History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Ihembosi Town in Anambra state

 
Ihembosi, also known as The Light of the Day, is a town located in Anambra State, Nigeria. It lies 20 miles southeast of Onitsha and 7 miles south of Nnewi, within the Ekwusigo Local Government Area. The town is often confused with another community in Ihiala Local Government Area named 'Mbosi,' with whom it shares a patrilineal connection. Both communities trace their roots to Otolo Nnewi and are united by their shared totem animal, the African giant white-tailed rat, called ewi in the local dialect. It is important to note that Nnewi translates to 'mother of the white-tailed giant rat,' and these three communities are forbidden from eating this rodent.

Ihembosi is bordered by Okija, Ukpor, and Ozubulu, and is situated within the Anambra South Senatorial Zone. The community faces long-standing challenges with erosion, which has led to significant loss of life and property. Recently, the Anambra State government, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has initiated erosion control projects, redirecting flash floods that run down the hills towards Umuohi village to Ubu River through an intricate system of underground drainage channels.

The community celebrates various cultural events, including the New Yam Festival, and is home to numerous schools and colleges, as well as a community library that serves the entire area. Ihembosi has also actively participated in and benefitted from various literacy and development programs.

##Schools in Ihembosi

Community Secondary School, Ihembosi

Central School, Ihembosi

Ubahu Community School

Umuabu Community Primary School

Chiekenta Primary School

Otukwe Community Primary School

Community Primary School, Ihembosi

Wisdom Secondary School


##Community Development and Engagement in Ihembosi
In recent years, Ihembosi has benefited from a range of community development initiatives. In 2019, the Anambra State Library Board, in collaboration with Gran Hermano Academy, Awka, organized a Cancer Awareness program in Ihembosi to mark World Cancer Day, celebrated globally on February 4. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about cancer and promote healthy living.

Additionally, Ihembosi has participated in literacy programs organized by public libraries, library organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Secondary schools in Ihembosi joined others in Anambra State in a reading and spelling bee competition, where they earned third place.

During the 2021 International Literacy Day, the Ihembosi Branch Library hosted literacy activities for local schoolchildren. The community has also received significant support from Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, a native of Ihembosi, who donated 10 million naira to fund the education of 10 university students from the town. Additionally, Dr. Onunkwo has been paying the school fees, WAEC, and NECO examination fees for senior students at Community Secondary School, Ihembosi, since 2009, benefiting over 600 students.

The Ihembosi in Diaspora (IID), an NGO, has been actively involved in renovating the secondary school, with one individual even constructing a multi-story building to house the school's security staff. Additionally, various individuals have funded the salaries of PTA teachers in the school.

##Erosion Challenges in Ihembosi
Erosion remains a significant issue in Ihembosi, with reports indicating that over 12,000 hectares of land have been eroded at an alarming rate. This problem was exacerbated by the delayed construction of the Ihembosi–Ozubulu–Ukpor roads, which were contracted in 2016 but were only recently resumed. The uncontrolled floodwaters from heavy rains have intensified the erosion, leading to the destruction of properties and the loss of lives. The communities most affected by the erosion include Umuabo, Umunakwa, Uhualor, Chiekenta, Otukwe, Onucha, Ubahu, and Umuohi. Many residents from these areas have been forced to relocate to other towns due to the devastation caused by the floods.