HISTORY OF UKWANNI

A prolific writer and researcher, Ozah Michael Ozah is a trained lawyer. His passion in the study of the history and culture of the Ukwuani speaking people of Delta State has resulted in the birth of seminal and referential books on the previously not well documented ethnic group.

The writer, Ozah, who works as the Legal Services Manager of Vanguard Media Limited is the author of Proudly Ukwuani: A  History and Culture, The Great Debate : Okpala-uku Clan-head vs Monarchy, My Ukwuaniness and Ukwuani Names & Meanings. In this interview, Ozah spoke to Arts on Sunday about the issues that spur his interest in cultural and scholarly research.

You have done quite well in the last couple of years writing about the history and culture of Ukwani people. What gave impetus to this adventure?

My impetus in writing about the history and culture of my people, the Ukwuani of Delta State, derives from a burning patriotism. I am proud of my colour, of who I am. I recall a poem I read in my secondary school days, I thank You Lord, for creating me black.

History was one of my favourite subjects – or is it course they call it now? – in secondary school and I always found it interesting learning about the great ancient empires and kingdoms in Africa – Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Ashante Oyo etc.

The account of migration of peoples always filled me with wonder and, coupled with my knowledge of geography, I always looked out for practical proofs of what I was taught wherever I went. But one thing was missing: in all that I was taught in school no mention was made of my Ukwuani people. This heightened my curiosity even after I left school.

Are the Ukwuani historyless? Why was there no literature on their history? Was it that I had not searched / read enough? I intensified my search, asking questions, prodding elders. Some of the responses I got tallied with folk stories I had heard as a teenager.

I also stumbled on some cursory mention of Ukwuani in some works such as Groundwork of Nigerian History, edited by Professor of Obaro Ikme. I am satisfied that my interest has yielded enduring fruits to guide future generations on Ukwuani people and history.

Incidentally, this engagement of yours became active at a time when the study of history is no longer taken seriously by formulators of the nation’s educational policy. What is your own attitude to history?

Yes, it is unfortunate,and so much so, that the study of history has been relegated by formulators of Nigerian education policy. It is a sad retrogressive development. The falling standard in education is not unconnected with this development.

I recall Professor Pat Utomi saying

TODAY IN DELTA STATE

ANIOMA ON IT: Going Higher and Higher With our Culture

Anioma people comprise of series of towns and communities currently inhabiting and located in Delta State, South-southern region of Nigeria. The people of this region are calm and wonderful, while the region has been described as one of the most peaceful in the Nigerian polity. The Anioma people are naturally blessed with beautiful culture and creative and enduring art performances which could hold anyone spell bound.

The Anioma culture over the time has become distinct and typical to the region, thus no ethnicity or group of people can justifiably lay claims to this culture because it is unique to the region. The uniqueness of this culture has ordinarily on its own tended to fend off arguments from quarters laying claims to the beautiful culture of this people. The Anioma culture they say speaks for itself. It has also beaten the imagination of several cultural observers on how speedily the culture and tradition of Anioma people have become homogenous in spite of the group not having common ancestral history as many historians mistakenly assume.

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