History, Origin, Culture and Tradition of Ukanafun Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State

 
Ukanafun is a Local Government Area (LGA) situated in the southern region of Nigeria, within Akwa Ibom State, part of the South-South geopolitical zone.

The area was established through the separation of territories previously under Abak and Opobo divisions during the era of Cross River State. Ukanafun was significantly impacted by the Nigerian Civil War, which led to major population displacement and a collapse in the area's economic activities.

Despite decades since the war, Ukanafun still grapples with its aftermath. Once a bustling trade center for the Anaang ethnic group, its economic prominence has waned, largely due to the wartime destruction of the colonial-era road networks that previously supported commerce and mobility.

Historically, palm products were the leading cash crops of the region. The port town of Ntak Ibesit—now part of Oruk Anam LGA—was a key hub for the palm kernel trade, especially at the Ekpene Okpo river port. The area maintained trade links with Opobo, but today, the port is no longer operational.

##Settlements
In the 21st century, Ukanafun is composed of numerous rural communities and settlements, including but not limited to: Ikot Ibekwe, Akoyo, Ikot Una, Idung Nnekke, Nkek, Nkek Idim, Afaha Obo, Ikot Esien, Nyak Ibah, Ikot Andem, Ikot Etim, Ikot Oku Usung, Ikot Uko, Ikot Akpa Ntuen, Ikot Inyang Abia, Ntak Afagha, Nto Okon, Usung Atiat, Ikot Udo Osiom, and Ikot Akpa Idem.

##Local Economy
Fishing is an essential livelihood for many Ukanafun residents, thanks to the area's freshwater bodies that support a rich variety of aquatic life. Agriculture also plays a major role, with crops like plantain and oil palm forming a substantial part of the harvest during the growing season.

In addition to farming and fishing, locals engage in trading, timber work, and craftsmanship, producing items ranging from woven goods to carved artifacts.

##Administrative Structure
Ukanafun is divided into four main clans or districts, which are:

Southern Ukanafun

Northern Ukanafun

Southern Afaha

Northern Afaha


##List of Towns and Villages
Southern Ukanafun District:

Edem Idim

Idung Eka Uyo

Idung Idem Udo

Idung Uko Udo

Idung Urum Iso

Ikot Akpa Nkuk

Ikot Akpan Eyara

Ikot Enang

Ikot Ibekwe

Ikot Inyang Udo 1

Ohaobu

Ikot Odiong

Ikot Udo Abia

Ikot Uko Obobo

Ikot Ukpong

Ikot Una

Ikot-Inyang Abia

Nkek

Nyak Zba

Obon Odor

Okoyo


Northern Ukanafun District:

Afaha Ikot Akpa Idem

Afaha Ikot Akwa

Afaha Ikot Inyang

Afaha Obo Ata Essien

Afaha Obo Ikot Uko

Afaha Odon

Idem

Ikot Akpa Ntuen

Ikot Anta Eneng-Obum

Ikot Ide

Ikot Obio Okpoho

Ikot Obio-Owo

Ikot Oku Usung

Ikot Uko Annang

Inyang

Nkek Abak

Nkek Idim

Nsekhe

Ukanafun Ikot-Ekpat

Ukanafun-Edem


Southern Afaha District:

Awat Waterside

Idung Nneke

Idung-Akpan Uko

Ikot Akai

Ikot Akpa Idem

Ikot Akpan Afaha

Ikot Andem

Ikot Awak

Ikot Dappa

Ikot Edong

Ikot Effiong

Ikot Essien

Ikot Etim

Ikot Ikang

Ikot Ikpe

Ikot Iwara

Ikot Obong

Ikot Oto-Iwuo

Ikot Owure

Ikot Udo-Ossiom

Odoro Ikot

Usung Atiat


Northern Afaha District:

Abat

Adat Ifang

Akwa

Ata Essien

Ata Essien Afaha-Ntak

Ekpe

Ikot Akpan Eyo

Ikot Akpan Inyang

Ikot Akpan-Ebo

Ikot Antia

Ikot Anuwo

Ikot Arankere

Ikot Ebok

Ikot Edem Ewa

Ikot Edung

Ikot Ekpankpe

Ikot Ndot

Ikot Udo

Ikot Udo Iyak

Ikot Udo Mbang

Ikot Udo Mbang/Afaha Obo

Ikot Uram

Ikot Utiat

Ikot Wkpankpe

Ndot Ikot Akwa

Ntak Afaha Ikot

Nto Okon Ikot Enyiekop

Nto Okon Ikot Okpo

Nto Okon Ikot-Obio


##Key Urban Areas
Among the more prominent settlements in Ukanafun are:

Ikot Akpa Nkuk

Ikot Ibekwe

Ikot Arankere

Ikot Etim

Ikot Akai

Ikot Akpan Ntuen

Ntak Afaha

Ikot Okumu

Ikot Oku Usung

Ikot Ideh

Ikot Enang

Afaha Odon