Ehanke

Ehanke is a town located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, within Imo State. It falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Isiala Mbembe Local Government Area and is part of the ethnic Izi community which shares cultural, linguistic and social ties with neighboring settlements such as Obi and Amagu. The town lies approximately 110 kilometres south of the state capital Owerri and is situated along a network of rural roads that connect to the A4 highway.

The population of Ehanke is estimated to be between 5,000 and 6,500 residents, according to the most recent census conducted by the National Population Commission of Nigeria in 2019. The demographic profile is predominantly young, with a median age of 22 years. Native inhabitants are primarily of the Igbo ethnic group, speaking the Izi dialect of Igbo. The community has traditionally been organized around extended family structures and customary leadership associated with the Ozo chieftaincy system.

Economic activity in Ehanke is largely agricultural, with cassava, yam, and maize being the staple crops cultivated on 70 percent of the town's arable land. Cash crops such as cocoa and palm oil also contribute to the local economy. In recent years, small-scale trade and service industries—including herbal medicine, tailoring, and transport—have emerged, partly due to improved road access. Women’s cooperatives play a significant role in processing agricultural produce and contributing to household incomes.

Education infrastructure in Ehanke comprises three primary schools, one secondary school, and a vocational training centre that offers courses in carpentry, tailoring and ICT. Religious life is diverse; the town hosts several Christian denominations, including Baptist and Catholic churches, as well as a growing number of evangelical congregations. Cultural events, such as the annual Ozo festival, reinforce communal bonds and attract visitors from surrounding districts.