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

 
Ikot Ekpene, often called The Raffia City, is a historic urban center located in Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria’s South-South region. It serves as the political and cultural hub for the Annang people of Nigeria (Nair, 1972). The town sits along the A342 highway, which runs parallel to the coastline, positioned between Calabar to the southeast and Aba to the west. The state capital, Uyo, lies just east along the same route, while Umuahia is the next significant town to the north. In 2022, the population of the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area was estimated at around 180,500 residents.

The historian Kannan Nair described the town as the cultural and political center for both the Annang and Ibibio ethnic groups, with the Ibibio primarily residing eastward and the Annang mostly to the south of the town.

Ikot Ekpene is recognized as a commercial hub in the region, known especially for its palm-based products, including palm oil and kernels, as well as raffia materials such as raffia fiber and palm wine. The area also produces staple crops like yams, cassava, taro, and maize. The town’s population is predominantly Annang, supplemented by Igbo merchants and Hausa vendors specializing in Suya. Additionally, crafts such as basketry, wood carving, and particularly raffia cane furniture are significant exports, earning the town its nickname.

In recent years, Ikot Ekpene has gained recognition for technological advancements through initiatives like FutureLabs, an innovation center dedicated to nurturing young technical talent and supporting tech startups. This hub collaborates with organizations such as NITDA and JICA. The Raffia City Entrepreneurs Scheme committee, inaugurated by Hon. John Cleton Etim, further promotes entrepreneurship in the area.

The town is also a religious center, hosting prominent seminaries and the Catholic Diocese for Nigeria’s South-South region. Educational institutions like Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic at Ikot Osurua and Ritman University are based in the city. Ikot Ekpene also features landmarks such as the mini stadium on GRA Road, Nteps Supermarkets, and the Four Points by Sheraton hotel.

##Historical Overview
Early Settlement:
According to oral tradition, the Annang people first established themselves in the area during the 16th century.

Colonial Period:
Although local inhabitants had little direct contact with European traders—whom they called Mbakara—until the early 20th century, European goods were likely reaching them as far back as the 1600s.

In November 1903, British forces arrived from Calabar, setting up a military post by January 1904. They appointed Umoren Eyenobong, nicknamed “swordwearer” by Europeans, from Ukana to oversee the local Annang population. From this base, troops advanced to Uyo, then Abak and Opobo (present-day Ikot Abasi). Between 1904 and 1910, Ikot Ekpene was part of the Enyong District. By 1914, the district was divided, creating Ikot Ekpene District with Uyo and Abak under its administration, and the headquarters established in the town itself (Akpan, 1967).

By 1919, European trade flourished as Ikot Ekpene developed into an administrative center. Companies like John Holt, Cooperative Wholesale Society, Paterson Zochonis (PZ), G. B. Ollivant, and the French West Africa Company all established stores and offices. This economic activity attracted people from neighboring regions, transforming Ikot Ekpene into a bustling urban area. In 1937, colonial authorities built the main market and organized vendors by separating European imported goods from indigenous products. A slaughterhouse was also introduced to ensure meat inspections (Ette, 2020).

The town’s importance was such that when plans emerged in the late 1920s to build a road linking Owerri and Calabar that would bypass Ikot Ekpene, British officials abandoned the idea in favor of a route connecting Eket and Owerri, ensuring Ikot Ekpene remained a key node (Nair, 1972). It later became an early experiment in local self-governance in 1951 and was the founding place of the Ibibio Welfare Union, established by James Udo Eka and Udosen Obot at a Methodist school in Ikot Obong Edong (Noah, 1988).

Under British rule, the town served as the administrative seat for both the Annang Division and the Ikot Ekpene County Council. Today, it remains an important municipal center within Akwa Ibom State.

Post-Independence Period:
Ikot Ekpene was deeply affected during the Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War), given its strategic military and political importance to both sides. Control of the town changed hands multiple times during the conflict. In the post-war reorganization, the town’s historic significance was diminished, partly because many Annang leaders were killed during the war.

Like many Annang communities, Ikot Ekpene has a strong tradition of self-development, supported by natives both at home and abroad. Various groups are actively working to restore and revitalize the city, affectionately known as “The Raffia City.” The town has a longstanding heritage of turning raffia fibers into textiles used for shoes, hats, bags, mats, and distinct cultural wooden carvings. These traditional crafts have continued alongside farming activities.

Numerous international organizations and churches operate locally. The presence of higher education institutions—Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic at Ikot Osurua, the School of Nursing, St. Joseph Major Theological Seminary, and Ritman University—adds to the town’s cultural and educational vitality.

##Villages in the Local Government Area

Abak Ifia

Abak Oko

Abiakpo Edem Idim

Abiakpo Ikot Essien

Abiakpo Ikot Irem

Abiakpo Ikot Obionting

Abiakpo Ntak-Iyang

Adaratak

Akanaan

Ata Essien Mbiaso

Ibiakpan

Ibiakpan Ikot

Ibiakpan Nto Akan

Ibiakpo Edem Idim

Ibong Nto Akan

Ifuho

Ikot Abia Idem

Ikot Idem

Ikot Inyang

Ikot Obong Edong

Ikot Otu

Ikot-Ekpene Village

Ikot Enwang

Ikotobio Okpon

Itak Ikot Udo-Okop

Mbiaso

Ndem Ekpot

Nkap Ikot Obio Ebok

Nsiak

Obioekere

Uruk Uso

Utu Edem Usung

Utu Ikot Ekrenyong

Utu Ikot Essien

Utu Ikpe


##Sports
The township stadium in Ikot Ekpene hosts several football clubs, including Ibom Youth FC of the Nigerian National League, as well as former home teams like Akwa Starlet (now Dakkadda FC). Other local teams include Mashal Rock FC, Raffia City FC, Ituen FC, Police Academy, and Ibom Stars.

The town has produced notable footballers such as Etok Aniekan (Esperanza de Tunisia), Isaac George (Akwa United), Imoh Obot (Nassarawa United), and Vincent Enyeama (who moved from Marshall Rock to Lille in France and played for Nigeria’s Super Eagles).

##Prominent Individuals

Solomon Udo, professional footballer representing Armenia’s national team

Mmekutmfon Essien, photographer