What is ogui?

Ogui is an autonomous community in Nike, in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State in the southeastern geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It comprises Umunevo Village, Ihewuzi Village and Onuato Village.¹ Ogui Nike, as it is usually called, is a major landlord to the administrative, political and economic hub of Enugu City, in that major public and private institutions, shopping malls, hotels, banks and so on are situated on Ogui land.

Notable people

Some notable people in Ogui Nike are

Hon. Gabriel Agbo, former member House of Representatives (representing Enugu North and South Constituencies).
Hon. Barrister Emeka Nnamani, former member House of Assembly Enugu State and former transition Chairman Enugu North LGA.
Hon. Philip Nnamani, former member House of Assembly Enugu State.
Hon. Chuka Ayogu, former Commissioner for Science & Technology Enugu State.
Hon. Mrs. Patricia Alum, former Commissioner for Science & Technology Enugu State.
Hon. Dr. Sam Ngwu, former Commissioner for Health Enugu State.
Hon. Barr. Emeka Geoffrey Ede, former Commissioner for Agriculture under the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu). Emeka Ede is the founder of Rhoda African Youth Global Initiative( a non governmental organisation).² Currently he is a member(representing Enugu East Zone)of the Governing Board of the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage (ENSA-UHC) inaugurated by His Excellency Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.³ Hon. Barr. Emeka Ede is also a former Electoral Commissioner.⁴ A former Deputy Chairman of Enugu North LGA and a former elected Executive Chairman of Enugu North LGA. He has also served as a Party National Delegate of the PDP( Peoples Democratic Party).
Hon. Friday Okeke Ugwu, former transition Chairman Enugu North LGA.
Hon. Chief Emma Ngwu, former transition Chairman Enugu North LGA and former elected Executive Chairman Enugu North LGA.
Hon. Ejike Ugwu, former transition Chairman Enugu North LGA.
Hon. Emeka Onunze, the elected Executive Chairman of Enugu North LGA under His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi the Executive Governor of Enugu State.

Culture

The culture of the Ogui people is equivalent to that of neighbouring communities. Major ceremonies and festivals include

New yam Festival
Masquerade Festival
Igede( Funeral Rituals)
Igwe Coronation Ceremony/festival
Traditional Marriage Ceremonies
End of the year meetings/feast.

Government

Ogui practices the monarchical system of government where there is an Igwe who rules over the community, followed by elders and chiefs as well as other titled individuals and groups. In Ogui, governance takes root from the family extending into lineages, the villages and the general assembly. In the general assembly, the Igwe and the elders and chiefs occupy the hierarchy in the community leadership and followed by other groups responsible for enforcement of community laws. Notable groups include Ogui Town Union, Otu Ugobueze (women's group), Otu Ogbo (age groups), etc.

Infrastructure

Ogui has a functional road system, adequate sources of water and street lights. There are well equipped and functional Health Centres. Notable amongst them are Asata Health Centre and Ogui Nike Health Centre. Located in the heart of the town is the Afia Nine Square used as a venue for ceremonies, recreational and festival activities.

Economy

The growth of the Ogui economy is facilitated by its people who have various livelihoods that cut across both formal and informal occupations. The economy is also enhanced by the presence of a number of public and private entities situated in Ogui.

Notable places and institutions

Michael Okpara Square, official venue for government functions, recreational activities as well as social and cultural activities.⁵
Enugu State Government House, otherwise known as the Lion Building.
Enugu State House of Assembly
Enugu North Local Government Council
Federal Government Secretatiat
UNICEF Field Office
Enugu State High Court
Enugu State Court of Appeal
Federal High Court
National Stadium
National Museum of Unity
Enugu International Trade Fair Complex
NYSC Federal Government Office
Zonal Headquarters of the Nigerian Television Authority.
Federal Road Corporation of Nigeria. South East Headquarters.
Federal Character Commission Enugu
Federal Ministry of Employment, Labour and Productivity.
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Federal Ministry of Health
Federal Ministry of Environment
Department of State Security (DSS) Enugu Headquarters.
National Archives of Nigeria
Nigerian Export Promotion Council South East Regional Office
* Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Zonal Office.
Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Federal Government Office.
Central Bank of Nigeria
Bank of Industry Enugu Regional Office
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Enugu State Zonal Office.
Enugu International Conference Centre
West African Examinations Council( WAEC). Enugu Zonal Office.
Shoprite Mall
SPAR Shopping Mall
Parklane Specialist Hospital Enugu
National Orthopaedic Hospital
Federal Government College Enugu
University of Nigeria Nsukka Enugu Campus Branch
Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu Campus
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
ESUT Business School
Nigeria Prison Enugu

Market places

Ogui is the home of the biggest market in Enugu State, the Ogbete Main Market.⁶ New Haven Market, Old Artisan Market, New Artisan Market, New Market, Afia Nine Market are also in Ogui.

Places of worship

Christ Ascension Church Ogui
St. Luke Anglican Church Ogui
St. Faith Anglican Church
Ebenezer Anglican Church
Church of Transfiguration of our Lord Ihewuzi
Holy Ghost Cathedral
All Saints Anglican Church
Dunamis International Gospel Centre etc.

References

Original source: ogui. Shared with Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License