The Ngwa people have a rich and fascinating history, with their origins dating back to the 14th century. They are an Igbo group living in the southern part of Igboland, predominantly in Abia State, with a population of 314,840 in 1963. The Ngwa people are found in an area of 1,328 square kilometers, bounded by the Imo River in the west, and the Anang-Ibibio people in the east.
Their history is closely tied to the Igbo people, with the founders of Ngwaland emigrating from Umunoha through Ama-Igbo and arriving at Ezinihitte at an unknown date. The group became tired and decided to eat, and three brothers, Ngwaukwu, Nwoha, and Avosi, quickly boiled their yam and crossed over the Imo River before their companions. The Imo River grew and held their companions at the bank, and the Ngwa people first settled at Okpuala Ngwa, where they performed their first ritual.
The Ngwa people have a complex system of governance, with a king (Eze) at the head of each community, advised by a council of elders (Ndichie). They are predominantly Christians, but also practice traditional religion and customs. The Ngwa people are mainly farmers, producing crops such as yam, cassava, cocoyam, and palm oil. They have a rich cultural heritage, with festivals like the Ekpe and Owu masquerade festivals, and the Ikoro drama festival.
In terms of language, the Ngwa people speak the Ngwa dialect, which is filled with idioms and proverbs. They are found in nine local government areas of Abia State, including Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa North, and Isiala Ngwa South. The Ngwa people have a strong sense of community and social solidarity, with a high value placed on respect for elders, tradition, and authority ¹.
Isiala-Ngwa South, one of the local government areas where the Ngwa people are found, has a tropical savanna climate, with a distinct wet and dry season. The area experiences relatively high temperatures throughout the year, with average daily temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. The wet season generally runs from April to October, with peak rainfall occurring between June and September ².
The Ngwa people's history and origin are also discussed in other sources, which provide more insight into their culture and tradition ³.