Ukwo Owukpa Market: Where History Meets Commerce

Welcome to Ukwo Igbiji Market in Owukpa, where time weaves tales of trade and tradition.

Ukwo Market, located in Owukpa, a community within Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, stands as one of the oldest markets in Idoma land.

Its origins, shrouded in the mists of time, trace back hundreds of years.

Ukwo Market serves as the bustling center of commerce in Owukpa, where traders convene every five days to engage in buying and selling.

Ukwo holds the distinction of being the largest and most renowned market in the community, thanks to its strategic location.

History has it that Ukwo was founded hundreds of years ago by a woman named Igbiji from the Agbo Ogiri clan.

Before its inception, the people of this land embarked on arduous journeys to distant markets like Orbah, Elugwu, Udegwu in neihgbouring Enugu State, or Ede Owukpa, the ancestral home of the ancient town.

Ukwo Market boasts a wide array of goods, including cassava balls, popularly known as Ikwiriwku, plantains and bananas, palm wine, yams, livestock, and other food items.

Every five days, traders and buyers from surrounding communities such as Ai-Fam, Ugbugbu, Ejaa, Obenjira, Okpoga, Okpoto, Orokam, even Enugu State, assemble in the makeshift huts to conduct their business, a tradition that has endured harmoniously for ages.

Behind the bustling market lies untapped potential. Ukwo is bordered by a river, yet its economic possibilities, such as fisheries, remain largely unexplored.

Presently, it serves only as a playground for children’s swimming activities.

The leading to Ukwo market tells a different tale—one of neglect and hardship.

Chief John Onuh, the Clan Head of Agbo Ogiri, appeals to the government to assist in rehabilitating this vital route, which connects to neighbouring states like Enugu and Ebonyi.

Despite the market’s challenging conditions, residents of the community eagerly anticipate the lively festivities of market days, akin to a cherished Christmas celebration.

In addition to Ukwo, Owukpa boasts of several other local markets, including: Aho Ogbor, Aho Ai-Fam, Eke Akpa and Ede Ai-Uja.

Among the markets that have ceased operation in the area are: Eke Udaburu, Ede Ejaa, Aho Okpudu and Ochanja Ugbugbu