Oruk Anam is a Local Government Area situated in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The native population is predominantly composed of the Annang ethnic group, one of the smaller tribes found in Southeastern Nigeria.
This LGA is often considered the largest in Akwa Ibom due to its expansive land area. The administrative center is located in the town of Ikot Ibritam. It is among the eight Local Government Areas where the Annang language is primarily spoken.
Oruk Anam is divided into two main political regions: the Oruk zone and the Anam zone. The Oruk zone was previously an independent Local Government Area with its headquarters at Urua Anwa and was formerly known as the Southern Annang County Council within the old Abak Division.
The Anam zone was once the Anam Local Government Area, headquartered at Ikot Akpan Essien, and was previously referred to as Anam or Annang County Council in the former Opobo Division.
In 1989, these two LGAs were combined to form the current Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
Oruk Anam shares borders with Ikot-Abasi/Mkpat-Enin Local Government Areas, where Ibibio is spoken, to the south and east, and with Ukanafun Local Government Area, another Annang-speaking region, to the west. According to the 2006 national census, Oruk Anam had a population of approximately 172,000 residents.
The people are mainly engaged in farming, artisan crafts, and civil service occupations. The area serves as a significant gateway to the cities of Port Harcourt and Aba. Commercial activities thrive along major transportation routes, notably in the town of Ekparakwa.
Key public facilities such as the general hospital in Ikot Okoro, police stations, and educational institutions are established here. Notably, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) maintains a campus in Obio Akpa.
##Prominent Towns
Some of the principal towns within Oruk Anam include:
Ekparakwa
Ikot Ibritam
Ikot Okoro
Obio Akpa
Ikot Inuen
Ikot Akpan Essien
Nung Ikot Asanga
Ntak Ibesit
Ikot Afanga
Inen Ekefe
Ikot Esenam
##Administrative Divisions
Oruk Anam is organized into nine clans:
Inen Clan
Obio Akpa Clan
Ibesit Nung Ikot Clan
Nung Ikot Clan
Nung Ita Clan
Ndot Clan
Ibesit Clan
Ekparakwa Clan
Abak/Midim Clan