The history of Orumba Local Government Area dates back to the pre-colonial era and in the nineteenth century, it came under British colonial rule, with Ajalli established as a significant administrative center and later the headquarters of the council area. After Independence, Orumba North became part of the newly formed Anambra State and in 1991, the former Orumba Local Government Area. was further divided into Orumba North and Orumba South council areas. Notable individuals from Orumba North who have made significant contributions to Nigeria include Dr. Alex Ekwueme the former Vice President of Nigeria from Oko; Professor Humphrey Nwosu from Ajalli, who served as Chairman of the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON) and Professor Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike from Ndikelionwu, an esteemed educationist and renowned author among others.
Christianity is the most prevalent religion in the area, with various denominations having strong followership.
Cultural festivals, especially the New Yam Festival (Iwa Ji), are widely celebrated and the Ikeji Festival, Otute festival and Mmonwu festival of the people are highly celebrated and revered up till today.
Orumba North boasts of a dynamic commercial sector with several markets that facilitate local and regional trade. Agriculture is a cornerstone of the local economy of Orumba North.
In 2022, the estimated population of Orumba North Council Area was two hundred and forty-six thousand and two hundred people and it is one of the most populous administrative areas in Anambra State. Orumba North has sixteen major towns and they are:
Ajalli, Amaetiti, Amaokpala, Awgbu, Nanka, Ndikelionwu, Ndiokolo, Ndiowu
Ndiukwuenu, Okpeze, Oko, Omogho, Ndi Okpaleke, Ndi Okpalaeze, Awa and
Ufuma. Some areas in Orumba North hold potential for tourism including the Mamu Forest Reserve, Awgbu’s Ecological Richness with large raffia palm plantations and five lakes, Ogba-Ukwu Cave and Waterfalls in Owerre-Ezukala, though located in the neighboring Orumba South LGA, is a significant tourist attraction.
Regrettably, erosion is one of the most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges in Orumba North, as is the case for much of Anambra State. The old Aguata area, which includes Orumba North, Orumba South, and Aguata L.G.As, is particularly vulnerable to rapidly expanding gully erosion. Though the Anambra State Government has initiated some erosion control projects, the scale of the problem often necessitates significant federal and international interventions due to its complexity and widespread impact.
Orumba North LGA, like many other parts of Anambra State and the Southeast region, has faced significant security challenges. The state government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is working hard to flush out the criminals and restore law and order. The Governor’s efforts are yielding positive results across the State.
Orumba North is home to the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, a significant institution of higher learning that attracts students from across Nigeria. The JOSAN Integrated Rice Farm and Mill in Ufuma demonstrates a major achievement in boosting rice production and contributing to food security.
Orumba North Local Government Area since inception, has had the following as the Council Chairmen : Honourable Mike Umerie, Honourable Christopher Okechukwu, Engineer George Okoli, Honourable Jenkins Ifionu, Honourable Christian Ogbanufe, Honourable Dozie Ike, Honourable Chukwunyelu Muogbo, Honourable Hyceint Onwuchekwe as well as Honourable Alphonsus Muogbo.
Others include Honourable Mrs. Rhoda Nwosu, Honourable Nestor Okoro, Honourable Vincent Okoro, Honourable Okey Enekwe, Honourable Emeka Aforka, Honourable Obinna Ikwueto, Honourable. Mrs. Ify Obinabo, Honourable Ogochukwu Ekwueme and the incumbent Chairman, Honourable Casmir Nwafor.
We thank the Mayor of the Orumba North Honorable Casmir Nwafor and members of the management team as well as the organizers of this event under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Mayor, Honourable Ifesinachi Onwurah for organizing this befitting events for the celebration. We call on the public to join us tomorrow for the celebration of the thirty-four years anniversary of the creation of Orumba North Local Government Area. To God be the glory.
HON. IFESINACHI ONWURAH
