Uyo is the capital city of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. The State lies at the extreme south of the country and shakes hands with the Atlantic ocean.
The name Akwa Ibom was formed from the Qua Iboe River that cuts through the state and flows into the Bight of Bonny. It shares boundary to the east with Cross Rivers State, to the west with River and Abia States and to the south with the Atlantic ocean.
The state has a land mass of 7,081 Km² and a population of about 6million people.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Though there may be slight differences between the different ethnic groups in the state, the culture of the Akwa Ibomites(as we are called) is homogeneous. The three major dialectal groups are Ibibio,Annang and Oron. Other sub groups include Eket, Ibeno, Itu Mbonuso and the Andonis. English is the language of government and business.
We are known for our uniqueness in our beautiful dances and cultural display.
The Ekpo and Ekpe masquerade cult that was used to maintain the laws and norms in the society stands out as one of the most outstanding cultural displays in Akwa Ibom State.
SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekpo_Society
Asian Ubo Ikpa
Asian Uboikpa means the proud and flamboyant maiden. This dance is performed by maidens between the age of 18 years and 25 years who have successfully gone through the ‘Mbopo’ institution. Mbopo being the period a girl is confined, fattened and drilled on all aspects of home management in preparation for marriage.
It is common in almost all the hinterland of the State. Performed by maidens at their prime, Asian Uboikpa therefore is in its visual appeal and celebrates and affirm the youthful innocence and purity in their beauty, while showcasing the popular admonition among the Akwa Ibom people that chastity once lost is lost forever.
SOURCE: https://naijabiography.com/history-culture/history-of-akwa-ibom-state/
ECONOMICAL ENDOWMENT
The state contributes so much to the nation's economy. Akwa Ibom State is the highest crude oil producing state in Nigeria. It produces both onshore and offshore oil.
The state is also outstanding in it's agricultural production. The people of the state are known for cultivation of both economic produces like Cocoa, palm trees, rubber trees and consumables like yam, cassava and lots of vegetables. One of such vegetables is afang which is used in preparing afang soup which is the most celebrated dish here.
SOURCE: https://www.morenews.ng/natural-resources-in-akwa-ibom-locations-and-uses/
SOURCE: https://sisijemimah.com/2016/08/16/afang-soup-recipe/
It is also worthy of mention here that the people of Akwa Ibom State takes a top position in ICT in the country. That can be seen in the successes recorded in the ICT world by many Akwa Ibomites and the ICT academies scattered all around the state.
INFRASTRUCTURES
Before going to mention the infrastructures in the state, it is only necessary I speak about the serenity of the state. Akwa Ibom State has been celebrated as the cleanest state in Nigeria many for years and has kept that record over the past few years.
It is named "Nigeria's best kept secret" because of it's infrastructural prowess. The Ibom International airport that has the indigenous, state owned airline, IbomAir, is just one of such. IbomAir is very outstanding and celebrated all over the country.
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium nicknamed the Nest of Champions with thirty thousand (30,000) capacity is one of the most preferred in the country because of its state of the art facilities, serenity and security in the state.
SOURCE: https://travu.ng/2021/06/20/heres-what-flyers-can-expect-when-the-new-airport-terminal-in-uyo-is-ready/
SOURCE: https://punchng.com/ibom-air-owned-by-govt-attorney-general/
SOURCE: https://opinion.premiumtimesng.com/2017/09/02/the-opportunity-cost-of-the-godswill-akpabio-international-stadium-by-inibehe-effiong/
The state is known to have one of the best road networks in Nigeria which is not common in some neighbouring states. Many other roads are being constructed to open the state the more for business purposes.
The Ibom Le Meridien hotels and Golf Resort has been the most preferred for all international conferences and their likes. This is due to its serenity, world class facilities and security.
Let me mention the Ibom Christmas Village that is opened every December for the recreational purpose of the festive season. There you will have a taste of all the dishes that Akwa Ibomites are known with.
SOURCE: https://nairda.com/project/le-meridien-ibom-hotel-golf-resort/
SOURCE: https://nairda.com/project/le-meridien-ibom-hotel-golf-resort/
SUMMARY
Akwa Ibom State has been celebrated over the years for her serene environment and security even in the midst of the security challenges in the country. She is outstanding because of the state of the art infrastructures and road networks. I thereby I recommend Akwa Ibom State for your next visit to Nigeria.