Hon. Uzoma Chibuzor Emmanuel, popularly called Nze Duru Oshimiri, Uzii na Aboshi, has carved a niche for himself in traditional medicine. Little wonder he is often refered to as Odogwu Ndigbo in trado-medicine and cultural affairs.
As a custodian of culture and chief priest, Hon Uzoma recently highlighted some of the cultural and traditional practices, beliefs and taboos in Ihiagwa community, Owerri West LGA of Imo State.
According to the renowned traditional medicine practitioner, it is a taboo and forbidden thing in Ihiagwa for anybody to keep female dogs as pets.
He equally revealed that eating of python is also forbidden in Ihiagwa.
Hon Uzoma who was a one time counsellor representing Ihiagwa in Owerri West Local Government Council at Umuguma, further disclosed that eating of ‘Una’ (three-leave yam or white yam as some call it), is also forbidden in the community.
Also forbidden in Ihiagwa according to him, is going to farm on an Nkwo market day.
From Mboke in lhiagwa, Uzoma is said to have succeeded his late father in his chosen profession when he was a teenager. He was said to have underwent tutelage in the profession of traditional healing, divination and priesthood through his uncle who was said to have ensured he grabbed the rudiments of traditional medicine.
He has over the years, endeared himself to his people and clients from far and near, including those in diaspora.
While serving his people as a councillor, Uzoma hinted that he reserved Nkwo days for his priestly activities, and using the rest of the days to do his official duty at the Local Government Headquarters.