Nkalagu – Large deposit of limestone in Ebonyi

Nkalagu is a town in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It is notable for having a large deposit of limestone which provided the raw material for the large cement plant of the Nigerian Cement Company (Nigercem). Nkalagu is the headquarters of Ishielu West Development Centre and has five major villages: Ishiagu, Uwule, Imeoha, Amanvu and Akiyi.

The village head in Nkalagu is also known as Onyishi. Each village has its own Onyishi which must be the most eldest son of the town.

What is a Limestone?

It is a sedimentary rock that has a large composition of calcium carbonate (aragonite and calcite) and other minerals. Limestone is a common rock. One out of every 10 sedimentary rocks is a limestone. It is one of the most useful rocks available on the planet. The solubility and the color of limestone often makes it similar to other sedimentary rocks such as dolomite and dolostone.

Limestone mining happens in quarry benches, where the limestone rock is separated and divided into blocks. After that, limestone can be used in all kinds of spheres.

Quarrying and blasting of such sedimentary rocks as limestone has negative effects on environment. It can lead to noise pollution, disturbance and environment disfiguration. Sometimes, it can even lead to earthquakes, as the earth-crust is being shaken.

Nevertheless, it is a necessary process, as without limestone, we would not be able to have many things.

Uses of limestone

Classified as one of the strategic mineral in Nigeria, Limestone is a rock with an enormous diversity of uses. The largest and purest deposits of limestone are found in the Southwest and Middle belt regions of the country. Limestone in the Southwest region of Nigeria has been estimated at 31 million tonnes.

Limestone is not found everywhere, but Nigeria has an exponential amount widespread in its sedimentary basins which provide the raw materials for the cement factories at Nkalagu in Ebonyi state, Calabar, Cross River state; Sokoto state; Enugu state; Okpella, Edo state); Ashaka, Gombe state; Gboko, Benue state; Ewekoro and Shagamu Ogun state; and Obajana in Kogi state.

Let’s consider some of the most important uses that it has;

As a building material (major constituent in cement production).
Used as a crushed stone for railroad ballast and road base.
It is used in glass manufacturing.
Limestone is a reagent in desulphurisation of flue-gas, which means that exposure of limestone to sulphur causes a reaction. This reaction is used for controlling air pollution.
Used as a filler in paints, toothpaste and other products.
In the production of lime, it is used as a chemical feed-stock.
It is also used in blast furnaces for iron purification.
Limestone together with quicklime and slaked lime are all used to neutralize excess acidity.
Sometimes, limestone is even used in glass making.
In addition to being a material used in building and architecture, limestone is also suitable for sculptures.
You can also find limestone in your cosmetic products and medicine.
You can find limestone in your paper, paint, plastics, tiles and even toothpaste. It acts as a cheap filler or pigment.
Limestone can save lives, as it suppresses explosions of methane in the coal mines.

Interesting Beliefs/Myths in Ebonyi

The Salt Lake

Ebonyi is nicknamed SALT OF THE NATION because of its large salt deposits. It is said to be found by two hunters (Ekwna Chita and Uta Anoo) as they made their finding public when they discovered they could not quench their thirst with what they thought was ordinary water.

The lakes can be found in uburu and okposi which are towns in ohaozara local government, Ebonyi state. Before the dawn of industrialized method of salt production in Nigeria, the traditional methods of salt production were already in practice since the discovery of Okposi and Uburu salt lake in Ebonyi State – about 400 years ago. In ancient times, the women created a technology with which they turned water into solid salt. From water, they produce and mould salt. If you want to see a pillar of salt, go to Okposi and Uburu.

Indeed, they are women of uncommon strength, extraordinary initiative and drive; women whose efforts put to doubt the saying that women are weaker vessels, who depend on their husbands for survival. By their efforts, the community became known as o ji mmiri akpa aku (people who create wealth from water).

Read more on: Okposi and Uburu Salt Lake

The Green Snake

The green snake is highly regarded and respected in some communities of Ebonyi state especially in Okposi. It is seen as a god who protects the people. It also symbolizes fruitfulness. No one dares kill this snake and if killed, it is buried ceremonially just like burying a human being.
So when you come visiting and see a green snake, don’t be in a rush to look for a stick to strike their god.

Infidelity and Death

It is believed in uburu community of Ebonyi state that if a married woman from Ebonyi commits adultery and cooks for her husband and he eats that meal, he will die. So, faithfulness is held in high regard so as not just to preserve ones integrity but to protect the life of one’s spouse. I actually argued with my mom about just the men loosing their lives because of their wives unfaithfulness because I feel it’s not just fair on the man’s path.

Did You Know?

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