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

 
Essien Udim is one of the Annang-speaking Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It was formed from the former Ikot Ekpene division and comprises several clans within Annang territory, including Afaha, Adiasim, Odoro Ikot, Ekpeyong Atai, Ikpe Annang, Okon, Ukana, and Ukana East clans.

The population of Essien Udim LGA is estimated at around 79,444 residents, with the majority belonging to the Affang ethnic subgroup. The Affang dialect is widely spoken throughout the area, and Christianity stands as the dominant religion.

Key landmarks in Essien Udim include the Sunshine Battery Factory located at Ukana Ikot Ide and the Akan Ikot Okoro conversion center. The Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, and Topfaith University are also situated within the LGA.

Essien Udim is notably the hometown of Chief Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, a former governor, minister, and the current president of the Nigerian Senate.

The current chairman leading the council is Mr. Usoro Ntiedo Effiong.

##History
Historically, Essien Udim was the most populous region in Annang land, with its administrative headquarters at Afaha Ikot Ebak. It was officially established as a Local Government Area in 1989, carved out from Ikot Ekpene LGA.

Within Ikpe Annang, there are fourteen villages including are:

Ibam

Ikot Akpan

Ikot Ntuen

Nnung Iyang

Udok

Mbia Obong

Mbiabet

Ikot Ekpe

Ikot Eside

Ebe

Ikot Abiat

Ekpeno Oton

Onion Ono

Ekoi, 

The smallest village is Ikpe Ekoi, while Mbiabet is the largest.

Okon clan consists of eighteen villages such as 

Ikot Idem Udo

Ikot Oko

Ikot Essien

Ikot Uke Etor

Ikot Nya

Ikot Ama

Ikot Igwe

Ikot Ekefre

Ikot Ekpenyong

Ikot Ocho

Ikot Udo Okure

Ikpe Okon

Ifa Okon

Umon

Nji

Ufuku

Nto Okpo

Nto Ubiam.


##Geography
Essien Udim experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The area’s average temperature is about 25°C, with an annual rainfall of approximately 3550 mm. Humidity levels typically hover around 86 percent. Several streams and tributaries run through the LGA. The A342 highway traverses the eastern and northern parts of Essien Udim.

##Economy
The region is rich in crude oil and natural gas, hosting several local and international oil companies. Fishing is a significant livelihood due to the abundance of fish in the local rivers and streams.

Other important economic activities include farming, trading, block and pottery production, crafting raffia baskets, mats, and caps, as well as making fishing nets and canoes. Key crops cultivated here include oil palm, cassava, and rubber. The Obo Annang market is a major commercial hub within the area.