Ngwa

Ngwa People

Total population
1.5 million (1979 est.)
Regions with significant populations
Nigeria
Languages
Native/Vernacular: Ngwa Predominantly: English, Nigerian Pidgin

The Ngwa (Ṅgwà IPA: [ŋɡʷa]), an Igbo group, constitute the largest and most populous sub-ethnicity, or clan, in southeastern Nigeria.^[1] They occupy an area of about 1328 square kilometers.^[2] Although, some accounts read at least 900 square miles.^[3] In 1979, their population was held at an estimate of approximately 1.5 million people.^[4] Their ethnonym Ngwa is used to describe the people, their indigenous territory, and their native tongue.

Presently, their territory comprises 7 local government areas in Abia State, namely Aba North, Aba South, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa, and Ugwunagbo. This was done by the government for administrative convenience.

References

1. ^ Oriji J.N. (1994) Traditions of Igbo Origin
2. ^ Amankulor (1997) Vol 10, p.37-70.
3. ^ Nwaguru Jason, E.N. (1973) Aba and British Rule
4. ^ Oluikpe Benson, O.A. (1979) Igbo Transformational Syntax: An Ngwa Dialect Example