Abak/Midim stands as one of the nine traditional districts that make up Oruk Anam Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, located in the coastal southern region of Nigeria. Alongside another district, it formed part of the now-defunct Anam Local Government Area.
##Geographical Setting and Historical Context
Nestled in a strategically significant area, Abak/Midim shares borders with:
Ibesit/Nung Ikot to the north (within Oruk Anam)
Edemaya to the south (Ikot Abasi LGA)
Essene/Ikpa Nung Asang to the east (also in Ikot Abasi)
The Imoh River to the west, which acts as a natural boundary with the Ogoni territories of Rivers State
This positioning makes Abak/Midim a crucial gateway between Port Harcourt (Rivers State capital) and Akwa Ibom, traversed by Nigeria’s East-West highway, a major transport artery.
##Population and Livelihood
This district accounts for nearly 25% of Oruk Anam’s estimated population of 372,000, making it one of the more populous regions in the LGA.
The land is notably fertile, encouraging widespread involvement in agriculture, which employs over half of the residents. Others earn livelihoods in informal trade, craftsmanship, and public service.
In addition to its farming potential, the district is resource-rich, hosting several oil fields located in:
Ikot Inuen
Ikot Otu
Etok Ediene
Ikot Uso Etok
Ute Etok
These sites contribute to the area's role in the broader energy landscape of southern Nigeria.
##Education and Infrastructure
The area is served by public secondary schools, ensuring access to formal education for the youth. Efforts to improve infrastructure and connectivity have increased the district’s importance as both a local center and a transit route.
##Communities Within Abak/Midim
The district consists of 37 distinct villages and towns, each contributing to its social and cultural diversity:
Ediene Ikot Inyang
Eka Ediene
Enuekoro
Etuk Ediene
Ikot Adia
Ikot Akpakpan
Ikot Inuen
Ikot Akpan Etedue
Ikot Akpan Ntia
Ikot Akpan Essien
Ikot Akpan Otuk
Ikot Akpan Udo I
Ikot Eda
Ikot Mbong
Ikot Obio Asan
Ikot Obio Atara
Ikot Obio Aduak
Ikot Oko
Ikot Osute
Ikot Otok
Ikot Otu
Ikot Owobo
Ikot Ukpo
Ikot Ukpong Obioese
Ikot Uso Etok
Ikot Utiat
Offot Ikot Abasi Esu
Otung Aya
Ikot Ukpong Eren
Ukpom
Ute Etuk
Utu Ikot Iwara
Utu Ikot Obio Ekpe
Ikot Esenam
Ikot Itor
Manta
Ikot Obong
##Conclusion
Abak/Midim is more than just a geographic entity—it's a cultural stronghold, a gateway of commerce, and a growing contributor to Akwa Ibom’s agricultural and petroleum-based economy. Its villages carry stories of resilience, enterprise, and a deeply rooted communal life, making it a vital chapter in the larger narrative of Oruk Anam and Akwa Ibom State.