History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Abak Town in Akwa Ibom State

 
Abak is a town and Local Government Area (LGA) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Initially part of Cross River State, the LGA was later divided into other local government areas, including Oruk Anam, Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun, and Ika. The predominant ethnic group in the area is the Annang. 

Abak comprises five clans
Which includes:

Abak Urban

Afaha Obong

Ediene

Midim

Otoro


The region's primary economic activities before and after the Nigerian Civil War focused on the production of palm products, which were exported via the river port at Ekpene Okpo, Ntak Ibesit, located about 8 km from Abak town. Abak, the LGA headquarters, is situated approximately 18 kilometers from Uyo, the state capital. With a land area of 304 square kilometers, Abak’s current state is a mere reflection of its former significance, largely due to political neglect by successive governments in Akwa Ibom State. Prior to the Civil War, Abak was a thriving economic center in the southeastern part of Nigeria. The Nigerian Army's Ibagwa Barracks is located in Abak, and the Ime Umana Campus of the University of Uyo, which offers Pre-Degree, JUPEB, and other specialized courses, is based in Ediene Abak.

The economy of the region is still largely driven by palm produce. Before the Civil War, Abak Division was a major producer of palm oil and kernels, which were exported through river ports at Ntak Ibesit and Ikot Okoro. The area is rich in natural resources, including valuable minerals such as sand, gravel, clay, salt, and crude oil (corked). Situated within the tropical rainforest, it also supplies abundant palm produce, cassava, and various vegetables.

##HISTORY 
Abak became the seat of government in 1902 after the British armed forces conquered the valley between the Ediene and Abak Clans. The successful British campaign led to the establishment of a colonial government in the region. The local term for valley is "Aba-ag," and fighting is referred to as "Anwan." The name "Aba-ag Ikot Anwan" was derived by combining these two words, symbolizing the newly established government entity. The settlement grew and eventually became a Divisional Council Headquarters in 1957 and 1958. At that time, the area included the present Ukanafun, Oruk Anam, Etim Ekpo, Ika, and Abak, all of which have since developed into full-fledged LGAs.

Following the Nigerian Civil War, the South Eastern State Government was formed, and Abak became one of the Development Administrative Headquarters. With the local government reforms of 1976, Abak officially became an independent Local Government Area, a status it retains today.

##CULTURE 
Abak boasts a rich cultural heritage, with traditional dances such as Ekpe, Ekpo, and Idiongitals, despite the majority of its people being Christian. Some traditional institutions, such as Ekpo, Ekpe, Idiong, Attat Utu-Ekpe, and Nnabo, remain important. These cultural practices were once integral to traditional governance but lost their prominence after the arrival of European missionaries in the mid-nineteenth century.

##PEOPLE 
The majority of the population in Abak is from the Annang ethnic group. The people of Abak are known for their resourcefulness and are highly organized for both economic development and political participation within the state and the broader Nigerian federation.

##Population 
As of the 2006 National Census, the population of Abak stands at 139,090, with 73,578 males and 65,512 females.

##TOURISM 
Abak has a growing tourism industry with private establishments offering accommodations, parks, gardens, and recreational clubs.

##NATURAL RESOURCES 
Abak is rich in natural resources, including sand, gravel, clay, salt, and crude oil (corked). The region’s tropical rainforest provides abundant palm produce, cassava, and various vegetables, which are key to the local economy.

##CLIMATE 
Abak, located at sea level, experiences a tropical monsoon climate (Am classification). The area has an average annual temperature of 28.5°C (83.3°F), slightly lower than the national average for Nigeria. Abak receives an average of 342.88 millimeters (13.5 inches) of rainfall annually, spread over 294.64 wet days.