Old Ebeiri Diaspora

Below Are Some Of The "Odinala" Of The Old Owerre-Ebeiri Ancient Kingdom.

The 2025 Old Owerre-Ebeiri villages championship

August 2025 Owerre-Ebeiri PG election

About Us

Old Owerre-Ebeiri Progressive Union in Diaspora

The Old Owerre-Ebeiri Progressive Union in Diaspora is a vibrant umbrella body of indigenous sons and daughters of Old Owerre-Ebeiri Ancient Kingdom who reside outside the shores of Nigeria.

Spread across different parts of the globe, we came together through a shared vision to foster unity, peace, cultural preservation, and sustainable development for our people both at home and in the diaspora.

Formed through an online platform that connected like-minded indigenes abroad, the Union has grown into a formidable force for community advancement and collective progress.

The organization is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja, in compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 (as amended) — a testament to our legitimacy, structured leadership, and commitment to transparency and accountability.

OUR HERITAGE

Owerre-Ebeiri is a historic and culturally rich town located in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.
It is surrounded by neighbouring communities including:

• Umuowa

• Umuzike

• Eziachi

• Umuna

• Amaifeke

• Okporo

• Nkwume

Traditionally, Owerre-Ebeiri comprises ten ancient villages:

1. Ezealaeke

2. Eluama

3. Umuegbe

4. Umuokepku

5. Okwuorshi

6. Ndimbara

7. Umuokwaraonyirioha

8. Ndiokwu

9. Umuokwu

10. Umuduru

THE OLD OWERRE-EBEIRI IDENTITY

The name “Old Owerre-Ebeiri” emerged following the creation of a new autonomous community known as Alaoma, carved out of Owerre-Ebeiri for administrative convenience.

Today, Old Owerre-Ebeiri collectively refers to both Owerre-Ebeiri and Alaoma Communities, including additional villages that have evolved within them over time for administrative and developmental purposes.

OUR VISION
To build a united, progressive, and globally connected Old Owerre-Ebeiri community that preserves its cultural heritage while driving sustainable development for present and future generations.

OUR MISSION

• To unite all sons and daughters of Old Owerre-Ebeiri in the diaspora under one progressive platform.

• To promote peace, love, and mutual support among members worldwide.

• To contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of our homeland.

• To preserve and promote our cultural values, traditions, and identity.

• To serve as a bridge between the diaspora and the home community.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The Union is committed to the following goals:

1. Community Development To initiate, support, and execute developmental projects that improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and welfare in Old Owerre-Ebeiri.

2. Unity and Welfare
To promote unity, brotherhood, and the general welfare of members across the globe.

3. Cultural Promotion
To preserve, promote, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Old Owerre-Ebeiri.

4. Youth and Women Empowerment
To encourage educational advancement, skills acquisition, and empowerment programs for youths and women.

5. Partnership and Collaboration
To collaborate with government bodies, NGOs, and other community organizations for the progress of our land.

6. Conflict Resolution
To serve as a mediating body in diaspora-related matters affecting our people.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the Union is open to:

• Indigenous sons and daughters of Old Owerre-Ebeiri

• Spouses married to indigenous sons or daughters of the community

• Indigenes living anywhere in the diaspora committed to community progress

JOIN US — BECOME PART OF THE VISION

Are you a proud son or daughter of Old Owerre-Ebeiri living abroad?
Do you desire to stay connected to your roots and contribute to the growth of your homeland?

Then this Union is for you.

By joining, you will:

• Connect with fellow indigenes worldwide

• Participate in developmental projects

• Promote our culture and heritage

• Support community initiatives

• Enjoy welfare and support networks in the diaspora

👉 Together, we are stronger. Together, we build.

HOW TO JOIN

To become a member of the Old Owerre-Ebeiri Progressive Union in Diaspora, please:
• Contact any of our Union executives, or

• or fill the contact US Form below and submit.

Community Festivals

Owerre-Ebeiri and the Alaoma Community offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience living traditions that have been preserved for generations. Through vibrant festivals, colorful masquerades, and breathtaking performances, the community celebrates its history, values, and artistic excellence. These cultural events attract guests from near and far and provide a unique window into Igbo heritage.

Okonko Festival

The Okonko Festival is one of the most important and visually captivating annual cultural events in Owerre-Ebeiri and the Alaoma Community. Celebrated between February and March, the festival takes place during “Nkeli Ji”, the traditional season when harvested yams are displayed on yam stands (oba ji), symbolizing abundance and communal prosperity.

Beyond its festive appeal, Okonko represents an ancient system of traditional governance that promotes peace, unity, and social order. For visitors, the festival offers a fascinating blend of culture, history, and ceremony, revealing how tradition continues to guide community life.

Events are held at the bustling Nkwo Market Square, where the air comes alive with the sounds of traditional instruments such as Udu Nkwa, Ojemba Nkwa, and Egbelu Nkwa. All ten villages of Owerre-Ebeiri, including Alaoma Community, take part in the celebration, creating an atmosphere of shared identity and pride.

Visitors are welcome to watch and enjoy the colorful displays and performances. However, in keeping with tradition, masquerade dancing and costumed performances are reserved for initiated males, and strict customary rules are observed throughout the festival to preserve its sacred character.

Okorosha Festivity

The Okorosha Festivity is a culturally rich masquerade tradition celebrated in selected villages of the community. Known for its dramatic flair and storytelling, Okorosha blends entertainment with social commentary.

Through music, chants, and performance, Okorosha masquerades celebrate acts of excellence and public virtue, while also drawing attention to behaviors that fall short of community values. This unique tradition fascinates visitors by showing how culture is used to encourage good conduct, accountability, and communal harmony.

The Okorosha Festivity is deeply respected and offers tourists an authentic experience of how performance art serves as a powerful voice within traditional society.

Ekeleke Dance

The Ekeleke Dance is a thrilling cultural performance admired for its precision, strength, and artistic beauty. Dancers perform on decorated wooden stilts, standing about two feet high, with their lower legs firmly secured to the carved supports. Wearing expressive face masquerades, the performers create a striking visual spectacle.

Accompanied by lively rhythms from traditional instruments such as drums, ogene, ekwe, udu, okwa-aka, and njatanja, the dancers execute energetic and well-coordinated movements that leave audiences amazed. The Ekeleke Dance is a favorite among spectators and photographers alike, offering visitors unforgettable moments of excitement and cultural immersion

Educational Institutions In Old Owerre-Ebeiri

Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

Owerre-Ebeiri Autonomous Community—now comprising Alaoma Community and Owerre-Ebeiri Community (popularly known as Old Owerre-Ebeiri)—is a prominent and historic town located in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.

The community is home to several well-established educational institutions that contribute significantly to academic excellence, technical skills acquisition, and professional development for residents and neighboring communities. These institutions cover primary, secondary, technical, and health-related education, reflecting Owerre-Ebeiri’s strong commitment to learning and human capital development.

Major Educational Institutions in Owerre-Ebeiri

Imo State School of Nursing and Health Technology, Owerre-Ebeiri

This reputable health institution provides professional training in nursing and health technology. It prepares students for careers in the healthcare sector and plays a vital role in producing skilled health professionals for Imo State and Nigeria at large.

Comprehensive Secondary School, Owerre-Ebeiri

Established in the early 1990s, this public secondary school has remained a respected citadel of learning in Owerre-Ebeiri. The school is committed to academic excellence, moral discipline, and character development, helping to shape responsible and educated youths.

Primary Schools in Owerre-Ebeiri

Owerre-Ebeiri hosts several primary schools that provide quality foundational education for children. Notable among them are:

• Community Primary School, Owerre-Ebeiri

• Premier Primary School, Owerre-Ebeiri

These schools are strategically located at opposite ends of the town to ensure easy access for pupils across the community.

Private Educational Institutions in Owerre-Ebeiri

In addition to public schools, Owerre-Ebeiri is served by a number of private educational institutions that offer diverse curricula and specialized training. These include:

• International Secondary School, Owerre-Ebeiri

• Dominic Alagwu Memorial Technical College, Owerre-Ebeiri

• New Era Commercial College, Owerre-Ebeiri

These institutions complement public education efforts by providing alternative learning pathways and skill-based education.

Conclusion

Collectively, these educational institutions play a critical role in expanding access to quality education, nurturing talent, and promoting socio-economic development within Owerre-Ebeiri Autonomous Community, Orlu LGA, and surrounding areas of Imo State.

Industrial & Infrastructural Development

Owerre-Ebeiri has played a notable role in the industrial and infrastructural development of the former Imo State and the wider Orlu region. Its strategic location, natural resources, and favorable terrain made it a preferred site for key government-backed projects that contributed significantly to employment, economic growth, and public welfare.

Cardboard Paper Packaging Industry

During Nigeria’s Second Republic (1979–1983), the then Governor of the old Imo State, Late Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe, identified Owerre-Ebeiri as a strategic industrial hub. In recognition of its central location and accessibility, a Cardboard Paper Packaging Industry was established at the heart of Owerre-Ebeiri town.

The primary objective of the facility was the manufacture and distribution of paper products, including cardboard packaging materials, paper towels, dispensers, building packaging materials, and other forest-derived products largely sourced from timber.

The industry became a major economic asset to the community, providing direct and indirect employment opportunities for indigenes of Owerre-Ebeiri as well as residents of neighboring towns. Its products were distributed across Imo State, other parts of Nigeria, and even exported beyond the country, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Over time, and in response to technological and economic changes, the facility underwent expansion and diversification. Its production lines evolved to accommodate additional products and services, all operating within the same industrial complex that originally housed the paper packaging factory.

Water Treatment Plant (Isi Engine)

In the late 1970s, the old Imo State Government, through its Water Management Board, established a standard Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Owerre-Ebeiri. Popularly known as “Isi Engine,” the facility is located along the Owerre-Orlu Road, opposite Menaccord Hotels, Owerre-Ebeiri.

Owerre-Ebeiri is naturally endowed with a favorable topography and geological formation capable of supporting sustainable water production. This advantage positions the town as a vital source of potable water for the entire Orlu Local Government Area.

Earlier feasibility studies conducted during the colonial era confirmed the suitability of Owerre-Ebeiri’s soil for borehole drilling and pipe-borne water generation. Based on these findings, the municipal Water Treatment Plant was developed to serve both the host community and surrounding towns.

At full capacity, the WTP generated and distributed an estimated 10 to 20 million gallons of treated water daily to villages and nearby urban centers within Orlu Local Government Area. In addition to improving public health and sanitation, the facility also created employment opportunities for residents across the Orlu metropolis.

The markets of Old Owerre-Ebeiri

Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

Owerre-Ebeiri Autonomous Community—now comprising two communities, Alaoma and Owerre-Ebeiri—is a cosmopolitan town located within Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. The town is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant economic life, much of which revolves around its traditional markets that serve as vital centres of trade, commerce, and social interaction.

Economic Background

Like many towns in Imo State, the economy of Owerre-Ebeiri is predominantly agrarian. Agriculture forms the backbone of local livelihoods, while trading activities play a significant complementary role. The town’s markets provide an essential platform for farmers to sell their produce, artisans to showcase their crafts, and traders to exchange a wide range of goods and services. Beyond commerce, these markets are deeply woven into the cultural and social fabric of the community.

Major Markets in Owerre-Ebeiri

Several key markets operate regularly in Owerre-Ebeiri, each with its own distinct character and function:

Nkwo Market (Nkwo Owerre-Ebeiri)

Nkwo Market is the main and most prominent market in Owerre-Ebeiri. Popularly known as Nkwo Owerre among residents, it operates on the traditional Nkwo market day. On this day, traders from Owerre-Ebeiri and neighbouring communities converge to trade in agricultural produce such as yams, cassava, vegetables, fruits, and other food items. Nkwo Market also serves as a major cultural and ceremonial space for the community.

Orie Nwaowerre Market

Orie Nwaowerre Market is another important market in the town. Located in Ezealaeke Village, it operates daily, with peak activity during the evening hours. The market is well known for its lively atmosphere, as local farmers bring fresh produce directly from their farms. Beyond its commercial function, Orie Nwaowerre Market also serves as a social meeting point where residents interact and strengthen communal bonds.

Afor Ala Market

Afor Ala Market is situated in Okwuorji Village of Owerre-Ebeiri. It complements the main market by offering additional trading opportunities, particularly in livestock and poultry, alongside agricultural produce and household items.

Goods and Trading Activities

Markets in Owerre-Ebeiri primarily focus on agricultural products, reflecting the community’s strong farming tradition. Common items traded include staple foods, livestock, poultry, household goods, and locally made crafts, among others.

Cultural and Social Significance

The markets of Owerre-Ebeiri are more than centres of economic exchange; they are vital institutions for preserving cultural identity and fostering community cohesion. Market days provide opportunities for social interaction, discussion of community affairs, and celebration of local traditions. A notable example is the Okonko Festival, which is displayed annually in the month of March on Nkwo day at the Nkwo Market Square.

Women’s Empowerment

Market activities in Owerre-Ebeiri also play a crucial role in women’s empowerment. Many women are actively involved in trading food items, farm produce, and crafts. These activities provide income, promote financial independence, and enhance women’s economic participation within the community.

Modern Commercial Developments

With the advance of civilisation and industrialisation, Owerre-Ebeiri has continued to evolve as a commercial hub within Orlu Local Government Area. Notably, the Orlu Local Government Central Timber Market, popularly known as Ogbor Ogbo-osisi sited within Ndiokwu Village, Owerre-Ebeiri landscape. In addition, several building materials depots serving Orlu and its environs are located on lands jointly belonging to Owerre-Ebeiri and Umuowa communities.