Skip to main content

Understanding the 4 Igbo Market Days: Eke, Orie, Afor & Nkwo

By
And Their Spiritual Effect” The number “4” in Igbo culture denotes harmony, completeness, a perfect circle, same reason Orji (kolanut) that has been divided naturally into four (4) is  perfect  especially for prayers to your ancestors. The igbo market days holds a deep symbolic meaning, primarily through the four cardinal market days— Eke, Orie, Afor, and Nkwo —which represent the four essential elements of life: sun (fire), water, earth, and air, respectively. The Igbo Traditional Calendar Unlike the seven-day Gregorian calendar used worldwide, the Igbo calendar is built around a  four-day week . Each week begins again after Nkwo, repeating the cycle of  Eke → Orie → Afo → Nkwo . These days are not random labels but a sacred order that links people to their land, ancestors, and the spiritual world. Markets across Igboland are named after these days, and communities often identify themselves by which market day is most important to them. Dear Addicts Here – a PDF...
Post a Comment

Surviving Ogbunike Cave 2020

Image
By


The Ogbunike Cave is one that holds a particular significance in terms of spirituality to the people of not just Oyi local government area but Anambra as a whole. It was even said that a popular Reverend Father has been there for pilgrimage.

The cave consists of series of tunnels and it is easy to get lost if you are not with a proper guide. At the foot of the last step, it is mandatory to take off your footwear before walking towards the cave.

Before i get carried away, Ogbunike is located in Oyi Local government, and my journey was right after the ease on lock-down due to the Covid 19 virus.

https://otieu.com/4/9711193

 It wasn't hard for me to get to the location because I went with some friends who are based in Onitsha to make the day all fun. This also made the transportation quite cheap for us 😂. When you get to Oyi Local government, just take a bike to Ogbunike cave that simple and easy! 

 The entry fee is not specific as it varies but you can also negotiate better 👍. I will also advice you do not go alone.

Guys! the journey to the cave was not an easy one as there are 337 steps down to the cave and you would climb up same steps after the tour. The water dripping from the rock is said to have healing properties and is free to drink or take home if you wish.

The Ogbunike cave is said to house the talking stone, some crocodiles and tortoise. It was also a source of refuge to the people of ogbunike during the Nigerian Civil War, outsiders can never understand or navigate their way through the complex maze in the cave.

When you start the journey of going into the cave, you can not leave same way and that is not negotiable. You have to be fully prepared  to test your endurance level and crawl your way out. The stream that flows in the cave also channels its way to the Nkissa River.

In 2007, UNESCO added the caves to their tentative list to be considered as a World Heritage Site, after it was submitted by the Nigerian Commission for Museums and Monuments.

The famous IGODO movie was acted here.....




For an explicit view of how my experience was,  kindly watch here

TIPS to aid your tour go smoothly:
  • Women on their Menses/Period are not allowed to visit the cave
  • Acknowledge other people's belief and take off your footwear when asked to
  • Always listen to the guide and follow where he leads to avoid getting lost. 
  • Take your caving essentials such as flashlights, water, etc
  • Heels or long attires are not advisable as there would be both trekking and crawling to be done
  • Be ready for bats
  • If you are claustrophobic, do not attempt to go in. There is no turning back! Hence the warning before the journey begins
There is no doubt that adventure-seeking individuals would not like to experience this thrill. But just like some tourist location in Nigeria, there is no proper maintenance to give ogbunike cave that major face-lift that is needed. For example, aside from the tour guides who know their way around and who could be dismissive most times due to monetary value, there are no other side attractions at the destination.

This makes me wonder, how long will this destination be sustainable for? 
Let me know your thoughts and if you would love to visit 👌
Labels:
Location: Ifite, 433103, Ogbunike, Nigeria

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Ojukwu's Bunker

By
  I was visiting my parents in the east (ABIA) and got locked down😅  due to the Covid 19 event, funny right?  As the lock down began to ease a little i decided to visit  the famous   Ojukwu Bunker   since i was already in the state. Let's say this location is a part II to the National War Museum I went to 😋 click  Here  for the visit to National war musuem umuahia. The under ground escape route of the war museum leads to the ojukwu bunker but was blocked off after the Nigerian Civil war. Getting to the location was easy and cheap, a tricycle can easily take you there, just mention where you are headed. The compound is big and looks like some chidren activities go on that the lush green park. Walking straight to where the statue of Michael Okpara and Late. Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu stood, i saw a lady at the entrance who said the entry fee is N500 with a guide ready to take you underground.  The ojukwu bunker was a hideout for the former militar...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Day With Me At lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos

By
If you live in Lagos you would know that as much as this city can be all hustle with its traffic and loud noise, it is also a fun place to be... especially when you take your time to unwind. On this faithful day, a friend suggested we visit this location (Lekki conservation centre) especially since I took a liking in tourism and blogging about events to heart.  To think that there is such a place in Lagos where one can experience nature was plausible at first, but like one of my travel quote says  "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."   The nature park holds a record of having the longest canopy walkway in Africa and its the second longest in the world. I have had experience with another canopy walkway at OBUDU but nothing compares to this. The whole forest is about 78 Hectares of land, no lions or tigers so you are safe and don't need to be scared of that. The length of the walkway is 401 meters and 22.5 meters abo...
Post a Comment
Read more