Geographically speaking Uzuakoli stands on a unique landscape from which flows 10 streams and rivers. The founding fathers were so far-sighted that they distributed their offspring to these river shades that now form the five villages. While surrounding towns drink remnants of these waters the Uzuakoli man is blessed with its source. From the big picture, it means that Uzuakoli was destined to be a confluence town, a meeting place, and a source of livelihood for the entire region and so it has been and continues to be. It is not surprising that without pipe-borne water Uzuakoli is happy.
Also not surprising that the legendary Agbagwu Market fair was destined to attract the whole of Igboland and beyond to shop and live here and this is just a natural consequence of the constitution of this place. For those who know a little about Geology, it is also not surprising that the soil is full of mineral resources which the British intelligence could educate you further about and which made them take particular interest in her soil. After the Geological survey of 1912, the British started to plan the whole city in Uzuakoli, acquiring what you know today as crown lands detailing streams, boulevards, and green reserves. The incoming government was not interested in this plan and did not bother to enquire further. Even the water system designed for the town was later relocated to the hometown of the incoming Premier, Okpara and it is still visible today. But the soil, the minerals, and the vegetation remained.
Ironically it was then breakaway Biafra, which out of great necessity, took interest in this town and made it their de facto Capital. Enugu or Umuahia was just a smokescreen because the true Ojukwu living Bunker was here. Biafra tapped into Uzuakoli’s scientific prowess as the cradle of Education in Igboland. This led to the fabrication of the Biafra petroleum Refinery, the molding of aircraft parts, the building of armored tanks, Ogbunigwe, and the refining of salt. All is made possible with a collection of Students of the institution as well as others working from the well-equipped labs of Methodist College.
Uzuakoli’s contributions to Society have national and international dimensions. On the international scene, it was once designated by the British as the safest place on Earth to provide a hiding place for the King of England in the heat of World War 11 and so the King lived here at what is known now as the King’s Bunker at the Methodist College Uzuakoli. It was of course a top secret. Ojukwu merely converted the same bunker for his use during the civil war.
Also unknown to many, in the heat of Azikiwe’s media battle with the British over the soul of Nigeria, Zik announced that his life was threatened and went underground. He chose Uzuakoli and James Okeke, a settler who was the only one to volunteer his home, a thatched house at today’s strangers’ quarters for Zik to live.
Furthermore not many know that Nigeria’s first Military Head Of State Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi hails from Amankwo Uzuakoli. His father Ironsi was ostracized from the village for seven years for a traditional offense but was expected to offer a sacrifice after serving this sentence but did not do so. He passed on leaving his children behind one of which happens to be the General. When he became Head Of State, he organized elders and his kits and kin to fulfill this traditional obligation and he was duly decorated at State House to pave way for his return to his ancestral home. When he was killed, the Uzuakoli people played a prominent role in his burial.
When then-President Ibrahim Babangida came to Commission the Uzuakoli Electricity project in the 80s he shocked many observers when he removed his socks and stepped on the bare sand at the Methodist Practicing School Uzuakoli. He wanted a feel of this sacred soil that saved his life when he was wounded during the civil war. It was an Uzuakoli woman who nursed him back to life risking her own life and allegiance in the process. By 1993 IBB had stepped aside but was not safe. He found Uzuakoli again a safe haven while the June 12 fire burned itself out.
When the Civil war ended in 1970 it happened under the Crest of Methodist College because both combatants found it a common ground to lay down their arms in trust since both sides had students of the great College.
