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Nnewi is a commercial and industrial city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is the second largest city in Anambra state after Onitsha. Nnewi as a metropolitan area has two Local Government Areas, which are Nnewi North and Nnewi South, all centred around the Nnewi town. Even Ekwusigo local government area is now part of Nnewi urban area, as urbanization continues to spread from Nnewi to neighbouring communities. Nnewi town which is the only town in Nnewi North, comprises four villages: Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi. Nnewi had been the centre of economics and commerce, being at a time the fastest growing industrial city east of the Niger, being the home of many industries such as The Ibeto Group, the Chicason Group, and Cutix Cables. The first indigenous car manufacturing plant in Nigeria is located in the city while the first wholly Made-in-Nigeria motorcycle, the 'NASENI M1' was manufactured in Nnewi.

In 2019, the population of Nnewi was estimated at more than 900,000 people. As of January 2024, Nnewi had an estimated population of 1,301,000. The city spans over 520 square kilometres (200 sq mi) in Anambra State. As of 2005, Nnewi Metropolitan Area and its satellite towns are home to nearly 2.5 million residents. Dimensionally, Nnewi has an edge over all other units, it was recognized by the 1953 census figures as the largest inland town of all others in the Eastern states of Nigeria.

Nnewi was projected to be the twelfth fastest growing city on the African continent between 2020 and 2025, with a 5.18% growth.

History

In Nnewi oral history and mythology, the rabbit ('ewi') played a great role in saving the founders of Nnewi during wars. Throughout its history, Nnewi has used its military might to maintain its borders and because of this, the killing or eating of ewi in Nnewi is forbidden to the present day. Nnewi existed as an independent kingdom from the 15th century to 1904, when British colonial administration occupied the kingdom.

Nnewi kingdom was founded on four quarters (large towns), namely Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi. Towns are made up of communities which in turn are Each divided into family units called 'umunna'. Each umunna had a first family known as the 'obi'.

The origins of the four towns had been a source of controversy as it was difficult to ascertain the origin of the history of Nnewi and the development of the towns. According to Dr. Okonkwo Alutu in Nnewi History, the most probable progenitor of the Nnewi people was a man called Mmaku. He migrated from Ndoni and had a son whom he named Ikéngà. Ikéngà had four sons; Nnewi, Isu, Ifite and Ichi. Nnewi went on to father six sons namely Digbo, Uru, Eze, Eke, Ekweludikonwu and Nnagha. Digbo begat Otolo, progenitor of the only town named after a descendant of Nnewi. The other three towns were founded by the other sons of Nnewi and migrants.

The Place of Nnewi in Igbo History

Originally when the Igbos settled in the present day Eastern Nigeria, they arrived with three leaders, two were spiritual leaders and the youngest of the three a hereditary King known as Obi a King by birthright.

The first was the Eze Nri of Awka a Priest King, the second the Eze Aro of Arochukwu a King and the third the Igwe of Nnewi a political and war ruler.

Geography

Geographically, Nnewi falls within the tropical rain forest region of Nigeria . Though it suffers from soil leaching and erosion which has reduced the soil in some areas to a porous sandy terrain, it remains an area of rich agricultural produce and the epicenter of business trade . The city is located east of the Niger River, and about 22 kilometres (14 mi) south east of Onitsha in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Climate

It is most windy in May. It is most wet in August. The hottest month is March. The best time of year to visit Nnewi for general outdoor tourist activities is from early December to mid January, with a peak score in the last week of December.

Government

The traditional monarch of Nnewi is called the Igwe. The Igweship in Nnewi kingdom predates the arrival of Europeans, making it a unique monarchy in Igbo land . The Igbos are known for not having kings, hence the popular Igbo saying 'Igbo é nwě Eze', meaning 'the Igbos have no king'. In other Igbo clans, the British colonial administrators created warrant chiefs who then assumed the office and title of Igwe and are elected to this day.

In Nnewi, the Igwe is the isi obi (head of the Obis) and hence the Igwe, which literally translates as the heavenly one or highness as he is the holder of the Ofo, the religious and political symbol. He is born and not made or elected, and the institution of inheritance is the traditional right and privilege.

The position is neither transferable nor negotiable. He is also an Obi. Obi is the title held by ruling chiefs; it is the equivalent of a duke in the nobility.

The present reigning monarch is His Royal Highness Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III; he is the longest serving monarch in Nigeria and he is currently the 20th monarch in the Nnofo Royal lineage. Igwe Kenneth Orizu III is the first class chief in Anambra state from Nnewi as well as the vice Chairman of the Anambra State House of Chiefs .

There are Obis in the four clans that make up Nnewi. The highest and the most senior obi is the Obi of Otolo, who is also the Igwe of Nnewi . Chief Afamefuna Obi, Obi Bennett Okafor and Obi George Onyekaba are the current obis of Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi, respectively .

Legal system

The ancient legal system of Nnewi was not based upon a written law. It was purely a natural law, involving custom, tradition, and civil and criminal cases .

Economy

Nnewi's journey to becoming an economic hub started in 1970, After the Nigerian Civil War .

Ndị Nnewi(Nnewi People) living in different cities across the country suffered great losses during the war, so they decided to take back all their investments and businesses home .

Agbo Edo, a forest land which belonged to Edo Nnewi deity, was cleared to make way for a new market called Nkwo Nnewi market . The development of this market propelled the fast development of the local economy .

As a fast developing city and a major industrial and commercial hub in Africa, Nnewi experiences voluminous financial activities, therefore hosts major banks, and other financial institutions . Industries are dotted around the city and adjoining towns. Palm oil, cosmetics, motor, and motorcycle spare parts, books, and stationery, textiles, electric cables, and so on are produced in commercial quantity in the area.

Its main trading centers include Nkwo Nnewi markets which are New motorcycle spare parts market (the largest spare parts market in Africa), Agbọ-Edo motor spare parts market, Nwagbala market, Generator parts market, Electrical parts market, Nkwọ Nnewi general market (Ime Afia), Nnewi Timber dealers market (Ọgbọ osisi), Nwafor market, Eke Amaobi market, Eke Ochie, Eke Ichi Market, Orie otube Market, Okpunoegbu market etc .

Agriculture and forestry

The main occupation of Nnewi people is trading, production and farming, therefore they depend mainly on commerce, entrepreneurship and agriculture for their daily livelihood . Most Ndị Nnewi (Nnewi people) have mbụbọ (home gardens) and ubi (out-station gardens) where they usually cultivate their farm products .

Culture

Nnewi, as a historical city, has many cultural events and places adorned with festivities and cultural monuments, including Edo Na Ezemewi shrine, Udoogwugwu shrine (Ichi), Kamanu shrine (Ichi), and many other shrines dotted across all sections of Nnewi city. Nnewi hosts many festivals, notably amongst them is the New yam (Afiolu, also known as Ifejioku festival) which all parts of the city participates and masquerades from all federating towns participates in. The festival attracts all sorts of activities and celebrations which Nnewi residents hold in the highest esteem.

In the average home of any Nnewi citizen, they usually keep kola nuts, garden egg and peanut butter in their refrigerator in case any stranger or visitor should visit their home. Every visitation to their home begins with the offering of the kola nuts to the visitor, the kola nut is indicating that the visitor is very much welcomed. The ritual of the offering of kola nut is inspired with the giving in prayers and blessing or lobby to the supreme God and other deities, for the protection of the visitor and the host. It seems to be a custom to the people of Nnewi in any of their traditional ceremonies.

Arts and crafts

Local artists thrive in this municipal rural communities. Works of art produced in the area comprises, carved doors, walking sticks of different designs, sculptures, flutes, wooden mortars and pestles, gongs, and the famous talking drums. Metal works and various types of productions are locally fashioned .

Cultural attire

The traditional attire for the men is an overflowing jumper or a long-sleeved shirt worn over the gooji wrapper, which is tied around the waist, curving down to the ankles.

Religion

Religion occupies a central place in the heart of Nnewi people. This c