Naze, Imo

Naze is a village in southeastern Nigeria. Also, it is located in owerri north local government in the city of Owerri. It is one of the Famous "Alaenyi" clan of the present day real Owerri. Alaenyi is made of five villages which are Ihitte-Ogada, Awaka, Egbu, Naze and Owerri. The village of Naze is made up of these various villages: Umuorie, Ezeakiri, Umuosu, Umuezuo, Okpalla & Umuakali. The market is nkwo naze well known in the past as (Amara – isu)where traders from hinterlands (isoma's) come to see civil society.

Map of Naze, Nigeria

Naze is well known for early & high literacy level, which saw the schools like st Jude's catholic school and st john's Anglican school from 19th to early 20th century. This led to the emergence of many Nigerian statesmen from Naze (Pa J.K Nzerem, Pa Udo Ahana Pa James Udeh, Pa Ihebuzor, Pa Oleru, Pa Emmanuel Onyiriuka, Pa Emeana etc. all of blessed memories)to mention a few and Pa Cyril Udeh who is alive.

Naze, fondly called land of Elites today has its people spread all over the world as professionals with the largest concentration in the US, Canada & Australia and many living grand parents today are qualified Professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers etc.). On available documented account a tiny town of Naze has over 103 academic professors and 155 Phd holders in various fields not to talk about hundreds of other professionals. Naze people like other Owerri people are generally contented with what they have and are this is viewed in other parts of igboland as pride on the part of people of Naze and Owerri generally. On leadership Naze is mostly governed by decision of Council of Elders (oha Naze) though they are still struggling to come to reality with monarchial system that saw the introduction of Ezeship status. Since the death of Eze Julius Emeana, one or two issues has been seen in the succession process though this is viewed as part of the effect of western introduced monarchical system where one person can actually put up laws and orders and the entire community follows.

Great men and women from Naze include Prof. S.O Onyiriuka, Prof.Ada Mere, Rt Rev Dr Lucius Ugorji, Prof. Comfort chukwuezi, Dr J. Oleru, Dr B Nzerem, Engr Amadi Amechi, Engr Mike Anyanwu, Prof. Onyewotu, Dr Onyewotu MD, Dr Obi Iwuagwu, Chief Ejike Nzeh, sir Paschal Nzerem. Chief Theo Egbujor, Dr John Anurukem,Sir Jude Abaokporo, sir Leo Osuji, Engr. Chukwuma Abaokporo, Engr. Nzerem Ikechukwu Denis, Prof Kenneth Ogbonna Udeh that is living in Poland, who is the first Naze son to enter Marquis who is who biography and inventor of color in food biotecnologist,researcher etc. we also have some great men like Mr Chidi Nzerem, as one of the wealthiest men in Naze community It is not an exaggeration to say that Chidi Nzerem, a bonafide son of Naze in Owerri North is stupendously rich. This wise guy does not put all eggs in one basket. He is a director in DMS, an affiliate to INTELS several establishment which are not Oil and Gas Service Company, equipment leasing, he runs one of the biggest private fish pond. Today, this pond fields millions of naira monthly. Moreover, he is into rubber and plastics, he owns Yasimo Plastic Services Ltd and sits on the board of various Blue Chip firms. There are many sons and daughters that are not included here. The likes of Emmanuel Amadi, Ghandy Nzeh, Ambruce Nzerem(Bruce) mention to mention but a few.Naze is ruled by his royal highness eze egwuchukwu emeana who is the UZI 3 of NAZE ...the family is also known for there wealth .with two of his sisters named Ngozi Uduezue (emeana) and her sons chukwuemeka uduezue aka king pwest founder of lucrative law firm K&G Tbilisi Georgia / chigozie uduezue who is also doing well in medical line and Kate agbomma nzegbuna (emeana) who is the most wealthy woman in NAZE with husband Hon mr felix nzegbuna and their only son Anthony nzegbuna who have a very honorable stand in the community.