Ukwuani people
The Ukwuani is one of the three sub groups that make up the Igbo west of the River Niger; the others are Enuani and Ika. These three sub groups are now collectively regarded as Anioma (Good Land), geo-politically located in Nigeria’s Delta State. Within the Western Igbo area, the Ukwuani inhabit the low-lying and swampy area within latitude North 5’ 50 – 70 and Longitude East 6’ – 6’- 50. The Ukwuani people are regarded as Southern Ika Igbo, comprising fifteen clans, namely Abbi, Akoku, Amai, Ebedei, Emu, Eziokpor, Ezionum, Obiaruku, Ogume, OnichaUkwuani, Umuebu, Umukwuata, Umutu, Utagba-Ogbe and Utagba-Uno.
The name Ukwuani is a topographical construct deriving from their environment. It means low-land dwellers which conform to the Igbo way of naming their settlement according to the geographical features.
Origin
Their origin is debated, with the dominant narrative being that they are from Benin. This has been challenged by Paul O. Opone, a lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka who argues that the evidence shows that they are of Igbo origin.[1]
Ndokwa people
- Buchi (Nigerian comedian)
- Enebeli Elebuwa (Nollywood actor/producer
- Uti Nwachukwu (Model/actor, Winner Big Brother Africa III, 2008)
- Peter Odili (Former Executive Governor Of Rivers State, Ndoni, http://www.ndoniusa.org/history-of-ndoni.html)
- Sunday Oliseh (Nigerian Footballer)
- Patrick Osakwe (Politician/ Former Senator, Federal Republic of Nigeria)
- Friday Osanebi (Deputy Speaker, Delta State House Of Assembly)
- Emeka Ossai (Nollywood actor/producer/model)
References
- Opone, Paul (2017). "Are the Ukwuanis Benin or Igbo? a study of origin and migration". UJAH: Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities. 18.