Nnewi is the second largest city in Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. Nnewi as a metropolitan city encompasses two local government areas, Nnewi North and Nnewi South; Nnewi North is commonly referred to as Nnewi central, and comprises four autonomous quarters: Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewi-ichi. Nnewi North also includes Ichi, an autonomous neighbouring town.

As of 2006^[update], Nnewi has an estimated population of 391,227 according to the Nigerian census. The city spans over 1,076.9 square miles (2,789 km²) in Anambra State. Nnewi Metropolitan Area and its satellite towns is a home to nearly 2.5 million residents As of 2005^[update]. Dimensionally, Nnewi has an edge over all other units, being recognized by the 1953 figures as the largest inland town of all others in the Eastern states.

History

Nnewi has an oral history tradition; in Nnewi mythology the 'ewi' (Igbo: bush rat) is believed to have played a great role in saving the founders of Nnewi and because of this the killing or eating of ewi in Nnewi was forbidden. Before the British colonial administration took control of Nnewi in 1904, Nnewi as a kingdom had existed since the 15th century. It is believed that the kingdom was founded on four quarters (large villages) namely Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi. Each village was divided into family units called 'umunna'. Each umunna had a first family known as the 'obi'. Throughout its history, Nnewi has used its military might to maintain its borders. Edo is the supreme deity of all the Alusi (Igbo: deity) in the Anaedo country. The central shrine of this unifying Alusi is at Nkwo Nnewi, the central market. Nnewi, Ichi and Oraifite made up the Anaedo state. Anaedo communities have common ancestries, beliefs and traditional value systems. Nnewi is a major trading and manufacturing centre in Nigeria. Due to its high commercial activities, the city has attracted millions of migrants from other states and countries. In the field of entertainment and traditional festivities, Afiaolu (New yam festival) and Ikwuaru are among traditional festivals held by Nnewi.