Umueri

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Umueri Okebo[citation needed]
Nickname:  Umueri Ovuakwu (Okebo City)
Umueri Location in Nigeria
Coordinates: 6°20′N 6°50′E / 6.333°N 6.833°E / 6.333; 6.833
Country	Nigeria
State	Anambra
LGA	Anambra East
Population  (2015)
• Total	1,500,000
• Ethnicity	Igbo
• Religion	Christianity Odinani
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT)

Umueri Listen^ⓘ, also known and pronounced as Umuleri, is a town in Anambra State of southeastern Nigeria. The settlement is populated primarily Igbo, and has an estimated population of 1,500,000.^[1] The forebears are widely acknowledged as the first settler in Omambala valley.

The construction of the advanced Anambra International Cargo Airport in 2021 brought further commerce into the area, and strengthened the town's economy.^[2]

Anambra State has experienced increasing effects of climate change over the past decades.^[3] Residents in Umuleri, a riverine town in Anambra East Local Government Area, report irregular and intense rainfall, leading to disruptions in the traditional agricultural calendar. Prolonged dry spells during the dry season, combined with rising temperatures, have also affected crop productivity and soil moisture.

Being located near the Anambra River floodplains, Umuleri is particularly vulnerable to climate-related impacts such as flooding and erosion, which damage farmlands, homes, and infrastructure. These changes have placed additional pressure on livelihoods, especially farming and fishing, which form the backbone of the local economy.

The Anambra State Ministry of Environment has promoted initiatives to mitigate climate impacts, including awareness campaigns, flood control projects, and climate adaptation measures to help residents better cope with extreme weather events.

Umueri is located within the Anambra Valley, and bordered by the Anambra River and the Anam communities in the north, Nteje to the south, Aguleri and Nando in the east and Nsugbe to the west.

Traditionally, three clans are inhabiting the region: the Ezi Umueri, the Ikenga Umueri, and the Ivite Umueri.

The pre-colonial Umueri government was a republic that eventually became a monarchy.

Below is the structure of the present Umueri administration:

1. Igwe in-Council - the traditional ruler and his Cabinet
2. Council of Elders - the elders of the community
3. Umuotu - A group that helps in implementing laws in the community
4. Town Union - Umuleri General Assembly

Umueri has magnificent hotels and resorts, perfect places for leisure and resort. The major Hotels include Kingpaddy Hotels and Resorts; Known for its serene environment and city view, night club and wonderful evening cool music.

Prior to the coming of Europeans(the Britian), Umueri people practiced traditional religions, worshipping various deities. However, Christianity became the dominant religion about a century ago. Currently, 85% of the town's population are Christian, primarily Catholic , Pentecostal and Anglican.

There are several churches, the oldest of which, the St Immanuel Anglican Church, was founded in 1904.^{[citation needed]}

Below are the list of some notable people in Umueri:

1. Chief (Sir) Paul C. Chukwuma. Philosopher. Lawyer. Philanthropist. Educationist. Entrepreneur. President Nigeria-Burundi Business Council. Founder and Pro-chancellor Olivia University Bujumbura, Burundi. Pro-chancellor and Chairman Benue State University Governing Council. Judge Advocate Knights of St. John International Supreme Subordinate Nigeria. Traditional/Chieftaincy Title: Onwa Umueri: Onyechinazo Anaocha. Paul Harris Fellow and Major Donor Rotary International. Member National Association of Philosophers. Member Nigerian Bar Association. Member West African Bar Association
2. His Royal Majesty Igwe Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka - Igwe Okebo of Umueri Kingdom, A successful Business Man
3. Distinguish Senator Emma Anosike - Former Senator Representing Anambra North and a chieftain of APC
4. High Chief Onyeachonam Josephat Onwualor - A philanthropist, also know as Igwe Nyeluoku, Ikenga Oye na Omambala, Ohamadike I of ABBA.

Notes

Sources

This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please help improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (December 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

• Biafra Diboh's Blogs- AkukoEri
• Tochukwu Henry "Incipience of Migration"
• Nwabunwanne Ifediorah Christopher. “Umueri Head of Ancient Umueri Clan”
• Tochukwu Henry Chidebelu. "The Abode Series"
• Isichei Elizabeth. “A History of Igbo People” (London, ENGLAND: MacMillan, 1976.)

" "Multimillion Naira King Paddy Hotels And Resort Umueri Opens For Business^{[dead link]}"

• Patrick Chidalu Chukwuma. "The Okebo City of Nigeria^{[dead link]}"
• Patrick Chidalu Chukwuma. "Okebo City Portal" (Bachelor of Computer Science, University of Wollongong Australia