Awaka

Awaka is a relatively small town, situated on a small hill about four miles north-east of Owerri, capital city of Imo State, southeastern Nigeria. It is one of the towns which make up the Alaenyi clan, other towns include the surrounding Ihitta-Ogada, Egbu, Naze and Owere-Nchi-Ise.

Awaka also shares borders with Umuorii Uratta, Ezeogba Emekuku and Umuawuka Emii. Popularly referred to as "Ancient Town", Awaka is largely known for her production of corn. The specie of this tropical crop grown by Awaka people had been long held as distinct from other species with well arranged light yellow grains on a cob that fattens towards the base. There are three villages that make up Awaka, namely Nde-Egbelu, Umuodu and Amuzi villages. The town had been ruled by His Royal Highness Eze Akujobi David-Osuagwu the Ezikoche II, since the mid nineties after a protracted tussle following the death of HRH Eze Chris David-Osuagwu (Ezikoche I).

Awaka people are predominantly Christians with a large presence of Roman Catholics and Anglican faithfuls who worship at the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish and the Christ's Anglican Church respectively.

There are two primary schools, each close to each of the two major churches, a customary court and two privately-owned hotels.

There is a legendary tree at the centre of one of the villages, Nde-Egbelu called the "ọbụ". This tree has a very large stem diameter and have been well researched on by Prof ADW Acholonu in his autobiography.

Notable natives from Awaka include but not limited to, Hon Justice Paschal Nnadi (a one-time chief judge of Imo State), Prof Alex D. Wozuzu Acholonu, OFR, a renowned educationist, late Dr Charles Nwanna Ejiogu (a UN diplomat), Attorney Chidi Charles Ejiogu, late Dr John Nnadi, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, late Prof Cletus Emezi (formerly resident commissioner of electoral agency), Engr Uchenna Acholonu, Barr Emeka Nwaneri, Commodore Joel Ogazi rtd, Pharmacist Ikenna Mbata, Rev Fr Acholonu, Dr Charles Obichere, Engr Emeka Chukwueke and a host of others.

Traditionally, Awaka people celebrate the "Ịta Ọka", a day set aside to thank God for blessing the land with the corn plant. Women prepare various delicacies with the corn and entertain guests that visit their homes.

The villages have village heads elected for a period of time. There is also a system of organisation based on age grades. The highest authority level is the Council of Elders (Nde Oha) comprising the eldest in each kindred, who must be conferred as an "Oha" by Oha Awaka Traditional Council.