About Okpuno I-Directory

The period 950-1050 AD saw the establishment of Authority of Eri in the middle of Anambra River Valley. The Second wife of Eri, Oboli, bore Onoja who left Anambra as one of the founders of Igalaland. This migration of the Eri children and some of those who settled at Igalaland migrated to the place now known as Okpuno

The two brothers that settled at okpuno were Okpu and Okochiegbuolodo. Okpu settled at the center while, Okochiegbuolodo settled at the North-East. Okpu bore two children called Ezi and Ifite who expanded within the central environment. Okochiegbuolodo bore Odu who settled with his mother in East while his other siblings settled in the South-west. The settlement in the East is where the third original village Okpuno situates now called Nodu. While the settlement in the south-west is where the forth original village of Okpuno called Umuodu situates.

Okpuno is a derivative of the names of the founders of the town , Okpu and okochiegbuolodo. Simply called Okpu-na-Okochi. Further metamorphosis reduced the name of the Okpuno.
The insinuation in some quaters that because "Okpunokochi" sounds like "Okpunoawkachi", that Awka was the progenitor of okpuno is a historical fallacy. Okoye Nwakpoto (Okoye from Akpoto in Igala) who was brought by Awka people to prepare "Imoka" shrine for them came people feared the magical powers of Okoye Nwakpoto. Okoye Nwakpoto thereafter integrated with Nodu people and lived there till death.

The early settlers of Okpuno were mainly farmers and powerful native doctors. The farmers produced Yams, Cocoa-yams, Maize, Okro, melo, Palm oil, and Kernel. These products they sold to buy their needs. The affluent amongst them used the proceed to take title. The powerful native doctors had magical powers which made it impossible for intruders to penetrate okpuno. Notable among them were Ogworji, Oduocha, Nwankat, Okoye Nwakpoto, Muoguluwa, Obinma, Ikeanyionwu, Just to mention a few. Great hunters that killed without seeing the animal existed. They include Gbatuo Okoye, Nwoakafor Amefuna, Udozor Atansi Obodo.

The early settlers rejected the missionaries who wanted to settle at Obibia hill near the Obiobia stream. The medicine-men used their magical powers to invoke dangerous flies and insects to drive them away. The Missionaries later settled at Awka the present site of St. Paul's College.

These missionaries were accepted much later when they came from Awka on evangelism.

Comtemporary Okpuno history shows noticeable progress with the emergence of Chief Obidinma Okafor in the customary leadership of Okpuno. He encouraged the planting of St. John's Churh and Primary School were planted. Subsequently, other schools and centers like the Retreat Center, Community Secondary School, Tansi International School, Pope John Paul Seminary were established. This development has awakened the learning spirit of Okpuno people who have now embraced the quest for knowledge.

With the creation of Anmbra State and sitting of the capital at Awka in 1991, Okpuno has been beneficiary of the new development. And following the dawn of democratic government Okpuno has benefitted from the dividends of democracy. Many planned and approved layouts like Aguchi, Odadi, Agbolo, Obunumo have been established by Community. In apparent show of good government, the government of Anambra State has opened up many access and inter-village roads to enhance communication within the capital territory.

Okpuno is progressing steadily, thanks in large part to the efforts of its current traditional ruler, His Majesty Igwe Engr. Sunday I. Okafor. His dedication led to the electrification of the entire Okpuno Town, a pivotal achievement that has propelled Okpuno into an era of unstoppable economic growth.