Aguata

Aguata is a Local Government Area in Anambra state in Nigeria, with its headquarters in Aguata (location of the headquarters office buildings), a major part of which falls into the major commercial town of Ekwulobia, while the smallest part falls within Aguluezechukwu.[1] There has been an age-long contention on this issue between the locals of Aguluezechukwu and Ekwulobia, with both towns claiming the status of the headquarters on account of ownership claim to the 'Aguata land'. This state of affairs caused the Government of Anambra State to officially declare that the headquarters of Aguata Local Government Area should be Aguata (the neuter name of the location in which the headquarters of Aguata Local Government Area Offices are sited) in a bid to settle the conflict.

Aguata
LGA and town
Nickname(s): 
The Orient Colossus
Aguata
Location in Nigeria
Coordinates: 6°01′0″N 7°05′0″E
Country Nigeria
StateAnambra State
Local GovernmentAguata
Government
 • TypeLocal Government
 • Federal House of RepresentativesHonourable Chukwuma Umeoji
Area
 • Total195 km2 (75 sq mi)
Population
 (2006)
 • Total370,172
 • Density1,898/km2 (4,920/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (WAT)
Postal code
422xxx
Area code(s)046
WebsiteAguata Local Government

Ekwulobia

Ekwulobia, the largest town in Aguata, is expanding rapidly to a population of about 100,000 people. It is the major commercial town in the area. Most Nigerian commercial banks maintain their branches there. It also boasts a stadium, a federal prison (part of which falls into Ezinifite), and a major market, Eke Market. Several new agricultural factories[2] established around Ekwulobia town have also attracted workers. Ekwulobia is also a major transit hub from which travellers can connect to other far-flung cities in Nigeria. There is public transport that runs from Ekwulobia daily to Onitsha, Awka, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Abakaliki, etc.

In the area of hospitality business, the town has a few hotels, such as Orthon Palace Hotels[3], and in recent times, the Chicago Hotel, Vonic Hotel and resort[4], and Logart Hills Hotel. All these and many other features have made Ekwulobia attractive to visitors.

Ekwulobia People's Assembly is the mother union of all branches of Ekwulobia People's meetings, both at home and abroad, even among the diaspora, with the Lagos branch being the strongest of all the unions.

Other towns in Aguata L.G.A

Schools
  • Holy Child Secondary School, Isuofia
  • Girls’ Secondary School, Igboukwu
  • Community Secondary School, Isuofia
  • Aguata High School, Aguata
  • Girls’ High School, Uga
  • Boys’ Secondary School, Uga
  • Community Secondary School, Uga
  • Pioneer Secondary School, (GSS) Umuchu
  • Community Secondary School, Umuchu
  • Umuchu High School, Umuchu
  • Government Technical College, Umuchu
  • St. Peter’s Secondary School, Achina
  • Girls’ Secondary School, Achina
  • Community Secondary School, Nkpologwu
  • Community Secondary School, Oraeri
  • Community Secondary School, Aguluezechukwu
  • Community Secondary School, Akpo
  • Christ the Redeemer College, Amesi
  • Community Secondary School, Igboukwu
  • Community Secondary School, (BSS) Ezinifite
  • Ezinifite High School, (GSS) Ezinifite
  • Urban Girls’ Secondary School, Ekwulobia
  • Premier Secondary School, Nkpologwu
  • Emmanuel Nursery/Primary School, Nkpologwu
  • St. Anthony's Secondary School, Ikenga
  • The UA College of Science and Technology Isuofia -the only accredited private polytechnic in the Aguata Local Government Area.

Prominent natives
  • Chukwuma Soludo - economics professor and former Governor and chairman of the board of directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria[5]
  • Chukwuemeka Ezeife - former Governor of Anambra State

Culture

The famous 'Awuka' masquerade of Aguluezechukwu and 'Nkpokiti Ije Enu Dance' are noted for their unique dance steps and have won accolades in Anambra State.[6]

References
  1. Adeleke, Dr. Wale. "Brief history of Aguata - Aguata". NaijaSky. Retrieved 2016-05-13.
  2. "Ekwulobia | African Culture and Traditional Blog | Page 2". olivernwokedi.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2016-05-13.
  3. "Orthon Palace Hotels Ekwulobia - Ekwulobia, Anambra, Nigeria - Lodging | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2016-05-13.
  4. https://heyhotels.com.ng/03920/Vonic_Hotel_and_Resort
  5. "Olanrewaju Oguntoyibo: Chukwuma Soludo and the race to 2014 - The ScoopNG". The ScoopNG. 2013-03-19. Retrieved 2016-05-13.
  6. Prince Amaechi Peterkin Okafor (2014-05-02), Aguluezechukwu Ownned Masquerade, retrieved 2016-05-13
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