Someone once said, “Hurt me with the truth but never comfort me with a lie”. For Godson O. Moneke, the statement could prove to be true as he uncovers the bitter truth of the Nnewi Hegemony in his book “Nnewi Agban’ano”.
Godson O. Moneke shares the concealed truth of Nnewi etymology uncovered following 20 years of research in his book ‘Nnewi AgbaN’ano at the Unveiling and public presentation of the book, which took place on Thursday 26th August 2021 at DE Next Center And Hotels, Nnewi.
The book, “Nnewi Agban’ano” is a book of Readings on the History, Peoples, Traditional Institution, and certain aspects of Nnewi culture which are unique to each of the four communities of Nnewi. The author discoursed at length the Agba N’ano covenant and the concept of ‘Nnewi wu Mmadu’.
The book reveals the in-depth truth and origin of the Nnewi we know today, disputing the superiority of the Obi of Otolo as the Igwe of Nnewi, commenting that the idea was for Igwe Nnewi to be rotational among the four quarters. The book also dismisses the concepts of Okpala Nnewi and Akaji Ofo Nnewi.
Other revelations in the book are as follows:
The Four communities of Nnewi are not related as they migrated from different places; the founder of Otolo was a slave-dealer from Aro who massacred the original settlers; there is nothing as Ofo Nnewi; Nnewi-Ichi people are the only quarters with the original settlers of Nnewi, etc.
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The author Godson O. Moneke is a researcher from Umudim who grew up in Okpuno, Otolo, Nnewi. He studied Quantity Surveying, Business Administration, Economics, Sociology, Real Property Law, and Operation Research. He is a Polymath who holds many postgraduate Degree, Diplomas, and certificates.
Godson O. Moneke is a writer who, amongst his long list of achievements, is one of the three founders of the Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (ICIArb) in Nigeria. He is the first Nnewi person to qualify as Quantity Surveyor. He is also the first federal appointed Registrar of the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN).
As a critical thinker, Moneke seeks to have Nnewi sons and daughters start asking questions, to unlearn, relearn and learn about the story of Nnewi. This book will have you questioning everything you ever believed you know about Nnewi.
Unveiling “Agban’ano Nnewi”, the author affirmed that “There will always be a first time, to tell the truth.”
Moneke didn’t end without making a political call – he urged the Anambra State government to recognize the four communities of Nnewi as autonomous towns.
This story would be updated with a review of the book, “Agban’ano Nnewi”.
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