Akwa Ibom is a state in the south of Nigeria. It is one of the wealthiest states in Nigeria and is known as the “Land of Promise” because it has so many natural resources. To the west, it is next to Rivers State; to the east, it is next to Abia State; to the south, it is next to Cross River State; and to the south, it is next to the Atlantic Ocean.
Here are 15 key facts about Akwa Ibom State:
- Akwa Ibom was created from a portion of Cross River State on September 23, 1987. It was the 21st state in Nigeria.
- Uyo is both the state capital and the biggest city in the state. Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Oron are three other big cities in Akwa Ibom.
- Akwa Ibom’s official language is English, but Ibibio, Annang, and Oron are the state’s largest ethnic groups.
- The state’s land area is 7,081 square kilometres, split into 31 different local government areas.
- Akwa Ibom has a lot of natural resources, like crude oil, natural gas, limestone, and clay.
- Ibeno Beach, Ikot Abasi Beach, the National Museum of Colonial History, and the Akwa Ibom State Government House are all tourist spots in the state.
- All year, temperatures in the state range from 25°C to 32°C, making it a tropical climate. Most of the time, the rainy season runs from April to October.
- The state’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, fishing, and oil production as the main sectors. The state is known for making pineapples, bananas, and cassava. It also makes the most crude oil in Nigeria.
- Udom Gabriel Emmanuel is the governor of Akwa Ibom at the moment. He took office on May 29, 2015. The governor is in charge of the state government, and they are chosen for a four-year term.
- Akwa Ibom is home to the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Akwa Ibom State College of Education, and the Ibom Institute of Management and Technology.
- Christianity and traditional African religions are the two major faiths in Akwa Ibom. The state is also home to a large number of Muslims.
- Akwa Ibom is known for its rich cultural history; festivals are held yearly. The Ibibio New Yam Festival, the Annang Ekpe Festival, and the Oro Festival are some of the most important events in the state.
- The state has more than 5 million people who come from many different backgrounds. The largest ethnic group in the state is the Ibibio, followed by the Annang and the Oron.
- There are several airports in Akwa Ibom. These include the Akwa Ibom International Airport in Uyo and the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, in the nearby Cross River State.
- The state government has invested a lot of money in building infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. The state also has several industrial parks and free trade zones, which have brought in investors from inside and outside the state.
