Umueri


Umueri, also known and pronounced as Umuleri, is a town in Anambra State of southeastern Nigeria. The settlement is populated primarily Igbo, and has an estimated population of 1,500,000. The forebears are widely acknowledged as the first settler in Omambala valley.
The construction of the advanced Anambra International Cargo Airport in 2021 brought further commerce into the area, and strengthened the town's economy.

Climate change

Anambra State has experienced increasing effects of climate change over the past decades. Residents in Umuleri, a riverine town in Anambra East Local Government Area, report irregular and intense rainfall, leading to disruptions in the traditional agricultural calendar. Prolonged dry spells during the dry season, combined with rising temperatures, have also affected crop productivity and soil moisture.
Being located near the Anambra River floodplains, Umuleri is particularly vulnerable to climate-related impacts such as flooding and erosion, which damage farmlands, homes, and infrastructure. These changes have placed additional pressure on livelihoods, especially farming and fishing, which form the backbone of the local economy.
The Anambra State Ministry of Environment has promoted initiatives to mitigate climate impacts, including awareness campaigns, flood control projects, and climate adaptation measures to help residents better cope with extreme weather events.

Geography

Umueri is located within the Anambra Valley, and bordered by the Anambra River and the Anam communities in the north, Nteje to the south, Aguleri and Nando in the east and Nsugbe to the west.

Division and administration

Traditionally, three clans are inhabiting the region: the Ezi Umueri, the Ikenga Umueri, and the Ivite Umueri.
The pre-colonial Umueri government was a republic that eventually became a monarchy.
Below is the structure of the present Umueri administration:
  1. Igwe in-Council - the traditional ruler and his Cabinet
  2. Council of Elders - the elders of the community
  3. Umuotu - A group that helps in implementing laws in the community
  4. Town Union - Umuleri General Assembly

    Religion

Prior to the coming of Europeans, Umueri people practiced traditional religions, worshipping various deities. However, Christianity became the dominant religion about a century ago. Currently, 85% of the town's population are Christian, primarily Catholic, Pentecostal and Anglican.
There are several churches, the oldest of which, the St Immanuel Anglican Church, was founded in 1904.