According to Comrade Muonyeazo Martin Charles Oku, a prominent figure from Umu Awaka Emii, a former leader, Nigerian Union of Teachers NUT, in Ezinmata Uboma Village, southeast, Nigeria, the Okazi Emii Festival has ancient origins, dating back to the time of Adam. It is revered as one of the most significant festivals in Igbo land, symbolizing honor for the Igbo people worldwide. The festival is strategically celebrated in December, the best season of the year, when favorable weather conditions prevail, and rainfall does not disrupt the festivities.
Emii stands as one of the ten villages constituting the Owerri North Local Government Area in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The historical Emii was once an autonomous community located in Imo State, Nigeria, close to the city of Owerri. Originally comprised of ten villages, the ancient Emii town underwent a division into three distinctive communities — Mbaoma, Ezimba, and Emii Central Community. Mbaoma autonomous community encompasses Ubaa (alternatively spelled as Ubah), Umuawuka, and Emohe. The inhabitants of the ancient Emii, now dispersed across these three autonomous communities, identify as Igbo speakers of the Owerri dialect and proudly refer to themselves as “ndi Owere” (Owerri people).
These three autonomous communities collectively contribute to the Owerri Capital Territory of Imo State. Annually, the Okazi Emii Festival marks the culmination of the year, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Emii people.
Oche — The Patriarch of Owerri
Central to the Emii Akirioche Festival is the recognition of Oche, considered the father of all communities in Owerri. Oche is credited with giving birth to ten sons who created 10 villages, each forming the foundation of various communities, including Emii. Emii Oche, Ezenuku Oche present Emekuku in Imo state, Oru Oche gave birth to the present Owerri, Ahamo Oche present Ebu, Nnako Oche and others. Everything around Owerri came from Oche. Comrade Muonyeazo Martin Charles Oku narrated that anybody from Emii is from Owerri. However, an age long story of the disintegration of the community occurred when Oche died.
Oche’s first son is Emii. Emii could not buy the cow to bury the father as it was customary at the time. However, his younger brother, Owerri bought the cow and insisted on taking the heart of the cow which should be the right of the first born. This became an issue with Owerri running away with the heart of the cow to Urata. He was at Urata when the British colonial masters landed in the south east and recognized Owerri as the capital over Emii.
Hence, this festival is trying to bring the communities together to further settle and correct their differences. The festival serves as a unifying force, emphasizing the shared connection among these communities, with Okazi leaves acting as a symbolic thread that binds them together.
Afor Day and the Pursuit of Peace
The Emii Festival takes place on the last Afor day of the year in December, a period marked by peaceful coexistence and favorable weather. During this time, individuals are encouraged to resolve conflicts, mend long-standing family disputes, and foster an environment of love and unity. It is believed that anyone who engages in violence during this period will face consequences. Burials and Burial ceremonies are prohibited to maintain an atmosphere of tranquility.
Ongoing Significance and Global Celebration
Comrade Muonyeazo emphasizes that the Emii Festival holds significance not only locally but is celebrated by Igbos worldwide. The Okazi Emii Festival is a significant cultural event in Owerri and attracts both indigenes and tourists alike as many Igbo do travel to Emii for the celebration. It stands as a cultural beacon, promoting love, peace, and resolution of differences among the Igbo people. Okazi Emii Festival features processions by different masquerades and age group clans, such as the famous “OGBUAMUMA” Masquerade group from Umuawuka Emii, Owerri North, Imo State and Onyirimma Masquerade, from Mbaoma Emii.
Emii Akirioche Festival and the New Yam Festival
Additionally, Okazi Emi Festival is not to be confused with the Ite Okazi Festival, which is an annual celebration of the new yam harvest. Held in August, it features traditional dances, music, and feasting. Both festivals share a common element — the use of Okazi leaves, a key ingredient in Igbo cuisine.
Okazi Akirioche — Significance of the Okazi leafy vegetable
Okazi Akirioche, also known as African basil, plays a crucial role in the festivals. The botanical details, culinary uses, nutritional value, and health benefits of Okazi leaves are explored. Okazi leaves are not only a culinary delight but also contribute to the festivals’ cultural and symbolic significance. All the foods prepared for the festival are usually cooked with the Okazi leaves and are made available for all the guests at the festival for free. Okazi leaves, also known as Afang leaves in Awka Ibom, are a popular ingredient in traditional Igbo cuisine and are commonly used in various dishes prepared during these festivals.
During the festivals, Okazi leaves are often used to prepare special dishes such as Okazi soup, which is a delicious and nutritious soup made with a blend of vegetables, palm oil, spices, and sometimes meat or fish. The use of Okazi leaves in these dishes adds a unique flavor and nutritional value to the traditional festival meals. It should be noted that during the festival, Okazi leaves are usually given out for free and not sold in the market.
Therefore, cooking with Okazi leaves is a common practice during both the Okazi Emii Festival among the Igbo people as they celebrate their culture, history and traditions.
Facts about the Okazi Leafy Vegetable
Botanical Name: Gnetum africanum
Family: Gnetaceae
Origin: Tropical Africa (West Africa to East Africa)
Culinary Uses
· Okazi leaves are primarily used as a cooking ingredient in soups, stews, and sauces.
· They are often combined with other vegetables, meats, and fish to create flavorful dishes.
· Okazi leaves impart a slightly bitter taste and a unique aroma to the dishes they are added to.
· In Nigeria, Okazi is a key ingredient in the popular dish called “Okazi Soup,” “Eru Soup,” or in Akwa Ibom, “Afang Soup,” which is known for its rich flavor and nutritional content.
Nutritional Value
· Okazi leaves are a good source of various essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
· They are particularly rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
· Okazi leaves also contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
Health Benefits
· Okazi leaves have been traditionally used in folk medicine by Dibias (witch doctors) for their potential health benefits.
· They are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
· Some studies suggest that Okazi leaves may help lower blood sugar levels and improve cardiovascular health.
· The leaves may further be used as a remedy for nausea, sore throats, or as a dressing for warts.
· The stem of the plant may also be eaten for medicinal purposes, including the reduction of pain during childbirth
Availability
· Okazi leaves are primarily grown in West Africa, but they are also becoming more widely available in other parts of the world due to their increasing popularity.
· Fresh Okazi leaves can be found in African grocery stores or specialty markets.
· Dried Okazi leaves are also available and can be used as a convenient alternative when fresh leaves are not accessible.
Preparation
· Before using Okazi leaves, they should be thoroughly washed and chopped.
· The leaves can be added to soups, stews, and sauces during the cooking process.
· Okazi leaves can also be used as a flavoring agent in salads, stir-fries, and other dishes.
Side Note
Okazi leaves have a slightly bitter taste, so it’s recommended to use them in moderation to balance the flavors in your dishes. Okazi has a strong economical importance to the Igbo people.
Conclusion
The Okazi Emii Festival, deeply rooted in history and tradition, serves as a celebration of unity, cultural identity, and the vibrant Igbo culture of the Emii communities. As it continues to bridge communities and foster peace, the festival stands as a testament to the resilience of Igbo heritage and the enduring importance of cultural celebrations.