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Akwa Ibom State

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Akwa Ibom is a state located in the South-South region of Nigeria. It sits near the Atlantic Ocean to the south. To its east lies Cross River State. Rivers State and Abia State border it to the west and north-west. The state takes its name from the Qua Iboe River. This river cuts through the middle of the state. It eventually flows into the Bight of Bonny.

Meridien Akwa Ibom park
Meridien Akwa Ibom park

The land in Akwa Ibom has two main parts. The far south has Central African mangroves near the coast. The rest of the state is filled with Cross–Niger transition forests. In the southeast, you can find the Stubb Creek Forest Reserve. This area is a home for many wild animals. You might see crocodiles or putty-nosed monkeys there. Some animals, like the African leopard, are hard to find now. The ocean nearby is also full of life. Many dolphins and whales swim in those waters.

Long ago, the people lived in different groups called city-states. These included the Ibom Kingdom and Akwa Akpa. There was no single central government back then. People lived in communities based on their families. In 1884, the area became part of a British protectorate. Later, the British organized the Enyong Division in 1904. The headquarters for this division was in Ikot Ekpene. This city is a very important place for the Annang people.

Akwa Ibom is a very busy place for making energy. It is the highest oil-producing state in Nigeria. It produces a lot of crude oil and natural gas. Many local areas, like Eket and Ibeno, help with this work. Besides oil, people also work in farming. They grow crops like yam, plantain, and cocoyam. Some people also fish or raise snails.

Akwa Ibom state contingent 3
Akwa Ibom state contingent 3

Many different groups of people call this state home. The Ibibio, Annang, and Oron are the main groups. There are about 20 different languages spoken here. Most people in the state are Christians.

Pioneer Qua Iboe Church, full view. Upenekang, Ibeno
Pioneer Qua Iboe Church, full view. Upenekang, Ibeno

The state was officially created in 1987. It was split from Cross River State by the government. The city of Uyo was chosen as the capital. This was done to help the whole state grow.

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🖼️ Images & Media (3)
File:Akwa Ibom state contingent 3.jpg
Akwa Ibom state contingent 3.jpg
File:Meridien Akwa Ibom park.jpg
Meridien Akwa Ibom park.jpg
File:Pioneer Qua Iboe Church, full view. Upenekang, Ibeno.jpg
Pioneer Qua Iboe Church, full view....
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