Uli, Anambra
| Uli | |
|---|---|
  Uli Location in Nigeria | |
| Coordinates: 5°47′N 6°52′E / 5.783°N 6.867°E | |
| Country |
 |
| State | Anambra State |
| Area | |
| • Metro | 99 sq mi (256 km2) |
Uli is a town of historic importance situated at the extreme southeast conner of Ihiala local government area of Anambra state in Nigeria. Its closest neighbouring towns are Amaofuo (formerly a village in Uli town), Ihiala, Amorka, Ubulu, Ozara, Egbuoma and Ohakpu. Uli town extends westward to the confluence of the rivers of Atamiri and Enyinja, and across Usham Lake down to the lower Niger region. The history, life, culture and custom of Uli people can be found in many texts with the most elaborate one being the book titled URI History, Life, Culture & Custom of a People and written by Ichie (Sir) G.C. Okonkwo. Anambra State University is located in Uli.
During the Biafran Civil War, the Biafran Airport code named Annabel Airport was also located in a land strip at Umuchima village, Uli. This landing strip was used extensively to bring in relief supplies during the Biafran airlift.
Uli as a community can be traced back to the great ancestral tree of The Okolie's who remain prominent figures in the historical outline of this community. Uli is greatly recognized by the achievements of Igwe Okolie Akwara whose reign faced numerous criticisms ranging from seizing landed properties, numerous wives and acquisition of power. Though any of this accusations are still to be proven, it can be clearly recorded that the heir of the late Igwe Okolie Akwara, Daniel Okolie, rejected the crown and throne for Christianity as he was part of the soldiers taken during the WW II to fight in Europe. He was exposed and sought Christianity and he is credited to have single-handedly created the road that leads from the current Uli Centre expressway into Umuoma down to Osemoto river so his people could worship with the Roman Catholic Church at Centre. This act was unwelcome by the indigens who were strongly indulged in fetish activities. Uli has also produced many eminent people in Nigeria among whom are Engr. Fort Dike, Dr ABC Orjiako a business mogul, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju a former Governor of Anambra state also came from Uli, Ichie (Sir) G.C. Okonkwo an elder statesman the author of the most comprehensive book on the history of Uli people 'URI', and many other great men and women. Uli is a small progressive town, with many of its sons and daughter all over the world. The people of Uli are predominantly Christians of different denominations though there are some adherents of African traditional beliefs popularly called "Ndi Odinana" scattered across the four quarters.