Ahiara

Ahiara is an Igbo city located in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. The people are respected for their ingenuity and diplomacy. The city stands about 16 miles from Owere and Umuahia in either directions. It was the location of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu‎'s Ahiara Declaration during the Nigerian Civil War.

The Ahiara Slogan is Decent Dexterity.

Origin

Ahiara was founded by a man of that name. He was the son of Anunu, popular called Odo ji Anunu which means The Pacifier holding a Bird. He was the "Aka ji Ugo" (Eagle Bearer) of Igboland. His sibling Avuvu became a part of Ikeduru. Etymologically, the name Ahiara is a type of plant among the Igbo people. The leaves of this plant signify peace. The great Ezes of Igbo used to travel with Ahiara leaves to guarantee tranquil journeys across several territories.

Ahiara Ofo Iri

Ahiara city is historically called Ahiara Ofo Iri, which means Ahiara of the Ten Scepters. Each scepter represents each of the ten villages that make up the city. The ten villages of Ahiara are:

• Agu na Eze
• Akabo
• Amuzi
• Nnarambia
• Obodo
• Ogbe
• Ogwugwu-Ama
• Oru na Nneude
• Otulu
• Ujichi

These ten villages are symbolically explained as the ten fingers of the human hands. This signifies an evolved dexterity. That is why the Ahiara Slogan is Decent Dexterity.

Prominent People

• Late Eze Pius Onyekwere - 1st Warrant Chief & Paramount Ruler
• [Davidson Okoroanyanwu]] - The Eze of Obodo Ahiara
• Late Dede Acharike Chukwu
• Late Bar. Ahamefule. T. Mbegbu - 1st Ahiara/Ahiazu Mbaise Lawyer & Parliamentarian
• Hon. Justice Ogu Ugoagwu
• Uzodinma Okoroanyanwu - Prolific Inventor
• Chioma Ajunwa - 1st Nigerian Olympic Gold Medalist (1996)
• Sir Samuel Okorocha - First Chairman of former Ahiara local government
• Brig. Gen. Mike Ogbonnaya Agu - Nigerian Army
• Prof. Kevin Osondu - Mathematician
• Prof. Clement Nnorom Anyanwu (Late) - Educationist
• Rev Monsignor I. Okoroanyanwu (Late) - 1st Mbaise ordained Catholic Clegy.