Looking back at the coming of the British missionaries to Nigeria some centuries ago, one will equally discover that Ndokwa was naturally blessed with an early opportunity to come in contact with the early missionaries. The brave role of the Obi of Aboh and his military troop in the coastal region of River Niger facilitated this early opportunity. The history of the early activity of the British Government in Nigeria, indicate that Ndokwa was the first supposed colonial government headquarter in Nigeria. It was from Ndokwa here, the headquarter was moved to Calabar from Calabar to Onitsha, from Onitsha to Lokoja, and finally to Lagos in the days of the colonial masters. However the most heartbreaking thing is that among all the places the federal headquarters stayed in the days of the colonial masters namely; Aboh, Calabar, Onitsha, Lokoja and Lagos, it is only the Aboh of Ndokwa nation that is the one totally abandoned and forgotten. Whether the colonial masters themselves or our then fore-fathers of the land, were responsible for this latter misfortune, the sons and daughters of Ndokwa nation today should be challenged and be desperately willing to fight any reason for backwardness and marginalization. Ndokwa is made up of the Ndosimili and the Ukwani extracts. Ndosimili are people living within the water terrine (literally meaning; water people) while Ukwani literally means Nde-Ukwu-ani or the upland people. The names are derived from their geographical locations. The Language The Ụkwụànì language is related to several languages in the Niger Delta region. The Ndokwa people speak Ukwuani, with varying dialects spoken by various communities within Ndosumili area. Ndokwa Economy The Ukwuani people are notably peasant farmers, growing crops like cassava, yams, plantain, melon, okro etc. Those living in communities’ transverse by rivers and creeks are additionally engaged in fishing. Rubber and palm oil extraction have been the major source of huge income for the Ukwani speaking people since the colonial era till date. These activities are drastically dwindling due to falling market prices, huge migration of productive youths to major cities like Warri, Port Harcourt and Lagos, and increased hydrocarbon exploration and production activities in the areas. However the areas boast of the presence of one of the biggest agricultural field in Delta and Rivers States that is the Utagba Uno rubber plantation presently managed by Michelin. Indigenously, the people are also involved in weaving of baskets, foundering and sculpture (known as Okpu-Uzu). Italian giant AGIP has built and commissioned the first Independent Power Plant (IPP) by an oil producing company in Nigeria at Kwale. The People The people pride themselves with the peaceful environments that enabled the successful installation and commissioning of the plant. Indeed the Ukwuani people have been known to be one of the least hostile host communities in Niger Delta. Ndokwa Music The Ukwuani are widely known for their Ukwani Music, with artists like King Ubulu, Rogana, Harmony Kings, Orji Moore, Eric Enuma etc. that entertain a wide spectrum of Nigerians from the border states of Cross Rivers to Lagos and to the northern states of Abuja and Kano. The Ukwuani Music can be arguably described as the biggest influence the Ukwuani people have over their neighbours, as some of these neighbours adopt Ukwuani Music as their own and acceptably traditional music. Social Life Ukwuani people are very social among themselves forming community unions and clubs to create forum to fraternize with each other where ever they live even in North America, Europe and Asia.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 08:49:33 +0000
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