Nigerian historical events

1. HISTORY OF AKWA IBOM STATE
On September 23, 1987, the collective dream of the people was made as Akwa Ibom State, with the slogan
the “Land of Promise” was finally created. This was after about four decades of resilient agitation.
The creation of the State marked good justice to many. This is because the state was left out in earlier
state creation exercises despite foremost efforts in the struggle for state creation in Nigeria. This was
spearheaded by the Ibibio Union, – a foremost Socio-Cultural organization which was a central platform
for the people of this part of Nigeria.
Ibibio Union was formed in 1928 as a cultural association, however, in 1948, it was made over into an
institution with the aim of promoting and spearheading the cause of state creation in Nigeria.
However, in 1967 during the Yakubu Gowon administration, and after the 12 state structure was founded,
following the creation of states by the administration, the Mainland part of Calabar Province in the then
Eastern region of Nigeria was ordinarily part of the then South Eastern State.
Moving on, in 1976, South Eastern State was renamed Cross River State. This change in name was not
enough for the people. It made them clamour the more for a state of their own.
In 1983, after the break down of the 2nd
Republic, a memorandum was sent to the then General Buhari
administration demanding the creation of Akwa Ibom State. This was done by the paramount rulers from
the 10 Local Government areas that made up the mainland part of the then Cross River Stat. This action
did not yield the desired result.
Undaunted, the people waited for another opportunity. In 1986, another opportunity came when the
Administration of General Ibrahim Babangida set up a political Bureau with the aim of outlining the
political direction of the country for the future. The memorandum was re-submitted.
LOCATION
Akwa Ibom lies between Latitudes 4o 32” and 5o 33” North and Longitudes 7o 35” and 8o 25” East. The
State has Rivers state on its east, Cross River State by the west, Abia State on the north and the Gulf of
Guinea by the south.
AREA
At the moment, Akwa Ibom state encompasses a total land area of 7,249 square kilometres. Disputed
territories are not included here. It ranks as the 10th
largest state in Nigeria in terms of land area. About
13.4 per cent of the 960km of Nigeria’s Atlantic Ocean coastline runs through the State. Towns in Akwa
Ibom include; Eket, Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Abasi, Oron, Abak, Itu, Etinan, Ibeno, etc.
The people of Akwa Ibom State are culturally bounded and alike with a common identity. They are reputed
to be the first settlers in the present day South Eastern Nigeria. Ibibio, Annang and Oron are the three
major dialects. Other subgroups include Eket, Ibeno, Itu Mbonuso and the Andonis. The language of
government and business, however, is the English language.

2. VEGETATION
Akwa Ibom is within the tropical zone. It, therefore, enjoys predominant vegetation of green (trees and
shrubs). The state is a major part of the nation’s oil-palm belt. The Atlantic coastline stretches 129km from
Oron in the East to Ikot Abasi in the West. Three distinct vegetation zones exist within the state: the saline
water swamp forest, the freshwater swamp forest and the rain forest.
Akwa Ibos is reputed to be a uni-cultural State where norms, taboos, customs and traditions are held in
high regards and often the same. While the folkways may differ from one ethnic group to another, the
cultural norms in operation are fundamentally the same in all groups of the state.
The cultural similarities that bind the people together are in such areas as cuisines, dressing, dances,
songs, rituals, folklore, beliefs and myths. Almost all aspects of the state’s culture hold memorable
experiences for tourists and good opportunities for investment.
SPECIAL DANCES
1. ASIAN UBO IKPA
Asian Uboikpa is translated to mean ‘the proud and flamboyant maiden’. This dance is done by maidens
between the age of 18 years and 25 years who have passed the ‘Mbopo’ institution. Mbopo is the period
in which a girl is enclosed, well fed and trained on various aspects of home management. This is done in
preparation for marriage. This is the common tradition in almost all the remote areas of the State.
Performed by maidens at their prime, Asian Uboikpa has its exuberant appeal as it asserts the
youthfulness, beauty, and innocence. It also promotes the motto of the Akwa Ibom people on chastity
and good moral behaviour.
2. OKO
Oko is the male dance, ferocious in nature. It is therefore likened to a war dance. The climax of this dance
starts when the dancers’ start slashing at one another with razor-sharp machetes and firing at themselves
with live bullets from Dane guns.
It is usually astonishing and often considered mysterious that not a drop of blood by any of the fighters is
shed as the machetes cannot get through the skin of the dancers, neither will the bullets hurt any of the
members. It is said that participants are in a secret society.
3. NKEREBE
Nkerebe means looking for a husband. It is another woman dance popular among the Akwa Ibom people.
It is performed yearly by young girls at the age of puberty while they plan to perform the Mboppo
ceremony.

3. 4. ASIAN MBRE IBAN
Asian Mbre Iban is a dance performed by single ladies to showcase themselves and inform the unmarried
men of the community on their eligibility. Akwa Ibom has many more women dances such as Akan,
Asamba and Uwok which is performed in the villages now and then.
5. NDOK UFOK EBE
The Ndok Ufok Ebe means the shame of a bad marriage. It is yet another woman dance to express
grievances over maltreatment of women by their husbands. The dance is usually performed with songs
informing the community about their plight. The women are topless when performing the dance in market
places.
6. EBRE
There is also the Ebre society women dance performed yearly during the harvesting of new yam. During
this occasion, women dance to the market place and neighbouring villages. The dance is not only meant
to entertain but as well as deliberate protest against what is regarded as male chauvinism, which is
reflected in the vulgarity of some of the song texts.
CONCLUSION
Akwa Ibom State is very rich in Vegetation. The different cultures practiced by the people strengthened
the ethnicity of the State. The languages of the people of Akwa Ibom State is very unique such that anyone
in the State can understand each other despite their ethnic groups. Akwa Ibom State has fertile soil that
grows varieties of crops and plantation. The landmark of Akwa Ibom State is the second to the largest
State in Nigeria, which brings food availability to the State and Nigeria as the whole.