Achina Voyage Tips and guide

Achina is in Anambra State, South East Nigeria.

Achina is more than just a town, it is a living monument of Igbo heritage, ancient migration, and enduring values. With roots that stretch back over a thousand years, its legacy is one of resilience, cultural wealth, and quiet strength., Nigeria. Achina town is made up of three villages, Ebele; Umueleke and Umueziyi. Achina has common boundaries with Akpo, Umuchu, Onneh, Ogboji, and Enugwu-Umuonyia.

Achina’s origin can be traced back over a thousand years, placing it firmly within the historical area influenced by the Nri civilization, one of the oldest and most refined Igbo cultural systems. The exquisite bronzes found in nearby Igbo-Ukwu stand as proof of this ancient heritage. These artifacts reflect advanced metalwork, sophisticated spirituality, and a structured social system that existed long before colonial contact. According to oral tradition, the early settlers came from the Okigwe escarpment, just like many of their neighbors. These were groups of hunters, farmers, and families in search of arable land, safety, and spiritual harmony. In time, it welcomed other migrants from different parts of Igboland, creating a blend of lineages and traditions. In fact, some of its own people later ventured outward and helped establish other towns, most notably Urualla in what is now Imo State. This connection is not just historical, it is also cultural, visible in shared customs and language patterns.

Achina has a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate and is 134.83 metres (442.4 ft) above sea level. The district's average annual temperature is 30.34°C (86.61°F), which is 0.88% warmer than Nigeria's national average. Achina generally experiences 254.69 rainy days annually, or approximately 69.78% of the total 222.23 millimeters 8.75 inches of precipitation that falls there

People get to Achina by road, usually driving from major hubs like Onitsha, Awka, or Enugu, connecting through other towns like Umuchu or Akpo, using local buses (molues/danfo), private cars, or taxis, as it's a typical Igbo community located within the Orumba South LGA, accessed via local road networks.

In Achina town, people get around using a mix of personal vehicles (cars, motorcycles/Okadas), public transport like shared taxis (Keke napep/tricycles & buses), and walking, especially for short distances within its villages (Ebele, Umueleke, Umueziyi), leveraging local roads connecting to neighbors like Umuchu and Onneh, typical of many Nigerian towns.

• Ezekoro stream is widely characterized with its 246 steps from motor lane down to its stream. The area that surrounds the mouth of the entrance is called "Ihe-Obiji". She has a dam called Odele, which is located at the boundary between her and Enugwu-Umuonyia. Achina is also blessed with streams such as: Iyi-Ezekoro, Iyi-Ohuru,Iyi-Onneh, Iyi-Ikpa,Ekuro, Iyi-Umunwanchi, etc.These streams supplies water for domestic, agricultural and personal purposes. The famous Ezekoro stream is located beside St. Peter’s college, Achina. Ezekoro stream was adopted from the name of the famous deity called ”Alusi-Ezekoro
• Charles Catholic Church, Achina was made parish in the year 1945, and it is located a few meters away from Mbara-Orie, when heading to Onneh town from her Orie market. And that of St.Mary’s Catholic Church, Achina was made parish in the year 1996, and it is located beside her Eke market in Ebele village. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Achina was made parish in the year 2000, and it is located along Achina – Onneh road at the bottom end of Ugwunganga hill. Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Achina is just an annex to St. Charles Catholic Church, Achina. Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Achina is located along Achina – Umuchu road, near Dimude’s Family residence in Umueleke Achina.

• The New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) Held every August or early September, this annual celebration marks the end of the farming season and welcomes a season of feasting and gratitude. The festival includes:Ritual presentation of the first yam by elders, Masquerade dances (mmanwu) Communal cooking and sharing of food Homecoming of relatives and diaspora visitors.The Iri Ji festival reminds the people of their spiritual connection to the land and their ancestors.
• The Age Grade System (Ogbo) in the town are more than social clubs, they are the pillars of community progress. Grouped by birth years, each age grade is responsible for:Cleaning and maintaining public spaces Organizing events and fundraisers Providing manpower for local projects Supporting members during burials and marriages.

• Orie Achina Market at the Orie Modern Market Plaza, Ndiopaleze Rd, opposite the NIPOST Office in Achina.

It is a busy local market where you can purchase a wide range of items, particularly food items and various goods for daily needs. It serves as a combined market for both Achina and the neighboring town of Akpo.The market is open on most weekdays, typically from 8 AM to 5 PM, but it is notably closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The day of "Orie" is a particularly busy market day.