Nnewi is a mix of the old and the new, reflected in thatched-roof mud houses alongside concrete buildings as well as the abdication of some fetish features associated with their festivals.
Notwithstanding, the quiet and peaceful city has seen rapid development, as a result of the industrious nature of the natives who are mainly Igbos. It is therefore not surprising that the first wholly Nigerian car manufacturing company is located in the heart of the city. It also has the accolade of being the second largest city in Anambra State after Onitsha.
Whether you are a budget traveler or not, you are assured of a fun visit to its various destinations without breaking the bank. A trip from Lagos to Nnewi by road is 6 hrs 40 mins at the cost of about N4,000. Alternatively, you can fly to Asaba and take a smooth ride to Nnewi or drive to Nnewi which is roughly 1 hour 5 mins.
With a population of 391,227, Nnewi covers 4 local governments namely Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ekwusigo, and Ihiala. It is a perfect destination for the budget traveler. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 hotel booking portal gives you more details on how to find your way around the sprawling city.
TOP THREE THINGS TO DO
Take a tour of Innoson motors
Wouldn’t it be an exciting if you visit Nnewi to also check out Innoson motors which is Nigeria’s only company that manufacture cars. Some Nigerians may ask is this really true? You can go see for yourself if you have a weekend to yourself. Innoson motors run a plant in Nnewi and 70% of the car are produced indigenously while the rest are imported. It will be a worthwhile experience.
Visit the palace of the Igwe of Nnewi
The Igwe of Nnewi is the custodian of traditions and customs Nnewi. To get a comprehensive history and relics of Nnewi’s past, you must pay a visit to the palace of the Igwe of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III. He was coronated on 2nd June 1963. He is being on the throne for more 50 years. There is so much to see and learn about Nnewi at the palace of the Igwe who is also the Obi of Otolo.
Attend Ofala Festival
Ofala is a popular festival in South East Nigeria especially in Onitsha. But in recent years, Ofala is now celebrated by neighbouring Igbo communities including Nnewi. It is a long surviving traditional ceremony of the Nnewi people which marks the climax of the New Yam festival. According to oral history, Ofala Nnewi dates back to the 1950s and the monarch on the Nnewi throne must celebrate the Ofala annually. Indigenes bearing gifts will pay homage to the Igwe.
Where to sleep
The price of the following hotels Hotels, Hotel De Decent, Swiss Park Hotel and Suites, Calido Fine Hotel Limited, Kings Palace Hotel Extension, Best Option Hotel Limited and Lennox Gardens hotels range between N6,000 and N7,000. This further lends credence to the affordability of Nnewi.
Eating
Igbos have tasty and irresistible cuisines. Abacha, Uha Soup, Ofe Onugbu, and Nkwobito mention but a few are some of the foods you will served in Nnewi. Some of the restaurants to savour the taste of these foods includes Mayan foods, Ogechukwu Evergreen Restaurant, Eat Right Foods, Tetrazzini Food Limited, Kitchen De Royale, Recoboza Café Restaurant.
Shopping
If you want to feel the ambience and aura of Nnewi, the best place to go is the Nkwo Nnewi Market. The market is busy 24/7 and you can get everything you. But if you are not inclined to visit the market, you can check out other places to shop and do other businesses like The learning Point, Precious creation services and MT computer Press.
Fun fact
Nnewi is the city that host the only car manufacturing plant in Nigeria i.e. Innoson Motors.
| Ogunfowoke Adeniyi |
