Popular tales around Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have it that the popular Amiagba Odida, a semi-quiet lake in Abatete, drowned a giant Iroko tree in the olden days.
Amiagba Odida is located on the out sketch of Umudiese clan, Uruani Odida Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state, and has a snake-like flow that links it with smaller streams across the town and those of other neighbouring towns.
“Mmiri riri Oji” the water that drowned an iroko, as it is now popularly called, is said to still possess huge economic growth capable of boosting the tourism sector of Anambra State.
The semi-circle lake has abundant water creatures and lush vegetation, with the Umudiese people, who are the custodians of the river maintaining regular clean up of the area, making it hospitable for tourists.
The river shares connection with the Agulu Lake and is surrounded by lots of economic trees that provide relaxation area for man and animals.
Revealing the mystery behind the river, some elders of the community, including Chief David Anaechelinwa and Mr. Peter Ezechukwu, while recalling several rituals performed in and around the river before its festivities, said that they believe that the reason for the drowning of the Iroko tree by the river was a sign of neglect by the community since the advent of Christianity, as the river and the Iroko tree were cherished in the locality which made the community an envy of others.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Umudiese Kindred, Chief Uchenna Ezegwu and a tourist, Comrade Onochie Aghadi said that the river has been in existence years before their forefathers and usually attracts swimmers especially from the Umudiese kindred, making them to be regarded as best swimmers in the town.
In his remarks, the President General of Abatete Development Union, ADO, Chief Chukwuka Anyichie said that despite the mysterious sinking of the Iroko tree, the river is still regarded as an important part of the community owing to its agricultural and tourist potential.
The Chairman of Uruani Odida Village, Abatete, Chief Ezeude Umerah, while confirming the sinking of the Iroko tree in the middle of the river, acknowledged that in the recent time, the river, due to rapid development, has struggled and is being forced to reduce both in size and volume, adding that the tip of the drowned Iroko tree was in the past regarded as the highest point one could get to be seen as a good swimmer.
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