Azara Egbelu
Azara Egbelu is a village in southeastern Nigeria, is located near the city of Owerri.
The name has it origin in Emekuku. Azaraegbelu was the first son of Emekuku and is regarded as the most powerful. Azaraegbelu, being the first son of Ezelukwu is made up of warriors who have always been the backbone of the entire Emekuku people. The village is one of the birthplaces of Catholicism in Eastern Nigeria as the Catholic Church in Azaraegbelu (ST MERY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH) was built just at the same time with the one centrally located at Emekuku. The church was built by the white Irish Missionaries. In the recent past, The people of Avuvu in Ikeduru, Enyiogugu in Aboh Mba Ise and some parts of Emii, all came to church in Azaraegbelu.
The then Teachers Training College (TTC) was located in Azaraegbelu. Also the Radio Nigeria Owerri, which is now called Heartland FM is located in Azaraegbelu. There is also a public Primary School (TTC PRACTICING SCHOOL). At the Catholic Church, there is a primary school there run by the Marits Brothers. Azaraegbelu is made up of four (4) kindred, namely; Umuokoro (okoro mama ukwu), Onum (Onuma egbula Ezelukwu), Umuezehu (Ezuhu Oma Onum) and Ama-Achara.
The main market in Azaraegbelu is called Orie-Nwinyi. It is also among the most prominent markets in Emekuku. It is also a place where people from very many place come to enjoy themselves for there are many different places where people come to enjoy themselves. One of the most memorable days in Azaraegnelu is usually The Orie Market day during the Christmas period. Masqurades from very many communities usually converge in Azaraegbelu for a show to the delight of all.
Some of the prominent people in Azaraegbelu include, but not limited to; Mazi Ben Amadi, Nze E.E Anyanwu, P.U Ogbara, Theoflus Okwamma Opara, Nnaji Okwu, Nda John Uroh Onyeaku, Chief Chris Onyeachom, Prof I.I Ibeawuchi, U.C Ejikeme Nze(Chairmanship Aspirant Owerri North LGA), Onyeuwaoma Jude Chidiebere, John Anyanwu. Dr Opara-Nnadi, Eze Anthony Egbujor, Nze Ciril G.E. Onu, Papa Ubasoro-Onye Onyewuenyi, Prof Oliver Opara-Nnadi, Elder V.C Emeribe, Sir Raymond Emeribe (Rtd Chief Geologist Imo State) Utakala Ejiufu Abaeze, German Dozen R. Njoku. Sir Chika Nwanna, Chri Nwawueze, Mbi-Iwe Eke, Pa Amaefula, Nwanna Henry, Henry Onuegbu, Goddy Etto, Ghandi Nduka Leonard Anyanwu to mention but a few. The people of Azaraegbelu are resolute and peace loving.