|
 Cassava farm |
Before colonization and the discovery of Oil in Rivers State Nigeria, the Rumuchorlu people predominantly farmers. some of the agricultural products are Yam, Cassava, Cocoyam, Plaintain, Pineapple, and vergetable. However, the Rumuchorlu people are well known for the cultivation cassava. Cassava which is grown in large quanity are normally process by local manufactural into Garri, Cassava flour and fo-fo also know as loi-loi for commercialization. A very few percentage of them were hunters and fishermen.
In recent time, due to the environmental degradation and urban sprawl associated with oil exploration and Exploitation the was a sharp decline in the amount of farmland, forest and rivers.
The construction of the Eleme Refinery and dualization of the Port Harcourt-Aba express road are explosed the local village market to morden businesses. Today the people of Rumuchorlu are mainly traders and the Oil Mill market is one of the biggest market in River State Nigeria.
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
History of Oil Mill Market
The Oil Mill Market other wise known as Wednesday (or midweek) market came into existence soon after the Nigerian/Biafra War. Historically, the present day Oil Mill Market sprang up as Nnempi Market whose major commodity was cassava (Akpakpuru) which came in both tuber and fermented forms because of the abundance of water in Mini Chid River. People from far and wide came to to Nnempi Market to buy and sell Akpakpuru. The federal Government high way, constructed by Guffanti gave impetus to the quick expansion of the Nnempi Market. Around 1971-1977, the IKWU CHORLU MEETING gave great impetus to the development of the Nnempi Akpakpuru Market. In 1977, the market site was extended by Ikwu Chorlu Meeting with Elder Augustus Amadi as Chairman; other members of the meeting were Engr. B. A. Worgu, late Chief Abel Worgu, Mr. Josiah W. Worgu, Late Chief N.C.O. Nlerum and Austin W. Worgu. After this exercise, the Nnempi Market attracted the attention of the greater Rumukwurusi people. The Nnempi Market then metamorphosed into the present day Oil Mill Market. The market grew and became so popular that Lt. Col. Dauda Komo, the governor of Rivers State in the early 1990’s expanded the Market to its present size. This did not naturally go down well with the land owners in the expanded area and a court action was brought against Engr. B.A.Worgu and other notable members of the Market Committee like Stanford Achor, the claims were about N12,000.00 in damages. Through the spirited efforts of Amadi Esther Chorlu and others, the matter was peacefully resolved at the then Mr. Clinton Orianwo’s house in which it was ruled that a portion for shed development and one cow be given to Rumuokwurusi people for appeasement. With these resolution, the market grew by hobs and loops giving use to (though prudent management of market resources) the establishment of the Comprehensive Secondary School Rumuokwurusi, Evo Community Bank, Rumuokwurusi Health Centre.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Language:
The Rumuchorlu people are Ikwerre people by nationality. They speak Ikwerre Language. Before the advent of colonialism, we were already relating with Ibos and we speak their language fluently. At the advent of colonialism, we were exposed to English language and special English called Pidgin language. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Our Culture |
Wrestling |
 2010 Wrestling Festival |
Wrestling is an integral culture of our people. In our wrestling competition, different types of drums, they are: Ikwirikwu, Ekwenkalu, Ngele, Mbamba. These drums come in different shapes and sizes. Two competing camps will gather opposite one another with each camp having somebody who motivates their camp to wrestle well. The motivator holds some grasses, which he uses to whip the wrestlers. He whips their hands and buttocks and that is the activator to start wrestling. Whoever throws the other wins.
If they (wrestlers) were unable to throw each other, we say they have equalized or ogba-oga. The side of the wrestlers that throws his opponent will lift him up with utter jubilation. They will dance round the playground where the wrestling takes place. Women will dance and dance. These kinds of activity done by the spectators, arouse the wrestlers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Dancing
|
|
 |
Eregbu dance: Eregbu dance is a dance where two players or drummers sit opposite each other and play the selected styles that give different tones. While the players play the instrument, the women and some men dance in circle to the admiration of the spectators. It is a beautiful dance and highly cherished by the Rumuchorlu people of Ikwerre Ehtnic nationality.
Eri-Ndudu: this dance is mainly played by women. The different instruments used for the dance are: Ndudu; Ngele, Osha, kwirikwe, etc. At times men assist the women in drumming.while these instruments are played, women dance in circles or as they may think fit. Spectators watch with utmost joy, happiness and admiration. Eri-Oboh: Eri –Oboh is another dance in Ikwerre land. It is a dance where the chief drummer directs the play. He playes with locally made instruments. The main Oboh is made with thick Calabash with strong strings. There are other instruments used in the dance. While the play is on, some dancers dance the lkwere dance steps according to the rhythm of the instrument and song. The dancers could be male or female. While the music is going on, spectators gather and watch with joy. Some notable artists in Ikwere are: majority cultural dance group, Jimmi Couter cultural dance group etc. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
