Overview:

Chief Ochu Kalu’s House is one of the oldest cultural landmarks located in Abia state, in Nigeria. It is the ancestral home of Aba-ka-Ogu Eze Oche Kalu who is the founder of the small town of Ndi Okereke Abam, in Abia state. The chief’s house has been in existence since around the 16th century, and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited locales in Nigeria. The house is a significant cultural and historical landmark due to its great age and its place in Abia's traditional culture. Its rich culture and tradition has been handed down from generation to generation and this is reflected in the architecture, including stone-wall constructions, a thatched roof and beautiful designs that reflect the local history and artistic sensibilities of the time. Chief Ochu Kalu’s House is a great architectural example of a traditional Nigerian home, and provides a beautiful contrast to the more modern structures that are becoming more common in the area. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

Chief Ochu Kalu’s House is a large and imposing residence located in Ndi Okereke Abam, Abia state in Nigeria. The structure is built in a traditional style and features a sloping thatched roof. The building consists of several small rooms connected by narrow corridors. The interior of the house is decorated with intricately carved wood and traditional artwork. The main room is used as a gathering place for family and visitors; there is also a smaller room for prayer and meditation. Outside is a large garden with various trees and plants. The house also has its own water supply, which comes from a nearby stream and is stored in a reservoir. The main entrance to the house has two guardhouses at either side. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

Chief Ochu Kalu was born Orji Kalu in Ndi Okereke Abam in Umuahia North local government area in Nigeria in 1949. He is a traditional ruler of the Ezeoha 28 autonomous community in Abia state. He is the traditional ruler of Ezeoha 28 and a direct descendant of the Nkereke Ogbunike royal earlier said to have been founded by their ancestor “Ogbenya”. Chief Ochu Kalu is the son of Ezeogie Kalu of Ezeoha 28 and his mother, Lady Nneoma Ngozi Kalu. He is also the husband of Lady Ochulor Kalu, with whom he had eight children. Throughout his lifetime, Chief Ochu Kalu has been deeply involved in all matters relating to the royal attempt to develop and modernize Ndi Okereke Abam. Through education, health, agricultural, and infrastructural interventions, Chief Ochu Kalu has been able to demonstrate his leadership and far-reaching vision in modernizing the community. Chief Ochu Kalu is responsible for the building of “Chief Ochu Kalu’s House” in Ndi Okereke Abam. This house is the traditional palace in which he lives with his family. The building is a beautiful 2-storey edifice that serves as a symbol of Chief Ochu Kalu’s strong leadership and vision for the development of Ndi Okereke Abam. Chief Ochu Kalu’s house has played an important role as a meeting place for the ruling traditional elders and community members. It also serves as a place of recreation during family gatherings and holidays. Visiting dignitaries and other important guests are often welcomed into the house and given a warm royal reception. Chief Ochu Kalu’s house is a symbol of the progress and development that he has achieved in modernizing Ndi Okereke Abam. It is a testament to his leadership and commitment to creating a better life for his people. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Chief Ochu Kalu’s house is located in Ndi Okereke Abam, a town in Abia State, Nigeria. 2. The house is an important architectural monument of the state, representing an amalgamation of traditional Igbo architecture and architecture brought by British colonialists. 3. The structure of the house was built by Chief Kalu’s father in the 1950’s, but the internal structure was later renovated and modernized by Chief Kalu himself. 4. The house was designed with a central courtyard and framed by red clay walls. The walls were decorated with paintings depicting the lives of the inhabitants. 5. The courtyard was filled with trees and plants to create a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. The area also featured a fishpond for recreation and sustenance. 6. The house is marked by dark wooden doors with intricate carvings, an iconic symbol of the Kalu family, as well as carved wooden furniture, a sign of their wealth. 7. Chief Kalu’s house still stands today and is an important cultural relic for the local people, representing their history and culture. 8. Located in a highly populated area of the city, the house is a major tourist attraction in Okereke Abam. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era