administrative growth of Orumba North through the service of its sons and daughters in various leadership positions.

Nze Nnebe urged Ufuma people, both at home and in the diaspora, to preserve their cultural heritage while investing in agriculture, tourism, education, youth empowerment, and industrial development
“Our greatest asset remains our people. We must preserve our heritage while creating opportunities for future generations,” he said.

He described Ufuma as “a people of peace, culture, agriculture, faith and excellence,” adding that its story remains one of resilience, innovation, and service to humanity.

The Oge Ejirimara Ndi Orumba North series continues to showcase the history, culture and developmental milestones of communities in Orumba North, providing an important platform for preserving indigenous knowledge, promoting cultural tourism and documenting the rich heritage of Anambra communities.