Mbaise

Mbaise is a densely populated cluster of communities in central Imo State, spread across three local government areas: Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise and Ezinihitte Mbaise. The name reflects five founding clans — Oke Uvuru, Agbaja, Ahiara, Ekwerazu and Ezi Na Ihitte. The area came under British control after the 1902 Anglo-Aro War, and its clans were formally merged into a single native authority in 1943. Mbaise has one of Nigeria's most notable concentrations of Catholic clergy: it is home to the Ahiara Diocese, widely cited as having produced hundreds of priests and religious sisters, alongside significant Anglican, Apostolic and Pentecostal communities.

Mbaise is reached by road from Owerri, the Imo State capital.