Nkoro tribe

The Nkoro tribe' of the Ijaw people lives in southeastern Rivers State, Nigeria. Nkoro Kingdom

The Nkoro people, a subgroup of the Ijaw ethnic group, inhabit the Niger Delta region of Rivers State, Nigeria (Williamson, 2012). They are primarily located in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, with Nkoro Town serving as a District Headquarter. Nkoro Town shares borders with the Ogoni, Opobo, and Andoni communities, reflecting its strategic location within the region. The Nkoro identify as *Kala-Kirika* ("Little Okrika"), suggesting a historical connection to the Okrika people (Talbot, 1932).

• • History**

Oral traditions and linguistic evidence suggest that the Nkoro migrated from Okrika (Talbot, 1932). Over the centuries, they established their distinct identity and governance structures. Historically, the Nkoro engaged in conflicts with neighboring groups, including the Ogoni, Bonny, and Andoni (Alagoa, 2005). A truce with the Ogoni led to the establishment of the Inyaba market, facilitating trade between the two groups (Alagoa, 2005). The Nkoro also have a strong maritime history, engaging in trade with European merchants due to their coastal location (Northrup, 1978).

• • Geography**

The Nkoro Kingdom encompasses both mainland and riverine communities within the Niger Delta. Mainland villages include Afakani, Ottoni, King-Kpokpo, Diepiriye/Opurokuno, Olom Ama, Job Ama, and Olom-Nkoro. Riverine villages include Iwoama-Nkoro, Ayama I & II, Suku Ama, Olilokiri, Dime Ama, Ogor Ama, and Obionhuru. This diverse geography has shaped the Nkoro's economic activities and cultural practices.

• • Culture**

The Nkoro possess a rich cultural heritage, including vibrant traditional festivals and events. Their culture has been influenced by their proximity to the Andoni and Bonny people (Ember & Ember, 2004). The Nkoro are known for their warm hospitality and dynamic culture.

• • Language**

The Nkoro speak two primary languages: Defaka (an Ijaw language) and the Okrika dialect (Williamson, 2012). The Defaka language is spoken by a significant portion of the Nkoro population, particularly in the Afakani communities (Jenewari, 2015). The Afakani people, sometimes considered a distinct group within the Nkoro, speak a dialect that differs significantly from other Nkoro communities.

• • Economy**

The Nkoro are traditionally fishermen and traders, relying on the waterways for their livelihoods (Northrup, 1978). Their location near the Atlantic Ocean has facilitated trade and commerce for generations. The region is also rich in natural resources, including crude oil and natural gas, which contribute to the local economy. Agriculture and small-scale industries are also present, offering potential for further economic development.

• • Governance**

The Nkoro Kingdom is governed by a traditional system of war canoe houses. Each war canoe house is led by a Chief-in-Council, representing the interests of the community. The Amanyanabo of Nkoro is the paramount ruler, holding the highest traditional authority within the kingdom. This system has been in place for centuries providing stability and continuity.

• • Notable People**

Several notable individuals have emerged from the Nkoro community, including Gibson Francis Irimiagha Jr, Major A.A. Eli, Rev Gibson Francis Irimiagha Snr , Elder ST Alali, K.K Amoniya, Dr. Earnest Greenwell, Engr. Irimiagha Paul Gibson, Irimiagha Clement Gibson, Idahosa Igbikiberisima, Alabo Engr. Edward Namiesimagha, Frank Opunye, James Eli, Professor Tamunonimim Ngerebo-a (FCNA), Dr John Patrick, Engr Jacob Ngerebo, Hon Patrick Alapuberesika, Hon Christopher Berewari, RT Hon Adolphus Timothy Orubienimigha, Supol Inengiyemiema Igosiarikonma, Hon Michael Donald Igolima, Hon Emmanuel Taribo, Alabo Richard Harrison Nyako, The Head Chief of Nyako Wari and Amayanabo Rep, Alabo Philip Taribo Isaac Bara, The Head Chief of Bara Wari, Alabo Wilson Obudianga Osokor, The Head Chief of Osokor, Sir Abel Peterside, Alabo Elect Sir Minawari Diepiriye, Dr. Kilion Diepiriye, Dr. Koru Patrick, Dr. Richard Percy, Dr. Bapakaye Wilson, Captain Paul Jacob Akins RTD., Ishmael Bereba, Hon Clive Berewari, God'spower Ngerebo, Tamred Fynboy, Fyneboy Fyneboy, Bestman Silas Dokubo, Deputy CPS, Hon Michael Taribo, Pastor Barak Ngerebo, Rev. Dr Luke Berekura, Gilbert Sokari, Dr. Monday Akuna (Further information about their specific contributions is needed).

• • War Canoe Houses**

The following are the war canoe houses in Nkoro:

• • Afakani (Defaka Ama)**

1. Mbire Wari 2. Nyako Wari 3. Otuburu Wari 4. Bara Wari 5. Assiah Wari 6. Kerene Wari 7. Osokor Wari

• • Kpokpo (Pokaya)**

1. Kpokpo Wari 2. Oroni Wari 3. Amabara Wari 4. Ole Wari 5. Offuruma Wari 6. Kobiri Wari 7. Omuso Wari 8. Akanja Wari 9. Ngere Wari

• • Ottoni Ama**

1. Opu Ottoni Wari 2. Nkpata Wari 3. Otoni-Gbara Wari

• • Diepiriye/Opurokuno**

1. Diepiri Wari 2. Dongo Wari 3. Dom Wari 4. Atamie Wari 5. Okansin Wari 6. Tamuno Wari 7. Okunta Wari 8. Sanga Wari

Nkoro: A Hub of Trade and King Jaja's Path to Opobo Nkoro, a town nestled in the heart of Rivers State, Nigeria, boasts a captivating history intertwined with the rise of King Jaja of Opobo. This town served as a crucial trading center, attracting the attention of Jaja, a former slave who ascended to become a powerful and influential leader. Jaja's journey from Bonny to Nkoro was primarily fueled by his ambition to expand his trading network and establish his own sphere of influence. Nkoro, strategically located for trade, became a focal point for Jaja's activities. After solidifying his presence in Nkoro, Jaja eventually relocated to Opobo, where he founded the kingdom in 1869. Opobo rapidly transformed into a major trading hub, and Jaja's influence permeated throughout the region. While the precise details of Jaja's journey from Bonny to Nkoro may remain somewhat obscure, it is evident that Nkoro played a pivotal role in his ascent to power and the subsequent establishment of the Opobo kingdom.

• • Nkoro in Cross River State**

A Nkoro community also exists in Eniong Abatim, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. This community forms one of the four groups that make up Eniong Abatim Efik Eburutu, alongside the Babom, Beme, and Bukong. The historical connection between this community and the Nkoro in Rivers State requires further research.

• • References**

Alagoa, E. J. (2005). *A history of the Niger Delta*. University Press PLC.

Ember, C. R., & Ember, M. (2004). *Encyclopedia of sex and gender*. Springer.

Jenewari, C. T. W. (2015). *Defaka: The language of the Andoni hinterland of the Niger Delta*. (Further publication details needed).

Northrup, D. (1978). *Trade without rulers: Pre-colonial economic change in the Niger Delta*. Clarendon Press.

Rivers State Government. (n.d.). *Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area*. Retrieved from (Insert Link if available)

Talbot, P. A. (1932). *Tribes of the Niger Delta: Their religions and customs*. Sheldon Press.

Williamson, K. (2012). *The language factor in Nigeria*. Heinemann Educational Books.

Alagoa, E. J. (2005). A History of the Niger Delta. Ibadan: University Press PLC.

Northrup, D. (1978). Trade Without Rulers: Pre-Colonial Economic Change in the Niger Delta. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Talbot, P. A. (1932). Tribes of the Niger Delta: Their Religions and Customs. London: Sheldon Press.

Nkoro as a person name

Also the word "Nkoro" is being used as a name and found among the Nta-Nsle Clan Community in Ikom L.G.A in the Northern part of the Cross River State of Nigeria. The name "Nkoro" literally means "strong or strength' 'i.e. someone to be strong or having strength in doing something". But adding the suffix "Nkoro-isi" means literally "strong Head", the 'isi' there means 'head' which ordinarily means "stubborn-head' or someone who is 'stubborn".