Nteje Voyage Tips and guide

Nteje is in North East Nigeria.

Nteje is a historically rich and culturally vibrant town located in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Positioned roughly 25 kilometers northeast of Onitsha along the Onitsha–Otuocha expressway, it serves as the administrative headquarters of the LGA. It is often referred to as “Nteje Abọgụ Ìde,” meaning “warrior town,” a name that speaks volumes about the community’s proud ancestry and martial heritage.

The origin of this town is deeply rooted in Igbo oral history and mythology. According to tradition, the town was founded by descendants of Iguedo, a daughter of Eri, the ancestral patriarch of many Igbo communities. Iguedo’s children were said to have founded several towns, including Nteje, Aguleri, Umueri, and Nando. This shared lineage makes Nteje an important community in the Omambala cultural region of Anambra State. The three main sections of Nteje which are Ezi, Ikenga, and Ifite rotate the kingship stool, which is a vital part of the town’s traditional governance. This rotational system was established to ensure fairness and unity among the different zones. Each zone takes its turn to provide a king when the throne becomes vacant.

Nteje is blessed with fertile soil and lies along the Omambala River basin. The geography supports abundant agricultural activities. Its layout reflects traditional Igbo urban planning, with each zone consisting of interconnected villages, courtyards, ancestral shrines, and farmlands. Central to community life are town squares and markets where social and economic interactions take place. The town is geographically central within the Omambala axis and shares boundaries with several prominent towns in Anambra State To the North – Nteje is bordered by Aguleri, Umueri, and Nando (all in Anambra East Local Government Area). To the South – It shares borders with Awkuzu and Umunya, both in Oyi Local Government Area. To the East – It is bordered by Ukwulu, a neighboring town in Dunukofia Local Government Area. To the West – It is bounded by Nkwelle-Ezunaka, another town in Oyi LGA. This strategic position makes Nteje a connecting hub for travel, commerce, and cultural exchange within the region. The land is generally fertile, supporting large-scale farming, while the road network links Nteje to both rural and urban centers in Anambra.

Coming into the town from other communities is made easy through the use of tricycles,buses and some can come through the use of foots depending on distance.

Movement within the town is possible through motorcycle and buses but made a little tideous for those with foots or going strolling.

One of the most iconic symbols of the town is a 200-year-old iroko tree known as Ogbo, also referred to as Okpo Ama Urukabi or Okwolo. This sacred tree is believed to:

• Protect the community
• Grant fertility to barren women
• Act as a spiritual anchor for ancestral blessings.

Families and individuals still visit the Ogbo tree for prayers and rituals, making it a powerful symbol of continuity in Nteje’s cultural identity.

The economy of Nteje is predominantly agrarian. Farming is the main occupation, with most families cultivating crops such as yam, cassava, maize, rice, cocoyam, and vegetables. The town is particularly known for its high production of garri (processed cassava flakes), which is a staple food across Nigeria. In addition to farming, residents engage in:

• Local trade in markets like Afor Nteje
• Small-scale food processing (cassava and palm oil mills)
• Hunting and fishing in riverine areas

Craftsmanship, including blacksmithing and weaving Many younger residents also migrate to urban centers or overseas, contributing remittances that support local development

• New Yam Festival (Iri Ji): Held annually around August, this festival marks the harvest season. It features thanksgiving rites, masquerade dances, music, and community feasting
• Ofala Festival: Traditionally held by the reigning king (Igwe) to mark his reign and connect with his subjects. As of 2025, the festival is suspended due to ongoing leadership disputes.
• Igu Aro: A spiritual cleansing festival that marks the beginning of the traditional Igbo calendar year. It involves ancestral rituals and prayers for peace, rainfall, and prosperity.