Our Culture, Our Pride, Quick Facts About Akwa Ibom
- Created on September 23, 1987
- Estimated population of about 7,200,000 people. The annual growth rate of the population is projected at 3.4%
- Area: 7,249 Square kilometers
- Location: Lying between Latitudes 4o32" and 5033" North and Longitudes 7035 and 8025 east. Bounded by Rivers State, Cross River State, Abia State and the Gulf of Guinea on the East, West, North and South respectively.
- Main Economic Activities: Fishing (for riverine and coastal dwellers), farming (mostly for upland dwellers), trading, artisanship and whitecollar services. A robust public sector employs significant proportion of the state labour force.
- Vegetation: Green foliage of trees and shrubs spanning 129km coastline from Oron to Ikot Abasi.
- Climate: Dry season (November - March), Wet season (April - October) Average temperature ranges from 230 to 310 centigrade.
- Political Setting: 31 LGAs with Uyo as the State Capital
- Growth Rate: Average growth rate is estimated at 3.2%
Akwa Ibom Historical Facts
- The first experimental Local Government (County) in British West Africa was Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State.
- The first Roman Catholic Cardinal in Nigeria and indeed West Africa was Cardinal Dominic Ekandem from Ibiono Ibom local government area of present Akwa Ibom State.
- The first commissioned Nigerian Soldier NA 01 was Wellington Umoh Bassey of Akwa Ibom State.
- Ibibio State Union was the first ethnic organisation in Nigeria to sponsor indigenes to study overseas.
- The second highest slave depot in West Africa (The first being Badagry, Lagos) was established in Ikot Abasi in the year 1795, and the famous Bridge of No Return was built in Ikot Abasi the same year.
- The first Qua Iboe Church, founded by Rev. Samuel Bill in 1887 is located in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.
- Mary Mitchell Slessor, a Scottish missionary, spent most of her life in Use Ikot Oku in Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, more than she ever did anywhere else. She died in Use Ikot Oku, her grave monument is still intact till date.
- The famous Aba Women Riot” of 1929 originated from a market called Ukam Market in Ikot Abasi, where so many women lost their lives in the killing ordered by a colonial Divisional Officer in Ikot Abasi. The riot was led by a woman from Ikot Abasi, Madam Udo Udoma.
- The first Chairman, Eastern Nigeria House of Chiefs was Chief Nyong Essien of present day Akwa Ibom State.
- The first Governor General of Uganda was Dr. Egbert Udo Udoma from Akwa Ibom State.
The People , Culture and Potentials
Longest coastline of 129km in the country, with it rich source for a wide variety of fishes and sea foods including catfish, barracuda, blue marlin, squid, sardine, croakers, shrimps, prawns, crabs, crayfish, snappers and oyster, among others.
The State plays host to some multinational companies
and is one of the largest oil-producing States in Nigeria.
Culturally homogenous with a common identity, albeit presence of many spoken local languages.
Industrious, resourceful and hospitable people. Similarities in folklore, songs, dances, foods beliefs and mythology
Occupation of the people including farming , fishing, trading, hunting, woodcraving, raffia works, blacksmithing, pottery , iron works, arts and crafts creation.
Investment opportunities for maritime development
and admiralty matters.
The State holds a promise of exciting and splendid opportunities for leisure, investment and wealth creation.
AKWA IBOM Our Heritage , Our Pride
Cultural Diversity
Akwa Ibom State is rich in
culture, arts and crafts,
which provide fascinating
experiences for tourists.
Oil & Gas
Akwa Ibom state is the
largest oil producing and
revenue contributor to
Nigeria’s economy.
Tourism
Akwa Ibom State is rich
in tourist attractions, such
as Ibeno beach, Bridge of
No Return etc.
Cleanliness
Akwa Ibom State
is the cleanest State in
Nigeria, 2019, 2020,2021.
Source: Clean up Nigeria
Coastline
Akwa Ibom has the longest
coastline in Nigeria,
measuring 129Km from
Oron to Ikot Abasi
Foreign Investment
It’s peaceful and conducive
economic environment
attracts Foreign Direct
Investments.
Economic Development
Akwa Ibom State is home
of the largest Syringe
Manufacturing company
in Africa.
Sea Foods
Akwa Ibom is rich in wide variety of fishes and sea foods, including Catfish, Barracuda, Squid, Sardine, Croakers, Shrimps, Prawns, Crayfish, etc