Historical Facts in Akwa Ibom State

Historical Facts in Akwa Ibom State

1. Created on September 23, 1987
2. Estimated population of about 7,200,000 people. The annual growth rate of the population is projected at 3.4%
3. Area: 7,249 Square kilometers
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Vegetation: Green foliage of trees and shrubs spanning 129km coastline from Oron to Ikot Abasi.
7. Climate: Dry season (November – March), Wet season (April – October) Average temperature ranges from 230 to 310 centigrade.
8. Political Setting: 31 LGAs with Uyo as the State Capital
9. Growth Rate: Average growth rate is estimated at 3.2%

Historical Facts in Akwa Ibom State

1. The first experimental Local Government (County) in British West Africa was Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State.
2. 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.
3. The first commissioned Nigerian Soldier NA 01 was Wellington Umoh Bassey of Akwa Ibom State.
4. Ibibio State Union was the first ethnic organisation in Nigeria to sponsor indigenes to study overseas.
5. 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.
6. The first Qua Iboe Church, founded by Rev. Samuel Bill in 1887 is located in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. The first Chairman, Eastern Nigeria House of Chiefs was Chief Nyong Essien of present day Akwa Ibom State.
10. The first Governor General of Uganda was Dr. Egbert Udo Udoma from Akwa Ibom State.