A Brief Overview of Onueke (Ezza South LGA)

Onueke is the headquarters of Ebonyi South Local Government Area in Ebonyi State. Ebonyi South LGA was created at the same time that Ebonyi State was created -- 1st October 1996.

Onueke was formerly the headquarters of the old Ezzikwo County Council. The old Ezzikwo County Council spanned an area that includes three of the present LGAs in Ebonyi State, namely: Ezza South, Ezza North and Ikwo LGAs. Ezza South shares a common border with Ezza North and Onicha LGAs.

Ezza South LGA is subdivided into four (4) development centres and (11) wards. The four development centres are:

1. East Development Centre
2. Ezzama Development Centre
3. Ezza South Development Centre
4. Ezza South East Development Centre

The eleven wards are:

1. Onueke Urban
2. Ameka Ward
3. Ezzama Ward
4. Echara Ward
5. Umunwagu Idembia Ward
6. Amudo-Okoffia Ward
7. Amagu-Nsokkara Ward
8. Amuzu Ward
9. Ikwuato Idembia Ward
10. Amana Ward
11. Amezekwe Ward

The People

The people of Ezza South LGA are among the off springs of Ezekuna, the Father of Ezza Nation. The Ezzas migrated from the family home of Ezekuna in a community called Amana in Ezza South Local Government Area.

The 1991 Census estimated the population of Ezza South at 93,654. The inhabitants are spread across thirteen (13) communities including: Ameka, Amudo, Ezzama, Amana, Okoffia, Nsokkara, Echara, Amezekwe, umunwagu Idembia, Amagu- Amezekwe and Ikwuato Idembia. These communities are grouped under two predominant clans: the Izzikworos and the Kpakpajis. The Izzikworos include: Amezekwe, Umunwagu Idembia, Amagu- Amezekwe and Ikwuato Idembia.

The people are mostly farmers who take advantage of the rich and abundant farm land to cultivate yam, rice, cassava, cereals and vegetables, among others. Some people engage in animal husbandry which includes: piggery, fishery, live stock faming and rearing of cattle. Others engage in trading and skill work such as wood work, mat weaving, basket weaving and blacksmithing.

The people of Ezza South are known for their hard work. In spite of this, they are extremely welcoming, kind, generous, friendly, sociable, cordial, warm and affectionate.