Awka was famous for metal working and its blacksmiths before the 20th century and were prized throughout the region for making farming implements, guns and tools. The Awka area in earlier times was the site of the Nri Civilization that produced the earliest documented bronze works in Sub-Saharan Africa around 800 AD.
Before the inception of British rule, Awka was governed by titled men known as Ozo and Ndichie who were accomplished individuals in the community. They held general meetings or Izu Awka either at the residence of the oldest man (Otochal Awka) or at a place designated by him. He was the Nne Uzu or master blacksmith, whether he knew the trade or not, for the only master known to Awka people was the master craftsman, the Nne Uzu.
In modern times, Awka has adapted to the republican system and is currently divided into two local government areas, Awka North and Awka South with local representatives. However, it still preserves traditional systems of governance with Ozo titled men often consulted for village and community issues and a paramount cultural ruler, the Eze Uzu who is elected by all Ozo titled men by rotation amongst different villages to represent the city at state functions.
The current Eze Uzu of the city selected since 1999 is Gibson Nwosu one of the first recruits for the Nigerian Air force and a former head of Air Traffic Operations for the Biafra Air Force, the Lusaka International Airport and the Zambian Air Service Training Institute (ZASTI).
Awka should not be confused with Awka Etiti which is a town in Idemili South local government area that is often mistaken for the main capital. Today it is the capital of Anambra state of Nigeria. Slogan: Sires of
