Itu

Itu local government area is in Akwa Ibom state, South-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The LGA is bordered by parts of Cross river and Abia states and by the Ibiono Ibom, Ikono, Uyo, and Uruan local govrenment areas. Towns and villages that make up Itu LGA include Oku, Obot Etim, Mbiabo, Ayadehe, Ibam, Ikot Ukono, Mkapna Uruk, and Ika oku. The estimated population of Itu LGA is 91,082 inhabitants with the area mainly populated by members of the Ibibio ethnic group. The Ibibio language is widely spoken in the area while the religion of Christianity is the most practiced religion in the LGA.  A number of indigenous festivals are celebrated in Itu LGA and these include the Uku itu festival.

GEOGRAPHY OF ITU

Itu LGA covers a total area of 606 square kilometres and has an average temperature of 25 degrees centigrade. The area hosts a number of rivers and tributaries with the average humidity level of the LGA put at 91 percent. Itu LGA is heavily forested and has a hilly landscape with undulating vegetation. The average wind speed in Itu LGA is 11 km/h.

ECONOMY OF ITU

Farming is an important economic activity in Itu LGA with a number of crops such as gmelina, raffia palm, oil palm, and plantain grown in the area. Also, several mineral deposits are found in Itu LGA and these include crude oil, salt, limestone, and gravel. Fishing is another critical feature of the economy of Itu LGA with the area’s many rivers being rich in seafood. Other important enterprises undertaken by people of Itu LGA include trade and lumbering.