Jump to content

Onitsha North

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Onitsha North and Onitsha South
LGA
Map
Country Nigeria
StateAnambra State
Area
 • Total
11.06 sq mi (28.65 km2)
Population
 (2022)[1]
 • Total
179,400
 • Density16,000/sq mi (6,300/km2)
Time zoneUTC+1 (WAT)
Map

Onitsha North is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria. The headquarters is in GRA, Onitsha. Onitsha is the only town in Onitsha North and Onitsha South LGA.[2] Onitsha North has a boundary by Idemili North and Oyi local government areas to the East, Anambra East local government area to the North, Onitsha South local government area by the South and Delta State by the West.[3] But then, it has various localities that are residential areas for the population living in the local government area. These include Omagba Layout Phases 1 & 2, Inland Town, GRA, Federal Housing Estate Trans Nkisi GRA, Akpaka, Odoakpu, Ose, Omagba, etc.[4] Onitsha North also has various primary and secondary schools owned by the government, individuals, and missions.[5] It is also known as the city where the biggest market in West Africa is situated.[6][7] However, Onitsha North has experienced several degrees of conflicts and riots.[8] It was also affected by floods.[9]

Economy

[edit]

The Onitsha North LGA's economy heavily relies on trade, and the region is home to a number of marketplaces, including the well-known Onitsha main market, the biggest market in all of West Africa. In addition, the Onitsha North LGA is home to numerous businesses controlled by the government, as well as businesses like banks, hotels, restaurants, and places to unwind. All of these businesses make significant contributions to the local economy.[10]

Climate

[edit]

Onitsha North LGA has an average temperature of 26 °C. The dry and rainy seasons are the two major seasons in the LGA. The area is usually characterized by heavy and frequent rainfall. The River Niger flows through thelLocal government.[11]

The decrease of tree cover in Onitsha North resulted in the annual release of 557 t into the atmosphere on average between 2001 and 2022. Over this time, 12.3 kt of CO2e were released into the atmosphere.[12]

Flooding in Onitsha North

[edit]

Onitsha North is a flood-prone area in Anambra State. It has stories of flooding and has been pointed out as the cause of flooding in the Onitsha South local government area.[13] That notwithstanding, the main market in Onitsha North was hit by a flood in September 2022 destroying goods worth millions of Naira. This forced the affected traders to stay off their stores as the area was submerged in water. It was in October, one month after, that the water receded back and the traders went to their sales.[14]

Currently, in April 2023, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned the residents of Onitsha of the impending flood disaster. It should be remembered that the rainy season of 2022 affected many buildings with property and products of sellers worth millions of naira lost. The causative effects of the flooding in Onitsha North are attributed to urbanization and illegal structures that blocked the drainages and water channels in the city.[15][16][17]

In the same vein, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) have also stated that floods will happen in 2023, and Onitsha North will be affected as well as other communities. This has made the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) begin flood mitigation measures by issuing strategies for the early harvesting of farm products and livestock as well as plans for the evacuation of families.[18] However, SEMA, NEMA, and the Anambra State Government, together with other flood and environmental agencies, have been giving early warnings on flooding in Onitsha North.[19][20][21][22]

Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Onitsha North

[edit]

Internally displaced Person Camps were established in Onitsha North local government area to host the flood victims. These camps also host flood victims who moved to Onitsha from other states and communities.[23] Meanwhile, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed the list of IDPs in Anambra State for flood victims and Onitsha North Local Government Area is one of them.[24] For Onitsha North, the following IDP camps were listed: Onitsha North government headquarters GRA, Crowther Memorial Primary School, and New Bethel Primary School as well as Sharon House to host victims from Ogbaru and Anambra West Local Government Areas.[25][26][27]

Thus, Onitsha North Council Area was turned into an IDP camp when the victims overflowed the Crowther Memorial Primary school that was originally mapped out for them. The Council played host to flood victims from Anambra West Local Government Area, IDP camps at Umuoba Anam and Ekpe Nneyi, Umueri in Anambra East Council Area and Delta state.[28]

In Crowther Memorial Primary School Camp Onitsha, 5 pregnant women flood victims delivered their babies. The women were taken to the General Hospital, Onitsha for immediate and proper medications.[29][30][31] In another scenario, a cesarean operation was carried out on a pregnant woman while another delivered her baby safely. They were rushed to the hospital.[32]

The IDP camps in Onitsha North received food items and relief materials brought by individuals, groups, and the mission. The relief materials were from Human Rights Defenders of Nigeria (HRDN),[33] the Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese,[34] and the International Breweries Plc. Items donated included cartons of vegetable oil, cartons of noodles, bags of rice, cans of malt, cartons of spaghetti and noodles, tubers of yams, hundreds of cartons of pastries, mattresses, bags of beans, crayfish, and beverages.[35]

In 2022, some flood victims from the riverine areas were also housed in the Akpaka area of Onitsha North.[citation needed] Also, UNICEF provided free medical care at Akpaka Primary Health Care Centre where the flood victims benefitted from free healthcare services.[citation needed] There was also a provision of “mama kits” for pregnant women by UNICEF to enable them to have essential items for safe delivery. Healthcare facilities are essential.[36][37]

In one of his visits in 2022 at the IDP camps in Onitsha Local Government Area, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra state requested support from Federal Government, agencies, and individuals to enable the state to cushion the effects of the flood menace and other welfare for the flood victims.[38][39][40][41]

Challenges in the IDP Camps of Onitsha North
[edit]

The flood victims lamented that they face many challenges. They disclosed the inadequacy of mattresses which made many of them to sleep on bare floors and in the open. They also cried out that they need money to buy toiletries like soap, toothpaste, etc. They stated that the reliefs brought to them by individuals and groups do not get to them and begged that the donors should please share the relief materials, directly to them. They also lamented that their families were separated as their members were in different camps. They also need money to rebuild their lives when they get back home.[31]

They complained of hunger. In 2020 at the Crowther Memorial Primary School in Onitsha North, a flood made this comment, “Presently in the camp here there is no drug, medical personnel, and food. The Governor’s wife Ebelechukwu Obiano came and gave us some bags of rice and indomie.”[42] There was also a shortage of drugs, especially of frequently used drugs like analgesics, antibiotics and drips.

Schools

[edit]

Here is a list of secondary schools in Onitsha North Local Government Area:

  • Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha [43][44][45][46][47]
  • Learning Field International School, Omagba [48]
  • Anglican Girls’ Secondary School, Onitsha [49][50]
  • Queen Of The Rosary College, Onitsha [51][52][53]
  • Ado Girls’ Secondary School, Onitsha [54][55]
  • St. Charles College, Onitsha [56][57][58]
  • St. Charles Special Science School, Onitsha
  • Eastern Academy, Onitsha [59]
  • New Era Girls’ Secondary School, Onitsha [60]
  • Inland Girls’ Secondary School, Onitsha [61]
  • Washington Memorial Secondary School, Onitsha [62]
  • Patterson Memorial Secondary School, Onitsha [63]
  • Prince Memorial Secondary School, Onitsha [64]
  • Army Day Secondary School, Onitsha [65]
  • Comprehensive Secondary School, Onitsha (recently renamed Patterson secondary school) built-in former DMGS extension
  • Metropolitan College, Onitsha (Formally Metropolitan Secondary School) [66]
  • Government Technical College, Onitsha [67]
  • Onitsha High School
  • Our Lady's High School, Onitsha [68]
  • Federal Government Girls’ College, Onitsha [69]
  • Akunne Oniah Memorial Secondary School, Onitsha
  • All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha [70]
  • Command Children School, Onitsha
  • Don Bosco Secondary School, Onitsha
  • Regina Pacis Model Secondary School, Onitsha [71]
  • Springfield Acade
  • Asaf Schools, Onitsha
  • Modebe Memorial Secondary School
  • Holy Spirit International Secondary School, Omagba

Primary schools in Onitsha North Local Government Area

[edit]
  • Holy Trinity Primary School Onitsha
  • Sancta Maria Primary School Onitsha
  • Bishop Crowther Memorial Primary School Onitsha [72]
  • New Bethel Primary School Onitsha [73]
  • All Saints Primary School Onitsha [74]
  • Ezechima Primary School Onitsha [75]

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Anambra State: Subdivision". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  2. ^ editor., Badiane, Alioune, contributor. Miller, Edward (2012). Nigeria : Onitsha urban profile. United Nations Human Settlements Programme. ISBN 978-92-1-132481-5. OCLC 850327118. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) (2012). "NIGERIA: ONITSHA URBAN PROFILE" (PDF). unhabitat. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  4. ^ "Onitsha North L.G.A Polling Units/Wards". Media Nigeria. 2018-04-25. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  5. ^ Staff, Daily Post (2011-11-22). "Anambra Returns 1,040 Schools to Missionaries... with N6bn to Boot". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  6. ^ "Fire Guts One Of Nigeria's Largest Markets, Onitsha Main Market | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  7. ^ Madukwe, Bartholomew (2023-03-21). "BREAKING: Fire outbreak razes Onitsha main market". TheNewsGuru. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  8. ^ Polgreen, Lydia (2006-02-24). "Nigeria Counts 100 Deaths Over Danish Caricatures". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  9. ^ THISDAY (2022-10-11). "Residents and Farmers in Anambra, Kogi Count Losses to Massive Floods". Arise News. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  10. ^ "Onitsha North Local Government Area". www.manpower.com.ng. Retrieved 2023-08-13.
  11. ^ "Onitsha North Local Government Area". www.manpower.com.ng. Retrieved 2022-12-09.
  12. ^ Vizzuality. "Onitsha North, Anambra, Nigeria Deforestation Rates & Statistics | GFW". www.globalforestwatch.org. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  13. ^ Eleweke, Titus (2023-04-22). "Gov't demolishes structures on waterways in Anambra". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  14. ^ Chinagorom Ugwu (2022-11-07). "SPECIAL REPORT: How flood wreaked havoc on Anambra industrial hub, submerged Onitsha market". premiumtimes. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  15. ^ "NEMA's warns as flood disaster looms in Onitsha". New Telegraph. 2023-04-21. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  16. ^ Nwabueze Okonkwo (2023-03-31). "Soludo flags off operation desilting of blocked drainages in Onitsha". Vanguardnew. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  17. ^ Obioji, Josephine Nneka & Eze, Kierian Tochukwu (2019). "Disaster Management in Nigeria: A Study of Anambra State, 2011-2019" (PDF). International Journal of Innovative Development and Policy Studies. 7 (4): 83–103 – via IJIDPS.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Webmaster (2016-09-01). "…As flood forces Anambra farmers into premature harvest". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  19. ^ Ndukuba, Emmanuel (2023-04-28). "Floods: Anambra warns residents, lists remedies". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  20. ^ Obianeri, Ikenna (2023-04-28). "Prepare for heavy rain, flooding, Anambra govt warns residents". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  21. ^ Omorogbe, Paul (2020-02-08). "2020: Anambra SEMA alerts coastal communities on rain, flooding". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  22. ^ JOHN, Beloved (2023-04-28). "Anambra govt warns residents against flooding, heavy rainfall". The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  23. ^ "Thousands Of Flood Victims Struggling To Find Shelter". 2022-10-16. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  24. ^ Vincent Ujummadu (2017-07-14). "Flood: ANSEMA prepares 28 IDPs in 6 LGAs". Vanguardngr. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  25. ^ "Anambra SEMA Announce IDP Camps For Flood Victims". Heartbeat Of The East. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  26. ^ Rapheal (2022-10-14). "Special Report: Furious floods wreak massive havoc in South East". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  27. ^ International Organization for Migration (2022). "Nigeria — Flood Rapid Needs Assessment Dashboard — Anambra State (8 November 2022)". iominternational. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  28. ^ Cyril (2022-10-23). "Deltans flood IDP camps in Anambra". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  29. ^ Obianeri, Ikenna (2022-10-24). "Five women give birth in Anambra IDP camp". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  30. ^ "Flood: Five Women Give Birth In Onitsha IDP Camp". THENETWORK. 2022-10-25. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  31. ^ a b Newspapers, Punch (2022-10-25). "Five women give birth in Anambra IDP camp". Head Topics. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  32. ^ "Lamentations of flood victims in Anambra IDP camps". New Telegraph. 2022-10-20. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  33. ^ "Rights Group Donates Relief Materials To Anambra Flood Victims – Independent Newspaper Nigeria". independent.ng. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  34. ^ Obianeri, Ikenna (2022-10-19). "Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese donates relief materials to flood victims". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  35. ^ Staff, Daily Post (2022-10-27). "Onitsha flood victims get relief from International Breweries". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  36. ^ Chukindi, Joe (2023-03-08). "UNICEF begins rehabilitation of flood victims in Anambra". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  37. ^ Vincent Ujummadu (2023-03-09). "We saw our houses floating on River Niger — Anambra flood victims". Vanguardngr. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  38. ^ keeper, House (2023-04-14). "Impending flooding: Are NEMA, SEMA, others ready?". Blueprint Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  39. ^ Obianeri, Ikenna (2022-10-12). "Tears, pain as 300 flood-submerged Anambra communities fear food scarcity". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  40. ^ "70-year-old man, another die in Anambra flood". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2022-10-07. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  41. ^ Udora Orizu (2022). "Flooding and Need for More Dams in Nigeria". thisdayng. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  42. ^ "We Are Dying, No Medication, No Food, Mattresses- Onitsha IDPs Cry Out – Independent Newspaper Nigeria". independent.ng. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  43. ^ OTONTI NDUKA (1976). "Background to the Foundation of Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha". Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria. 8 (3): 69–92. JSTOR 41971251 – via JSTOR.
  44. ^ "Cup-winning football team, Nigeria". Faculty of Divinity 50 Treasures. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  45. ^ Chris Onuoha (2019-05-30). "DMGS old boys plan more projects, commit to maintain standards in alma mater". Vanguard. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  46. ^ "Dennis Memorial Grammar School Archives". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  47. ^ "DMGS Old Boys Class 77 Reunite 40 Years After – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  48. ^ Rapheal (2022-06-20). "Senator Oduah sponsors science competition for secondary schools". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  49. ^ "Diocese on the Niger Secondary School Cricket Championship produced 2 schools as winners". Nigeria Cricket Federation. 2023-02-20. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  50. ^ Ugwunze, Uzo (2021-12-02). "Students urged to embrace hardwork, serious study, self-reliance". National Light. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  51. ^ "QRC Onitsha Alumni Association Celebrates 80 Yrs Anniversary Of School". Heartbeat Of The East. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  52. ^ Rapheal (2021-10-21). "QRC alumnae offer scholarships to students". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  53. ^ Staff, Global Patriot. "Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha students win American University's Award". Global Patriot Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  54. ^ "Foundation donates sanitary pads to students, says it's more valuable than condoms". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2018-11-27. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  55. ^ "History Of Onitsha North LGA, Anambra State". Media Nigeria. 2022-02-19. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  56. ^ "Essays in honour of St. Charles' College, Onitsha : (1928-1965) | WorldCat.org". www.worldcat.org. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  57. ^ "UN agency rewards Anambra schools for entrepreneurship". Fact News Online Website. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  58. ^ "Commendation galore as Fr. Mbamalu bows out of St Charles College". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2017-10-09. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  59. ^ Adio, Segun (2018-04-12). "Return our schools, pay compensation, Anambra proprietors beg Obiano". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  60. ^ "Anambra's Continued Educational Excellence". Heartbeat Of The East. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  61. ^ Ezemba, S.; Amalumilo, C. F.; Ezemba, O. M.; Egenti, M. C. (2022-09-13). "Ungrammaticality in Senior Secondary School Igbo Essay: An Example of Inland Girls' Secondary School Onitsha". AsianJournalofLanguage,LiteratureandCultureStudies. 5 (4): 46–56.
  62. ^ sunnews (2017-11-06). "37 years after, Onitsha college old boys reunite". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  63. ^ "Obi: Why I Visited Patterson School again – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  64. ^ Nkechi M. Maduka, Abiodun O. Olotuah and Kelechi E. Ezeji (2019). "Appraisal Of Building Conditions In Public Secondary Schools In Onitsha, Nigeria". COOU African Journal of Environmental Research. 2 (1): 66–75 – via Ajer.
  65. ^ Favour, Samuel (2023-01-24). "Igwebuike Grammar School Awka, Army Day Secondary School Onitsha Emerge Best Schools at Anambra Edugames Quiz Competition". Anambra Ministry of Education`. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  66. ^ OGECHI OHAEGBULAM (2011-10-15). "Ofala festival: GLO empowers 100 Onitsha youths, donates classrooms". vangaurdnewspaper. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  67. ^ "UN agency rewards Anambra schools for entrepreneurship". Fact News Online Website. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  68. ^ Orji Raymond (2018-07-15). "Private School Proprietors Sue Anambra Govt". independent newspaper. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  69. ^ "LIST: Federal Unity Colleges in Nigeria". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  70. ^ fidesadmin (2019-05-22). "All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, Handsmaid Infant Jesus Awka Emerge Winners Of Anambra Governor's School Debate - Fides Media". Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  71. ^ Cyril (2020-08-05). "Turnout as SSS3 students resume in Onitsha". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  72. ^ "Bishop Crowther Memorial Primary School Onitsha Is A Public School, Anambra Govt Explains". Heartbeat Of The East. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  73. ^ Chukindi, Joe (2020-03-08). "Tanker runs into school in Onitsha, destroys three classrooms". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  74. ^ "Academic Activities In Full Swing As Schools In Anambra Resume For Second Term Of 2022/2023 Academic Session". Heartbeat Of The East. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  75. ^ "Schools resumption: Onitsha North stakeholders hail Anambra govt". National Light. 2020-09-18. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Onitsha_North&oldid=1251604903"