History of Oshimili North

Illah community is located in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Situated on the bank of the River Niger, about 23 to 26 kilometers North of Asaba, the Delta state capital
It is positioned latitude: 6.3333° N and longitude: 6.6333° E
Illah community is situated on a table-land, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, bordered by Ebu to the north, Asaba and Ugbolu to the south, Akwukwu-Igbo to the west, and the large River Niger to the east
The community is located close to the River Niger, which is a significant waterway used for transportation and trade. There are also several smaller streams that flow through the areas into the River Niger.
Illah community comprises of five (5) major villages who are the founding fathers namely; Umutedem, Ajaji, Umutei, Umuagwu, Umuiyagbo villages and several other villages, including: Ukwumege, Ukpologwu, Ogbe-Olu, Ogbe-Orji and Onya villages.
The Illah people are predominantly Allah-speaking, belonging to the Igbo ethnic group.
The main occupations of the people of Illah community are:
– Agriculture (farming and fishing)
– Trade and commerce (yams, rice, and fish)
Furthermore, Illah is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on traditional title-taking and cultural festivities, such as the annual New Yam Festival (Emime). It’s lowland and wetlands typical of the Niger Delta region is very fertile, which makes it suitable for various agricultural activities which Illah is recognized for and the richness of its land as a testimony of it’s livelihoods.
The “Abu Ise” is a traditional symbol of Illah community however, there are other Cultural heritage that have brought a significant attention to the Community.

OKPANAM KINGDOM

Okpanam is a town in Oshimili North positioned on latitude 6,233 and longitude 6,650.

Okpanam forms part of the Capital Territory with a landmass of 950Km² and is composed of four (4) Quarters namely; Obodogba, Ugwunadagbe, Amachia and Obodo-Ogwugwu with numerous villages.

It is bordered by Asaba and Ugbolu, a vassal subject to Okpanam to the East; Igbuzo (Ibusa) and Ogwashi-Ukuto the South; Isele-Azagba and Azagba-Ogwashi to the West; and Akwukwu-Igbo, Atuma and the River Niger to the North.

Okpanam is blessed with numerous Rivers and streams such as;
Obodogba has –
1. Nnemiyi river
2. Nwelenwele stream
3. Iyiako stream
Obodo Ogwugwu has
1. Iyiukwu
2. Iyiabe
Amachai
1. Igwogwo river
2. Mgbaka spring
3. Omelebele stream
4. Anwai river
Ogbe ojie/Ogbeobi
1. Nwaokoukpor stream
Ogbe-ozoma
1. Ngene stream

Okpanam is an agrarian community and the people speak Ibo Language. They are also known to be business inclined and are hospitable by nature

©️Ikem Anyasi