History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Nsit-Ubium Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State

 
Situated in the southern belt of Nigeria, Nsit-Ubium functions as one of the administrative districts within Akwa Ibom State. Among several areas bearing the name “Nsit” — such as Nsit Atai, Nsit Ibom, and Nsit Ubium — it is often simply referred to as "Nsit" by locals of the state.

##Historical Background
Nsit-Ubium Local Government Area was officially established on May 3, 1989, following its separation from the former Etinan Local Government. The seat of governance is located in Ikot Edibon. Later, in September 1991, the area was further split, leading to the formation of Nsit Ibom as a separate council. This division left Nsit Ubium with two distinct ancestral groups: the Nsit and Ubium clans. Today, the region comprises 65 formally listed villages, along with several other existing settlements.

##Geography 
Nsit Ubium is located about 6 kilometers east of Eket, and it shares its boundaries with local government areas such as Okobo, Nsit Ibom, Etinan, Ibesikpo/Asutan, and Nsit Atai. The area is traversed by the Qua Iboe River, with several tributaries extending across different parts of the region.

Covering roughly 242.942 square kilometers, the landscape is characterized by rolling terrain, low-lying areas, seasonal valleys, and sparsely distributed water bodies. The terrain also includes floodplains and wetlands, largely shaped by the influence of the Qua Iboe River system. Administratively, Nsit Ubium is part of the Uyo Senatorial District under Akwa Ibom North East.

##Ethnic Composition and Culture
The population of Nsit Ubium is divided into two traditional clans: Nsit and Ubium. The Nsit division is made up of 31 villages, while the Ubium side includes 33 villages. Each clan preserves its identity through ancestral and cultural ties.

The Ubium clan comprises three major family groupings: Ise, Afaha, and Ukat, while the Nsit clan is split into four groups: Ibiakpan, Obotim, Nduo Eduo, and Afia Nsit. The people of Nsit Ubium are widely recognized for their warmth, education, and strong work ethic. They also share borders with neighboring local governments such as Nsit Ibom, Eket, and Oron.

##Demographics
As per the national census conducted in 2006, the total number of inhabitants in Nsit Ubium stood at 128,231.