Ikot Ekpene
About
Ikot Ekpene is a historic town in Akwa Ibom State, south-south Nigeria, known as The Raffia City. It is the political and cultural capital of the Annang ethnic group and a regional centre of commerce, with exports of palm products, raffia products and farm crops. The town is also known for raffia cane furniture, basket weaving and sculpture, and hosts institutions such as the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic and Ritman University. The town lies on the A342 highway between Calabar and Aba, with the state capital Uyo just to the east. The Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area had an estimated population of 180,500 in 2022.
History
Oral history indicates that the Annangs first settled the area in the 16th century. European traders reached the people through trade articles from the 17th century, but direct contact came mostly in the early twentieth century. British troops arrived from Calabar in November 1903 and established a garrison in January 1904. Between 1904 and 1910 Ikot Ekpene was part of the Enyong District, which was split in 1914 to form the Ikot Ekpene District with its headquarters in the town. By 1919 trading companies had established posts in the town, and in 1937 the colonial administration built the main market. The town became the seat of the Annang Division and the Ikot Ekpene County Council under the British, and was the site of an experiment in local self-governance in 1951. During the Biafran civil war the town changed hands at least three times, and many Annang leaders were killed during the conflict.
Source: Wikipedia: Ikot Ekpene
Key Facts
State
Akwa Ibom State
Chairman
Mr. Aniefiok Nkom
Area
116 km²
Population
143,077 (2006 census); 180,500 (2022 estimate)