Re-enacting the historic events and artifacts as well as tools of Igbo Origin were some of the reasons behind building of an Obu for Okpala Anakana Ukabi Nri, the progenitor of Ndi Enugwu -Ukwu by Enugwu-Ukwu community.

Obu Okpala Anakana Ukabi Nri situated at Uruokwe village Enugwu-Ukwu houses various archeological items that qualifies it as a museum, hence the name ‘Isi Nri Museum’.

ABS Correspondent Ngozi Obileri covered the inauguration ceremony and reports that the inauguration ceremony was to re emphasise the importance of Obu in every igbo community.

Speaking at the event, Governor Willie Obiano represented by the Managing Director And Chief Executive Officer of the ABS, Chief Uche Nworah, explained that Enugwu -Ukwu community decided to bring back what the igbos are known for, saying that the artifacts were donated by people of the community , adding that the museum was built on the ancestral Obu of Okpala Anakana Ukabi Nri, the Engwu-Ukwu progenitor.

Inaugurating the Isi Nri museum, the Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism, and Indigenous Art Work, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo who congratulated Ndi Enugwu-Ukwu said that the move was in line with Governor Obiano’s desire for indigenous artworks often seen in museums to be promoted to tell the stories of the identity and origin of the Igbo race.

Mrs. Mbanefo said government will come to make the Isi Nri Museum a strong tourist site that would generate revenue for the community.


Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Mr. C Don Adinuba went down memory lane on his life in Engwu-Ukwu as a young man, saying that the museum is a translation and handing over of culture to younger generations. He reiterated the need for religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence among Anambra communities, something he said Ndi Enugwu-Ukwu are known for.

The traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Sir Ralph Ekpeh during the kolanut ritual, traced the origin of Obu Okpala Anakana , and prayed for long life upon people of the community for constructing the building through collective effort , and said that Enugwu-Ukwu has never relented and will continue to promote the Igbo culture and traditions.


In their various addresses, the cultural minister of the Community Chief Jude Ekwunife , and the President General of the community, Comrade Bonny Ozonkwoaku said that the conceptualization and timely execution of the museum which they described as Obu d’ulu, is another testimony to what they can do as a people where there is unity of purpose.

Igwe Ekpeh and his cabinet members flanked by traditional rulers from other communities as well as government functionaries toured the museum to see the artifacts for themselves.


The event featured masquerade display and dance by upcoming Enugwu -Ukwu artists.

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