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History Background of Achara Ihechiowa

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HISTORY BACKGROUND OF ACHARA IHECHIOWA AND AWAY FORWARD

NWEKE PRINCE O. National Coordinator Life-Skills Initiative for Youth Empowerment and Development/ Member: Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) Email: nweke.prince@live.com Phone: +234(0)806-445-1455

Origin of Achara Ihechiowa: by Nweke Prince, MTRCN

Achara is a community in Eleoha Ihechiowa located in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, South Eastern Region of Nigeria. The word Achara was defined by Okpe Daniel from Ndi-Nduma Compound (2012), as unpenetrated. On the other hand while Sorochukwuma Torti (2011), an Economist from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, cited it as a land of great economics opportunities who’s numerous traditional and ancient artifact and natural vegetation are still intact. To be able to understand the meaning of Achara for what it is, its definition must be explicit and comprehensive. I therefore define Achara as “a land of homogeneous people knitted together by strong communal ties and common ancestral history that cannot be penetrated or otherwise”. Achara is one of the popular Communities sometime called “ASUAMI” which came into being through Eleoha in Ihechiowa formerly known as “Agbo” in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State. The community came around the early twenty century through the existence of our great grandfather popularly known as Diogukwu translates as Great and Warrior who was known to have a son named DIOGU. Put together this could imply Great-Warrior. It is likely that DIOGUKWU might have had other children outside this DIOGU. However, for his settlement to take place in Achara, he passes through difficulties and challenges through other nearby communities which include Obinto Ihechiowa (formerly Agbo) through Amamiri Ihechiowa and finally through Amafia/Ama-etitit Ihechiowa down to Achara Eleoha Ihechiowa in Arochukwu which is sometimes referred to as Arochuku, or Aro-Okigbo and as well identify as the third largest city in Abia State after Aba and Umuahia in the Southeastern Region of Nigeria and even in the entire homeland of the Igbo subgroup. Arochukwu is composed of 5 geopolitical zones (Ihechiowa, Arochukwu, Abam, Isu and Ututu) with an overall leader called Eze Aro. Arochukwu is a principal historic town in Igboland. It was also one of the cities in the Southern protectorate conquered by the British colonial government. Several historic tourist sites exist in the city. The mystic Ibini Ukpabi shrine, the slave routes and other relics of the slave trade era are frequently visited by tourists. It is also the food belt of Abia State where most of the staple foods are produced. Achara Ihechiowa has the geographical coordinates of 4° 2' 0" in the North, 5° 8' 0" in the East. With the knowledge and wisdom of our great grandfather’s legacy and understanding of their  biological education experienced during their centuries, he started by developing the local areas in the community which is made up of six clans of the community with sub-compounds known as: Diogukwu (Eziukwu founded in July, 1953 and was commission on October 1st, 1954); Diogu (known as Amaodara built in 1961); Ngwu-ike (known as Amangwu); Inima (known as Amirima); and Njoku (known as Ndi-Njoku). As tradition demands by then, each clan was made up of difference compounds headed by eldest-man but to be appointed by the people’s choice. To crown it all, the community is sub-divided into two Wards, six Clans and sixteen compounds.

Eleoha Ward I which is comprises of two (2) Clans such as: Amirima, Ndi-Nwochiri, Ndi-Egbe, Ndi-Echi, Ndi-Ndu, and Ndi-Njoku I and II. While Eleoha Ward II is comprises of four (4) Clans which include: Ndi-Oso, Ndi-Koke, Amaudara, Ndi-Okwun Okorie, Ndi-Okwun Ebom, Eziukwu, Ndi-Uduma, Ndi-Nwecho, Ndi-Olu, Ndi-Ole, Ama-nka and Ebomogo. During the creation of the compounds, the founder started with the following compounds, such as: Eziukwu Compound, where he finally choose as his place of settlement, followed by Amaodara where his son “Diogu” (Warrior) was made to be resided as his home and finally followed by Ama-ngwu (known as Ohogu) and Amangwu (Ngwuike).

Nonetheless, since from the creation of Achara Ihechiowa, the following personalities in which some of them are late today has been recorded as the active chiefs/Mazi/Eze-ogo and have served the community diligently as follows: •	Late Mazi Dioug-ukwu (Founder/Pioneer Chief) •	Late Mazi Diogu (First Son of Diogu-ukwu) •	Late Mazi Ewu-Egwu Ogori (grand father of ogori Elibe) •	Late Mazi Nweke Egbebu (grand father of Okoko Nweke) •	Late Mazi Obasi Okoko (grand father of Late Chief Obasi Okoko) •	Late Mazi Itam Mba (grand father of Chief Ibom Itam – who died and ended his tenured in 1975) •	Late Mazi Kalu Mba (grand father of Chief Akpa Mbe known as Kalu Mba) •	Late Mazi Olu Torti - ( grand father of Late Mr. Kalu Olu known as Green headed till date on February 29th, 1992) •	Eze Obasi Okoko – 1992-1998 (grand father of Prince Okoko Obasi-Ike) •	HRH Late Eze  Obasi Okoko (as a result of the confirmation as HRH handover to Chief Kalu Itam in 1998 and took over the crown as His Royal Highness in 1998 till •	Late Chief Kalu Itam (1998 – 2004) •	Chief Kalu Chukwu (July 4th, 2004 – November, 2009) •	Chief Kalu Obasi (known as Kalu Okpogo) (November, 2010 – February, 2012) •	Chief Kalu Chukwu (October 15th, 2012 - )

Agriculture According to Nna-ole Agbara (2011), Agriculture is define as the simplification of nature's food webs and the rechanneling of energy for human planting and animal consumption. He further sited it as a process of cultivating land or producing varieties of food. Wikipedia, finally Summary the concept as: “ is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi, and other life forms for food, fiber, biofuel and other products used to sustain life”. From the above definition, we can see that one of the most important interconnected occupations that our people mostly engage in subsistence agriculture and which seemed to have dominated as follows: Farming, Hunting, and Animal Husbandry, trading, fishing and others. The fishing activities are carried out in the marine area as: mbelepke, ngelekuma nke-mbu, ngelekuma nke-ebuo, which some of them has a common boundary with the people of Ukwa in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State and another community known as Biakpan in Ohafia Local Government Arera of Abia State. Basically, some of the prevalent foods crops we have in Acahra Ihechiowa are as follows:

•	Yams known as: Mbula, Akuru, Una, Ede etc (which was originated in late 16th century. Via Portuguese inhame or Spanish •	Cassava known as: Egburu (which was originated in the Mid-16th century) •	Plantains known as: Apata-ukwu originated from Brazil through earlier Portuguese; •	Banana known as: Ukom (which was originated in late 16th century. Via Spanish and Portuguese) •	Palm Oil/Kernel Oil known as: ekwu •	Vegetable known as: Ekwukwo Ofi, Ugbogho, Oko etc; and •	Beans known as: Azuma and others which was later introduced as time went on.

Education The history background of education in Achara Ihechiowa came through the missionaries with the establishment of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria which leads to the commissioned of  “Diogukwu Memorial School” (DMS) founded in March, 1943 and was previously known as Church of Scotland Mission School headed by Elder N.N. Okereke as the first pioneer Head-Teacher of the school today known as Headmaster/Headmistress. However, the school was formerly located at Amangwu and later relocated near the Presbyterian Church on Nigeria headed by the following notable people who served as the pioneer elders of the church include Elder Nnanna Obasi, Elder Igbeke Kalu, Elder Chief Alfred and Elder Isaac Okwun to mention but few. At present, the community has increase with a numbers of churches to mention but few, such as: The Apostolic Church, Roman Catholic Church, Assemblies of God Church, Deeper Life Bible Church, Cherubim and Seraphim, Trinity Church, Evangelical Church, Seventh Days Adventist Church, Community of Yahweh, Jehovah Witness, Living Faith Church (a.k.a Winners Church), The Lord Chosen Charismatic, Redeemer Christian Church etc.

Nonetheless, due to the increase numbers of the community population, the community today has a very standard and well equipped school such as: Achara Secondary School formerly known as Okpo/Achara High School founded in 1977/1978 and was handover officially to the community in 1979 headed by Mr. Nnanna and it was subside after sometime by Mr. O.U. Kalu. On the other hand while the private school so far was known as Alpha Institute founded by Late Mr. Ogbonnaya Okpe from Ndi-Echi Compound. As a result of lack of availability of space to accommodate the pupils, a branch of the D.M.S was caved out in March 3rd, 2006 and also name in memory of Diogukwu such as “Diogukwu Memorial School (DMS) II headed by Elder Kalu Igbeke Kalu from Eziukwu Compound and was recorded as the first pioneer Headmaster till May, 2012 which was all fully sponsor by Late Chief Egbebu Ukariwe and Late Mrs. Ojara Ikeagwu.

Achara Language Achara Ihechiowa in general largely speaks the Igbo language like every other community in Arochukwu in Igbo land, such as: nnawo, ndewo, bia, iza-gini, onye bu nnagi etc. However, Igbo language was used by John Goldsmith as an example to justify deviating from the classical linear model of phonology as laid out in the Sound Pattern of English Language which was written in Roman script known as tonal language, like other language as Yoruba and Hausa.

Entertainment in Achara Entertainment is one of the biggest and well developed professions in ancient Achara Ihechiowa which include, Igba-Mgba, Igba-Ekpe (masquerade), Iriji (new yam festival), Riching and many others to mention but few.

Security Level in Achara Achara Ihechiowa is well secured with a voluntarily Age Grade known as Ebiri Which exists with local vigilante security outfit in all corners of the villagers and these groups work with the elders and other senior age grade to ensure effective security and peace for the community.

Health At present, there are two health clinics in Achara Ihechiowa that serve the health need of the community such as Onyiwa Comprehensive Health Centre donated by Onyiwa Age Grade located at Amangwu (ngwu-ike) opposite Monas’s Complex and the other one known as Primary Health Care Centre funded by Abia State Government in collaboration with office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Millennium Development Goals (OSSAP-MDG s) Abuja.

Closest Communities to Achara Ihechiowa Within Achara Ihechiowa structure, the closest towns bordering the community are Okpo which is the closest.in Others are Amafia/Amaetiti which is 2.2km, and Umuye which is 4.2 km, Biakpan 10.5 km, and Ukwa in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State which 13.6 km and as well as Umuchiakuma which is approximately 6 km and 9 km away from the heart of Achara Ihechiowa.

Problem •	Lack of coordination of programmes and events during the Christmas especially in a situation where more than seven different couples may have marriage in the same day. •	Lack of untrained community leaders especially those who have little or no education background; •	Lack of manpower to manage the available resources especially in the community Secondary school; •	Lack of political power, experience and corruption which is nowadays culture globally; •	Lack of appropriate strategies for effective community development; •	Lack of respect and violation of law among the youths with the community elders; •	Lack of respect and violation of each other’s rights; •	Lack of respect for each other as a result of discrimination among the leaders; •	Lack of skills which has today result to crime, dependency, drug abuses and community violence among the youths; •	Lack of sponsorship to those who have the courage to further their education or to engage them in some useful skills to enable them become self-reliant and developed; and •	Lack of cooperation which has leads to unemployment among the young graduates in the city.

Useful Recommendations and Away Forward For effective development of Achara Ihechiowa in Arochukwu Local Government of Abia State, the community leaders, age grade and other individual forums that is been organized by a set of classmates of different years of graduation either at primary school level or secondary school level of this wonderful community should on this note adopt the following strategies as away forward and which may also help us improve our felt-needs approach. There are as follows: •	They levies of each age grade as well as the community contribution  should be properly utilize on community projects with proper records and accountability; •	The community deserve the right to set up a Project committee that must involve all the age grades that will be accountable on community yearly report on development issues and a way forward; •	They should be annual voluntarily contributions or support from individual members of the community both home and abroad to enable us empower the out of school drop out with relevant skills to become self-reliant and developed; •	There is need for yearly mass environmental sanitation in all notable parts of the community especially during the christmas, such as: Okpo/Achara Express Road, Umuye Road, Ugwuchi-Akuma Road, Monas’s Road etc; •	It is also useful if a particular group or individual persons may team together to build a modern skill acquisition centre where interested youths may acquire some relevant skills which may help us reduce some provoking violence, local crimes, excess alcohol consumption and unwanted pregnancy among the little age girls as a result of idealness and lack of education; •	Every opinion impose in the community should be emphasis on the total life and needs of the community; •	It very good and useful that those who have passion and God’s desires expectation should always has the courage to donate at least free drugs, materials and foods to the community real and truthful widows and orphans as a means of consoling their heart and reasoning. •	There is need for us to pray for one another and avoid negative thinking which can never or ever yield to anything positive than destruction. •	Every member of the community deserves the right and privilege to network his/her community member(s) on relevant opportunities as may be rewards by God and not man.; and •	They should be annually celebration/free will donation at least once in every year to enable us develop some areas of the community without been dependent to government. •	They should be checks and balance between the leaders who represent the community in political position and service delivery to the Communities on Community Development Projects.

Conclusion:

This research work has presented views about the origin, entertainment, agriculture, security, problems, education, and away forward towards effective community development and process in Achara Ihechiowa. It has also examined the issues and challenges related facing the community at present and possible solutions were also made to tackle the problems if the need be.

Acknowledge I would like to express my gratitude to Chief Kalu Ole (Nna-ole Agbara, Chuwkudi Koke, Elder Kalu Igbeke Kalu, Sorochukwu Torti, Chief Nna-ole Agbara, Elder Okoko Nweke, and Hon. Chief Kalu Ogba Igbeke for their coordination efforts during the data collection process of this research work. My Thanks also goes to Dr. Kenneth Njoku, Senior Lecturer, Alvan Ikeokwu College of Education, Owerri, Imo State for his support and patience in the development of this document. Special thanks to the participants in the online conference interviews and facebook groups on Achara Ihechiowa Network Forum (AINF), the candid discussion and honest responses were essential to compiling this research work. Your words, thoughts, and ideas will have an impact on Achara Eleoha Ihechiowa and beyond what you could ever image and think of!

Some Useful Links of Achara Ihechiowa Network Forum in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State:

WEBSITE:		 http://acharaihechiowa.webs.com BLOG WEBSITE:	 http://www.acharaihechiowanetworkforum.blogspot.com GROUPSPACES: 	http://groupspaces.com/AcharaIhechiowaNetworkForum/ TWITTER:		 https://twitter.com/#!/AcharaIhechiowa TIGWEB:	 	http://orgs.tigweb.org/achara-ihechiowa-network-forum FACEBOOK:	 http://www.facebook.com/achara.ihechiowa/info http://www.facebook.com/achara.ihechiowa?ref=tn_tnmn NAIRALAND:	http://www.nairaland.com/acharaihechiowa WORDPRESS:	http://www.acharaihechiowa.wordpress.com NAIJAPALS:	http://www.naijapals.com/acharaihechiowa YOOKOS:		http://www.yookos.com/people/acharaihechiowa

Contact Email Addresses: acharaihechiowa@gmail.com acharaihechiowa@groupspaces.com

References:

Bolens, L. (1997). "Agriculture" in Selin, Helaine (ed.), Encyclopedia of the history of Science, technology, and Medicine in Non Western Cultures. Kluwer Academic Publishers, 	Dordrecht/Boston/London.

Chanan G., Garratt C. and West A. (2000), The New Community Strategies: How to Involve Local People. Community Development Foundation, London.

Other Local Interview Include the Following persons: 1)	Chief Kalu Ole – Eziukwu Compound, Achara Ihechiowa 2)	Hon. Chief Kalu Ogba - Eziukwu Compound, Achara Ihechiowa 3)	Elder Kalu Igbeke Kalu- (Pioneer Headmaster of Diogukwu Memorial School II) Eziukwu Compound, Achara Ihechiowa 4)	Master Chukwudi Koke – Student, Achara Secondary School, Ihechiowa 5)	Master Soruchukwu Torti – (Economist-University of Nigeria, Nsukka), Ndi Okwun Ebom Compound, Achara Ihechiowa 6)	Master Okpe, Daniel Klau, Ndi Nduma Compound, Achara Ihechiowa 7)	Prince Amicable Kalu Itam