Ikot Ekpene

Ikot Ekpene local government area is situated in Akwa Ibom state which is domiciled in the South-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The LGA is made up of several towns and villages which include Abiakpo Ikot Essien, Ibiakpan, Ibiakpo Edem Idim, Ibong Nto Akan, Ifuho, Ikot Idem, Abak Oko, and Akanaan. The estimated population of Ikot Ekpene LGA is 105,896 inhabitants with the vast majority of the area’s inhabitants being members of the Annang ethnic division. The Annang language is predominantly spoken in the area while Christianity is the most practiced religion in the LGA. Notable landmarks in Ikot Ekpene LGA include the Akwa Ibom state polytechnic and the Ritman University.

GEOGRAPHY OF IKOT EKPENE

Ikot Ekpene LGA has an average temperature of 25 degrees centigrade and falls under the Tropical Monsoon climate. The LGA sits on a total area of 116 square kilometres and has a number of rivers and tributaries flowing through its territory. The average humidity level in Ikot Ekpene is 87 percent while average wind speed in the area is put at 11 km/h.

ECONOMY OF IKOT EKPENE

Farming is an integral part of the economic life of Ikot ekpene LGA with the area known for the cultivation of crops such as oil palm, raffia palm, corn, yam, and cassava. Trade also flourishes in Ikot Ekpene LGA as the area hosts a number of important markets such as the Ikot Ekpene crafts market. A number of mineral resources can also be found in Ikot Ekpene and these include laterite, sharp sand and gravel. Other important economic activities undertaken by the residents of Ikot Ekpene LGA include craftsmanship, wood carving, hunting, and palm wine tapping.

HISTORY OF IKOT EKPENE

Ikot Ekpene LGA was created in the year 1951 and served as a premier model LGA in Nigeria.