User:ACHALLA/sandbox

ACHALLA is a community in Awka-north Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria. It is bordered by the communities of Igbariam, Oba-ofemmili and Urum. Achalla is a community made-up of Eight villages: Umudiana, Amukabia, Umuogbie, Odawa, Umunagu, Umuezede, Amadim and Udezu. Achalla is the present headquarters of the Awka-north Local Government Area with the Local Government Secretariat located at OYE (a market suburb).

Achalla is a monarchical community, though the history of it`s monarchy is contestable as there are conflicting claims of heritage between the Ezeorah dynasty of Umuogbie village and the Uthoko kindred in Amukabia village. However the present king of Achalla is HRH Igwe Alexander Nwokedi from the Amukabia village.

Achalla-Awka as commonly called is a farming community which majored mostly in the cultivation of Cassava. Although there is a current trend in the cultivation of Rice as cash-crop. Achalla has some seasonal festivals which are fondly celebrated by the parading of masquerades. Some examples are the EDERIAMA festival which showcases the Ndemile masquerade of the Odawa village, the New yam festival parades the Oganachi and Ekwulo masquerades of the Amukabia and Umuogbie villages respectively.

Achalla in ancient history is a warrior community and is acknowledged to have driven out their then neighbouring communities of Agulu, Ukpo(called ukpor)and many others. The areas remain Achalla farm lands to this day. In recent history the war expedition by Achalla to drive out Igbariam culminated in the establishment of the Igbariam Farm Settlement by the authorities as the land was instead handed over by Igbariam to the government to prevent Achalla overrunning the community and taking over the land. Part of the disputed land is sited the present day - Anambra State University, Igbariam. ACHALLA is believed to have migrated from Aro-chukwu - community in Imo state. Both communities share striking similarities especially in the area of traditional believes and worship. It is of note that every kindred/family in Achalla has the AROBUNAGU shrine in relation to the worship of their ancestral gods which bears reference to Aro-chukwu.

Achalla is surrounded by seven rivers, namely: ACHII, ALII, OGBOLI, IYI-ORCHA, EZIGBE-EKWU,ORVIA AND EZUU. Three of these rivers - ALII, ORVIA and EZUU are believed to be connected to some marine deities and thus have some spiritual powers, while the rest serve as sources of domestic water supply to the community. Though recently there has been government presence in the areas of provisions of basic infrastructures like community water bore-holes, Road networks and Electricity. TO BE CONTINUED.