The Igbos who make up the South-Eastern part of Nigeria believe Chukwu to be the highest supreme being, the creator of all things. He is believed to be the greatest of all.
Chukwu means “God” and he is believed to be the magnificent and powerful God who holds the yam and knife and cuts for anyone he wishes to.
He decides the outcome of events in human existence. His symbol is believed to be the sun; he shines on the earth bringing bountiful harvest and overseeing human affairs.
Chukwu is also known as “Chi”; the giver of wealth, good harvest, children, etc. The people believed Chukwu to be the overseer of human affairs. He is also seen as merciful to the rich, poor, children, and aged.
Chukwu, on the other hand, does not become involved in the tiny issues of human life; he leaves those to the spirits and ancestors, who are commonly described as his messengers.
Ani, the earth goddess is believed to be Chukwu’s daughter and she monitors human’s actions and inactions and makes sure the rules of the land are obeyed.
Chukwu Okike as he is fondly called means “God of creation” was used before the coming of Christianity. He is believed to be the highest, thus even after the coming of Christianity, the Igbos believe God to be Chukwu till date.
The Igbo Christians believe God to mean Chukwu in their dialect, they believe his messengers are the angels of God and they honour God who is Chukwu by naming their children after him. They give their children names like “Chukwuemerie” which means God has won, “Somtochukwu” meaning join me and praise God, “Chukwuzaramekpere” meaning God answered my prayers,” Chukwuhurumnanya” meaning God loves me, “Jachukwunma” meaning Glorify God, “Chukwuzurumoke” meaning God is enough for me, “Okechukwu” meaning God’s portion, etc.
Igbo names are given attaching Chukwu because the South Easterners believe names affect people; they believe when you attach Chukwu or Chi to their names, they will end up behaving like their names, behaving Godlike.