Benjamin Acho Amadi , Lynda Nonye Eke , Mathew Owhonda Wegwu , Justice Obinna Osuoha * Oto is the Igbo equivalent of ekpang nkukwo. Best Dining in Abia State, Nigeria: See 5 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of Abia State restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. The waiters opened the warmers to reveal our options. Abia State is inhabited by the lgbo. May God continue to bless you, ma. ), maize (Zea mays), some of which were status symbols. With its adequate seasonal rainfall, Abia has much arable land that produces yams, maize, potatoes, rice, cashews, plantains, taro, and cassava. December 4, 2020. in City Beats. You should try it sometime. However, the major difference between the two is that while the water yam puree for ekpang nkukwo is wrapped in cocoyam leaves before cooking, the puree for oto is not. That’s because, oftentimes, our food preferences are tied to our culture and environment. Abstract Traditional food systems play significant roles in maintaining the well-being and health of Indigenous Peoples. Okazi agwolu agwo is a traditional Igbo vegetable salad. As can be deduced from the title, ofe achara is a traditional soup that originated from Abia State. What I thought was fish was actually akpuruakpu egusi. Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has imposed 6pm to 6am curfew in Abia State from Monday. Abia people are of the Igbo ethnic group who predominates much of the Southeastern part of Nigeria. The lgbo language is spoken throughout the State, Abia State is richly endowed culturally. 0. Dr Mercy Uwakwe Foundation distributes food materials worth millions of NairaBende, Abia State received a breath of fresh air as an NGO, Dr Mercy Uwakwe Foundation shut down the town and distributed food materials worth millions of Naira.A Facebook user, Nneka Beatrice Jacob took to her Facebook page to tell of how the people of Bende were blessed by the Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter. Other food groups such as legumes, nuts, seeds, wild fruits and vegetables were abundant. PDF | The consumption and encouragement of indigenous diets could help alleviate malnutrition and mitigate food insecurity in developing countries. Abia is mainly peopled by the Igbo ethnic group.The Igbo people, who are one of the indigenous peoples of Southeastern part of Nigeria, make up 95% of the population. Their traditional language is Igbo with English widely spoken and serves as the official language in governance and business. The egusi for this soup must be molded; this is why the akpuruaku (which means molded) is emphasized. We've seen their pre wedding, we introduce to you their traditional … Press Release Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has approved the commencement of distribution of cash and food/relief materials as palliatives to vulnerable persons in Abia State in the face of the lockdown necessitated by the focused effort to prevent and contain the coronavirus in the state. I collected my portion, washed my hand and faced my food with so much joy in my heart. The first time I ate Ofe Achara was at my friend’s traditional wedding at one of the communities in Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area. Press Release. Another vital ingredient used in preparing this soup is the edible shoots of elephant grass. That settled, the following are foods that hail from Abia: This soup is considered a ceremonial delicacy in Umuahia and Isiala Ngwa. A lawmaker, Mr Chijioke Chukwu (APC), representing Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, yesterday commenced the distribution of food items to indigent persons, including nursing mothers, in his constituency. Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com, Udevi, Obiamaka Angela holds a Master of Arts degree in History & International Studies. Recipe for Pepper Flavoured Plantain Chips, How to Determine if your Cooking Pan is Oven Safe. Like ekpang nkukwo, the principal ingredient for making this food is grated water yam. Read more about Nigeria in Detail Here, we’ve curated a list of places where a […] Abia’s 2.4m people are pre-dominantly Christians of different denominations. Tag: food. Food consumption pattern of adult population in Abia State, South East Nigeria ... residence maintained their African traditional food . 1 Library Avenue Umuahia Abia State. Theodore Orji handed over to Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu in May 29th 2015 after Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu was declared winner by the Independent Electoral Commission INEC following the out come of the April Gubernatorial election won by the PDP. The egusi for this soup is well spiced and moulded; that is why the  indigenes of Abia call it akpuru akpu mgbam. If someone from Abia prepares this soup for you, then you must be pretty special. But we should be open minded enough to explore new foods when they come to our attention. She's a freelance writer with a passion for food and healthy living. By Joe Akwarandu, Umuahia The Abia state government has began the distribution of food items, cash and other items as palliatives to the vulnerable groups in the state, following the ongoing lockdown in the state aimed at containing the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic. Nigeria Directory plans to list all Nigerian businesses and organisations. From Chuks Onuoha, Aba The controversy over the rightful occupant of the Akanu Ohafia Traditional Stool in Abia State has lasted about 13 years now. Abia State is inhabited by the lgbo. She's a freelance writer with a passion for food and healthy living. It’s quite popular in Abiriba and it is healthy too. Globally, Igbos are well travelled. The delicacies found in Abia is inviting to any food tourist looking for indigenous meals to sample. But the controversy is far from abating. Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has approved the commencement of distribution of cash and food/relief materials as palliatives to vulnerable persons in Abia State in the face of the lockdown necessitated by the focused effort to prevent and contain the coronavirus in the state. Chairman of Abia State traditional rulers council, Eze Hope Onuigbo has condemned it and has always called on his colleagues to assist the government in the fight against crimes. She can be contacted through her email address, obiudevi@yahoo.com, Your email address will not be published. Palm oil was the most common type of oil used in cooking food. Your email address will not be published. Ugwuabia (the pride of Abia) festival is a grassroot festival where all the LGAs in the State come to showcase the best of all their culture in a carnival. ), cassava (Manihot spp. 6(1), pp. As a result of the high rate of food insecurity within the indigenous people, local food resources required investigation to identify food use. List of Nigerian businesses and organisation related to Food & Beverages in Abia state. Their traditional language is Igbo with English widely spoken and serves as the official language in governance and business. Nigerian cuisine consists of dishes or food items from the hundreds of ethnic groups that comprise Nigeria.Like other West African cuisines, it uses spices and herbs with palm or groundnut oil to create deeply flavored sauces and soups.Nigerian feasts are colourful and lavish, while aromatic market and roadside snacks cooked on barbecues or fried in oil are in abundance and varied. Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has approved the distribution of cash and food/relief materials as palliatives to vulnerable persons in the State following the total lockdown of activities. Traditional Foods In Abiriba Kingdom The Abiriba town of Abia state is known to have a lot of exquisite cuisines. The 7 lobed kola nut could not have come at a better time. The asusu is made from corn starch which is wrapped in a leaf called Akwukwo-asusu. The soup is thickened with ofor or achi. Cassava, grains, and yams were consumed always, 72.8%, 51.3%, and 25.3%, respectively. 10,000 vulnerables of Rivers, Abia, Abuja receive 3M food palliative packages. Abia State is not God’s own state for nothing. habits which is high in root tubers, cereals and . Finally, those who are not from Abia State and those who have not lived there may not know of these foods. HUXLEY BENSON STUDIOS – TRADITIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS. This is evident in the to people's mode of dressing, dancing, arts and crafts, as well as festivals and the widely known lgbo traditional hospitality. The Igbos :predominantly based in the Eastern part of Nigerian , they include Abia state, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Enugu and some parts of Delta state (delta igbos) most igbos do not consider them real igbos (rolls eyes) even though they speak Igbo but they are currently based in the southern south of Nigeria.. their traditional are vegetable rich soups , like Ogbono, Egusi, Oha, Bitterleaf soup, groundnut soup, … It is equally of note that it happened in the hands of the Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom, Chief Uche Akwukwaegbu (BAWAS) who doubles as the Chairman, Traditional Prime Ministers of Abia State. This is the culinary jewel of Abia State. Oil … Deputy governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, who flagged off the […] The egusi for this soup is well spiced and moulded; that is why the indigenes of Abia call it akpuru akpu mgbam. Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Buhari campaign pictures in Abia state, gets traditional title. Some people even assert that it is the most traditional way to prepare egusi soup. It includes, socio-cultural meaning of food, identified for each of the towns visited. Representing 27% of the GDP, agriculture- which employs 70% of the state workforce- is the second economic sector of Abia. Got something you want to read about on our platform? According to Hart, the traditional wedding is scheduled to hold in December and every item on the list […] Chairman of Abia State traditional rulers council, Eze Hope Onuigbo has condemned it and has always called on his colleagues to assist the government in the fight against crimes. PRESENT: ADA WEDS MUNACHI TRADITIONALLY IN AROCHUKWU COMMUNITY OF ABIA STAE NIGERIA: DOCUMENTED BY TRADITIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS. Ofe achara is as nutritious as it’s delicious. Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has approved the commencement of distribution of cash and food/relief materials as palliatives to vulnerable persons in Abia State in the face of the lockdown necessitated by the focused effort to prevent and contain the coronavirus in the state. I was one of the asoebi ladies. Press Release. What seemed like pieces of fish were scattered all over the soup so I promptly ditched Jollof rice for soup and semo. - Politics (4) - Nairaland. It can be enjoyed with any swallow of choice. This study assesses the nutritional status and traditional foods of indigenous people in two communities in Abia State. This state which has been dubbed “God’s Own State” has Umuahia as its capital. Another important ingredient for ofe achara is akpuruakpu egusi. It’s simply scooped into the sauce a little at a time. This soft edible part is the achara which is needed to prepare this soup. Those on a diet may want to check it out and if it passes muster, and I know it would, they can include it in their meal plan. The name “Abia” is an abbreviation of four of Abia state’s densely populated regions Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo. Secondly to develop food based strategies to combat malnutrition. Yet, evidence abounds showing that the traditional food base and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples are being eroded. While we were getting dressed, the bride’s younger sister walked in. As can be deduced from the title, ofe achara is a traditional soup that originated from Abia State. A well-prepared pot of ofe achara is rich and tasty but the process of pounding and moulding the egusi may be a turn off. It is the ceremonial food of the people. Abia’s 2.4m people are pre-dominantly Christians of different denominations. Key traditional staple foods in the Igbo culture area included: yams (Dioscoreaspp. By Charles Okonji. In another warmer was soup; it looked like egusi soup. We know the state for great local meals like oha soup, ofe achara, and okazi soup. Conclusions:The adults maintained their African traditional food habits but had low intake of fruits, which … In one was Jollof rice. It is the ceremonial food of the people. The good people of Abia State love okazi. Read More » Abia State Government. The people of Abiriba eat garri which is cassava flakes, rice, beans, ‘asusu’ also a favorite amongst the people of Abiriba. system has been defined as “all food from a particular culture available from local resources and culturallyEntry into the communities:Contact persons wer e accepted. ... Abia State and Abuja respectively. He confirmed that Abia State has a total of 628 projects captured in the NDDC but that years of corruption in the award and execution of the contract have undermined the developments of the state. Dr Mercy Uwakwe Foundation distributes food materials worth millions of NairaBende, Abia State received a breath of fresh air as an NGO, Dr Mercy Uwakwe Foundation shut down the town and distributed food materials worth millions of Naira.A Facebook user, Nneka Beatrice Jacob took to her Facebook page to tell of how the people of Bende were blessed by the This delicacy is native to Abiriba Kingdom. She can be contacted through her email address, obiudevi@yahoo.com, Your email address will not be published. Abia people are of the Igbo ethnic group who predominates much of the Southeastern part of Nigeria. Required fields are marked *. Abia State Ubulu-Uku/Alumu in Delta State. Another vital ingredient used in preparing this soup is the edible shoots of elephant grass. This study assesses the nutritional status and traditional foods of indigenous people in two communities in Abia State. Traditional food the people fish and grow vegetables around the river. These disc shaped molds of egusi are usually intact and solid by the time the soup is done. The first morsel of swallow went into my mouth with what I thought was a piece of fish. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey carried out in Abia state involving 2,999 participants, aged ≥18 y selected by a multistage sampling technique from 6 local government areas (3 urban and 3 rural). I quickly separated the two; I swallowed the semo, chewed my fish and tasted bewilderment. Today, we’ll briefly discuss five delicacies that are indigenous to Abia State. Ikpeazu, Sen. Abaribe, Others (1) Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency Director-General, Sam Hart late yesterday took to Twitter to share a N1million traditional wedding list his prospective in-laws in Mbaise, Imo State gave his relative received intending to get married. Many have been reported dead in a ghastly accident that occurred on Wednesday while on their way back from a traditional wedding in Abia State.The incident was said to have happened at Osisioma Ngwa before Umekai junction at about 8:30pm.It was gathered that the passengers were returning to Umuahia from Obehi area were the wedding took place.Omokoshaban learnt that the Globally, Igbos are well travelled. Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter. This culture finds expression in their food. Abia State is located in southeastern Nigeria. In MC Muse, our series celebrating style-savvy women from around the globe, designer Whitney Madueke talks about incorporating traditional Nigerian fabrics and designs into her clothes. This may either be because of its medicinal value or its abundance in the area. (43276 Views) The thick, dark green skin of the grass is inedible but it shelters the soft edible part of the elephant grass. Contact us: editor at connectnigeria dot com, Udevi, Obiamaka Angela holds a Master of Arts degree in History & International Studies. The lgbo language is spoken throughout the State, Abia State is richly endowed culturally. I learnt that day that the soup before me was not the usual egusi soup but ofe achara. Food Science and Technology Vol. 1 - 9 DOI: 10.13189/fst.2018.060101 Reprint (PDF) (622Kb) Nutritional Composition of Three Selected Traditional Diets: A Case Study of Ngwa People in Abia State, Nigeria. Indeed, ofe achara is another way of preparing egusi soup. Before I tell you about these delicacies,  let me first acknowledge my mother-in-law who graciously provided me with all the information I needed to write today’s article. Abia State Governors And Deputies: Past and Present. Speaking while handing over the items to traditional rulers of the benefitting communities in Ugwueke, Bende Local Government Area, Chukwu said […] This has resulted 5. 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