Onitsha: The Pulse of Eastern Nigeria

• HelloNdewo
  [N-deh-woh]
• GoodbyeKachifo
  [Kah-chee-foh]
• YesEe
  [Eh]
• NoMba
  [Um-bah]
• Please/You're welcomeBiko
  [Bee-koh]
• Thank youDaalu
  [Dah-loo]
• Excuse me/SorryKedu
  [Keh-doo]
• How are you?Kedu ka i mere?
  [Keh-doo kah ee meh-reh?]
• Fine. And you?Olee. Kedu ka i mere?
  [Oh-leh. Keh-doo kah ee meh-reh?]
• Do you speak English?Onye nwere mmadu ka i gogoro Igbo?
  [Ohn-yeh nweh-reh mmah-doo kah ee goh-goh-roh Ee-boh?]
• I don't understandAghotara m
  [Ah-go-tah-rah m]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseA ga-eme menu, biko
  [Ah gah-eh-meh meh-noo, bee-koh]
• I don't eat meatAghotara mkpụrụ ede
  [Ah-go-tah-rah m-kpoo-roo eh-deh]
• Cheers!Nwanyioma!
  [Nwahn-yee-oh-mah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseA ga-agbata m, biko
  [Ah gah-ah-gbah-tah m, bee-koh]

• Help!Nwee m
  [N-weh m]
• Go away!Gaa n'ulo!
  [Gah nah-oo-loh]
• Call the Police!Kpọọ Police!
  [K-pooh Poh-lee-sheh]
• Call a doctor!Kpọọ doctor!
  [K-pooh doh-ktoh]
• I'm lostA dịghị m
  [Ah dee-ghee m]
• I'm illA dịghị mmadụ
  [Ah dee-ghee mmah-doo]

• I'd like to buy...A ga-ada m...
  [Ah gah-ah-dah m...]
• I'm just lookingA na-eso-eso
  [Ah nah-eh-soh-eh-soh]
• How much is it?Ezi ka i bụ?
  [Eh-zee kah ee boo?]
• That's too expensiveO dịrịrị mmanụ
  [Oh dee-ree-ree m-mah-noo]
• Can you lower the price?Ka i kpọtụ ike ihe gị?
  [Kah ee k-po-too ee-keh ee-heh gee?]

• What time is it?Kedụ bụ ebe ihe mere?
  [Keh-doo boo eh-beh ee-heh meh-reh?]
• It's one o'clockỌkụkọ ndụ
  [Oh-koo-koh n-doo]
• Half past (10)Mgbe nke iri
  [Mm-beh n-keh ee-ree]
• MorningUtutu
  [Oo-too-too]
• AfternoonEhihie
  [Eh-hee-heh]
• EveningMgbada
  [Mm-bah-dah]
• YesterdayNkọwa
  [N-koh-wah]
• TodayTaa
  [Tah]
• TomorrowAnata
  [Ah-nah-tah]
• 1Otu
  [Oh-too]
• 2Abụọ
  [Ah-boo-oh]
• 3Atọ
  [Ah-toh]
• 4Anọ
  [Ah-noh]
• 5Ise
  [Ee-seh]
• 6Isii
  [Ee-see-ee]
• 7Asaa
  [Ah-sah-ah]
• 8Asato
  [Ah-sah-toh]
• 9Isee
  [Ee-seh-eh]
• 10Iri
  [Ee-ree]

• Where's a/the...?Ebee ka...
  [Eh-beh kah...]
• What's the address?Kedụ bụ adreesị?
  [Keh-doo boo ah-dree-see?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka i gosi m (na mapụ)?
  [Kah ee goh-see m (nah mah-poo)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kedụ ka ọzọ (bọsụ) bụ?
  [Keh-doo kah oh-zoh (boh-soo) boo?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ọkịchị (nwepụ ....)
  [Oh-keeh-chee (n-weh-poo ....)]

Onitsha, located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The city was originally founded by the Igbo people who migrated from the ancient Kingdom of Nri. Onitsha became a prominent settlement due to its strategic location along the Niger River, which facilitated trade and interaction with other communities.

In the mid-19th century, Onitsha came under British influence. The city became an important center for British colonial administration and commerce following the establishment of a British consulate in 1857. The construction of a major port and trading post further cemented Onitsha's role as a commercial hub in the region.

Onitsha is home to one of the largest markets in West Africa, the Onitsha Main Market. The market has a long history dating back to pre-colonial times and has grown significantly over the years. It serves as a major economic engine for the city, attracting traders and buyers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Onitsha is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, with numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year. One of the most prominent is the Ofala Festival, which honors the Obi (traditional king) of Onitsha. This festival features elaborate ceremonies, traditional music, dance, and attire, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of the Igbo people.

Onitsha has been a center for education in Nigeria, with several notable institutions established over the years. The Dennis Memorial Grammar School, founded in 1925, is one of the oldest secondary schools in the country. The city has continued to be a hub for educational advancement, contributing significantly to the intellectual development of the region.

Onitsha played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). The city was a focal point of conflict due to its strategic location along the Niger River. Onitsha witnessed several key battles and experienced considerable destruction during the war. The resilience and recovery of the city post-war are testaments to the strength and determination of its people.

Today, Onitsha is a bustling metropolis known for its commercial vibrancy and cultural diversity. The city's infrastructure has seen substantial development, with modern amenities and facilities enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Onitsha continues to be a key economic and cultural center in Nigeria, drawing visitors and investors from around the world.

Onitsha is accessible via several means of transportation. The nearest airport is Asaba International Airport, located about 20 kilometers away in the neighboring city of Asaba. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Onitsha. If you're traveling by road, Onitsha is well-connected by major highways such as the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway and the Onitsha-Owerri Road. There are also regular bus services from major Nigerian cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Getting around Onitsha is relatively straightforward. Taxis and motorcycle taxis (locally known as 'Okada') are readily available and affordable. For a more comfortable and safer option, consider using ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. Public buses and minibuses (called 'Danfo') operate on fixed routes and are a cheaper alternative. However, they can be crowded and less reliable. Car rentals are also an option if you prefer more control over your travel schedule.

The official currency in Nigeria is the Nigerian Naira (NGN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is still king in many smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Onitsha, but it's advisable to carry some cash for convenience. Ensure that your bank cards are enabled for international transactions if you're traveling from abroad.

Onitsha is generally a safe destination, but like any major city, it has its share of crime. Areas such as Upper Iweka and Bridgehead Market are known for higher crime rates, particularly targeting tourists. It's advisable to avoid these areas after dark and to stay vigilant in crowded places. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and consider using reputable taxi services for transportation.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Onitsha has several medical facilities, including the Onitsha General Hospital and private clinics, where you can seek medical help. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available throughout the city. The local police station can assist in case of theft or other criminal activities.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in conservative areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Respect local customs and religious practices. When visiting places of worship, dress appropriately and remove your shoes if required. Public Transport: Be polite and considerate. Avoid loud conversations and eating on public transport. Greetings: A firm handshake is a common form of greeting. For more formal occasions, a slight bow or nod is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Avoid using your left hand to eat or give items, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Onitsha like a local, visit the Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, where you can find anything from textiles to electronics. Engage with locals; they are often very friendly and willing to share insights about the city. Don't miss visiting the Ogbunike Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a bit of adventure and history. Additionally, try the local cuisine, including dishes like 'Nkwobi' (spicy cow foot) and 'Ofe Onugbu' (bitter leaf soup).