History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Itu Local Government Area n Akwa Ibom State

 
##Overview of Itu Local Council Area
Located in Nigeria’s southern region, Itu is one of the administrative districts in Akwa Ibom State. The area spans an estimated 200 square kilometers. Geographically, Itu shares its northern and northeastern borders with Odukpani in Cross River State and Arochukwu in Abia State. To the west, it is bordered by Ibiono Ibom and Ikono Local Government Areas, while to the south and southeast, it adjoins Uyo and Uruan Local Government Areas, respectively.

##Communities within Itu District
The following are the towns and villages located in Itu Local Government Area:

Oku

Enen Atai

Obot Etim

Mbiabo

Ema Itam

Ikot Annie

Ekit Itam

Obong Itam

Ekiri Itam

Mbak Atai

Ikot Ayan

Ekim Itam

Ikot Andem Itam

Ikot Akpan

Abong

Mbiatok Itam

Mbiaku Itam

Mmkpeti

Efe Itam

Afaga Itam

Akon Itam

Ayadehe

Ibam

Adang Itam

Ikot Anyan

Ntiat

Ikot Ukono

Ikot Ebom Itam

Ikot Ekang

Ikot Ekwere Itam

Ikot Emien Itam

Ikot Etpuk

Ikot Mbonde Itam

Ikot Obio Atai I

Ikot Obio Enang

Ikot Obong Edong

Ikot Abiyak

Mbak Ikot Oku

Mbak Obio

Mbribit Itam

Ntak Inyang

Nung Ukot Itam

Nwut Usiong

Afaha Ube

Afaha Ude Oke

Atai Ibiaku Itam

Ekit-Itom Akpan Obong

Ikot Abasi Itam

Ikot Akpabio-Ayadehe

Ikot Onoi

Ikot Udo

Mkapna Uruk

Ika Oku


##Economic Activities in Itu
Agriculture plays a central role in the livelihoods of Itu residents. Crops such as gmelina, raffia palm, oil palm, and plantain are commonly cultivated in the area. In addition to farming, Itu holds deposits of crude oil, salt, limestone, and granite, which contribute to its natural resource base.

Fishing is another vital economic pursuit, thanks to the abundance of rivers and creeks rich in aquatic life. Trade and logging are also practiced, supplementing local income and employment.

The administrative offices for Itu Local Government are situated in Mbak Atai Itam, near the Calabar-Itu highway, which connects Akwa Ibom to Cross River State.

##Establishment
The Itu Local Government Area was formally created on May 17, 1994, by then-military administrator Lt. Col. Yakubu Bako.

##Prominent Individuals
Emem Eduok (b. 1994) – Professional footballer.