# Neke, Isi-Uzo

Neke is a town located in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State in South Eastern Nigeria. Bordered by towns such as Ugwuogo Nike (Nike Lake Resort) in the South, Ikem (Local Government Area Headquarters) in the East, Mbu in the West, Eha Amufu and UmuAlor in Southeast, Obolo-Eke in the North, Ogbodu-Abaa in Northwest, and Opi in Southwest. Neke is a town of about 55,000 population with a strong backbone large land mass. In the pre-colonial era, the people of Neke were known as fearsome warriors who had an economic stronghold on neighboring areas. The Neke town has 5 main clans and districts namely; Ishienu, Akpani, Obeguaba, Umugwu and Umuegwu located in the town's core. These districts represent villages made up of clans and kindred prominent to the town's social structure. In the present day, many new settlements have sprung up in various parts of the large expanse of land that belongs to the town. These new settlements include Agudene Neke, Onueme Neke, Uzo-Ohu Neke, Ugwuakparata Neke, Mburuamanyi Neke, etc. Recently the Enugu State government created five new autonomous communities within Neke town. The new communities are Akpani Autonomous community, Uno-Neke Autonomous community, Emeora Autonomous community, Ndiagu Autonomous community, and Mburu Amanyi Autonomous community. Each of these autonomous communities has Traditional Rulers who are referred to as Igwes.
Geographically, Neke is located between two major cities, Enugu and Nsukka. Hence, serving as an access point to traders and commuters travelling along the Enugu-Nsukka Axis. (Agricultural Projects Monitoring, Evaluation and Planning Unit, 1980)

## Politics

As part of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Neke is within the Enugu East Senatorial Zone although prior to 1996 Isi-Uzo prominently belonged to the Nsukka geopolitical area. In 1976, Chief Sam Nwaroh, a prominent son of Neke was appointed as the first local government chairman of Isi-Uzo. The late Chief Nwaroh later served as a member of the House of Representatives and the first Igwe of Neke.

## Language and culture

The people of Neke speak a very distinct Igbo dialect caught between Enugu and Nsukka language dialects. The town people typically practice both traditional and Christian religion although Christianity has subjugated most of its traditional or ancestral practices. The two main denominations of Christianity in Neke are; The Anglican Church at St. Stephens and Catholic Church at St. Patrick's Parish.
The people of Neke celebrate some very important annual festivals such as Onwa-Asaa, Aju, Igwokoji, Ote Mgbereke, Igede and Okanga. These festivals are part of what makes the town unique in its own way. Essentially, each event represents a seasonal change as well as cultural and social bond that bring people together.
The popular traditional titles enjoyed by the people include the Oha and the Igwe. The Oha is headed by the eldest man in the community while Igwe is the royal father of the community.

## Economy

A majority of the local population of Neke are farmers for the town is blessed with fertile lands. The major food crops produced include Yam, Palm Oil and Cassava. These crops after harvest are sold at the two main markets; Nkwo and Ore Markets. The Nkwo market is the most popular due to its location at the town center.

## Education

* St. Patrick's Mission Community Primary School
* Community Secondary School, Neke
* Isi-Uzo Technical College, Ikem-Neke

## Postal codes for 5 main districts

Akpani 412105; Isienu 412105; Obegu-Aba 412105; Umuegwu 412105; Umugwu 412105