In 1911, the Christian Missionary Society (CMS) mission came to Mbaise at Ife and Ubonukam Onicha Ezinihitte. It was the first advent of Christianity in Mbaise. Following the coming of churches was also the schools.
In 1915, four years after, the Catholic Mission came to Nguru, through Chief Anyamele who also brought the school at St. Joseph Ogbor Nguru.
In 1916, The Catholic Church arrived Ahiara through Chief Onyekwere together with the school at St. Bridges Ahiara, while St. Patrick’s Church and School Ekwerazu were established at Umuokirika in 1917.
In 1927 the first Mbaise man obtained a standard six certificate. He was Chief Pius Nwoga from primary school at Egbu.
Mbaise
Mbaise is a sub-group of Igbo ethnic group located in Imo state, south eastern Nigeria.
Mbaise people … 1Mbaise people … 2
Meaning
In Igbo language Mbaise literally means “five towns”.
5 towns (clans) of Mbaise
The 5 towns (clans) that make up Mbaise are:
Agbaja
Ahiara
Ekwerazu
Ezinihitte and
Oke-Uvuru
Mbaise’s 3 Local Government Areas
The towns constitute 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Imo state, namely:
Aboh Mbaise
Ahiazu Mbaise and
Ezinihitte Mbaise
Map of Imo State showing Local Government Areas (LGAs). The 3 LGAs of Mbaise are indicated
Festivals
The great “Abigbo” dance troupe, “Oji” Mbaise, which celebrates the significance of the kola nut, “Iri-ji” Mbaise, an annual celebration of the yam harvest – all are festivities for which Mbaise is well-known.
Culture, traditions and customs
Mbaise people have rich culture, traditions and customs. Some of the activities are:
