Governor: Godswill Akpabio (PDP)
Website: www.akwaibomstategov.com
Date Created: September 23, 1987
Capital: UyoMajor Towns: Abak, Etinan, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, Itu, Mkpat, Enin, Oron,Ukanafun, Uyo, Ibiono-Ibom, and Ibeno.
The people of this state are predominantly the Ibibio speaking and are found in the south -south geopolitical zone of the Federation.
Akwa Ibom State was carved out of the Old Cross River State. The stale occupies the South-East corner of Nigeria and is bounded on the north by Abia State, on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the east by the Cross River State and on the west by Rivers State.
There are 31 Local Government areas in the state with Ikot Ekpene, the oldest local government area in Nigeria created in 1951, as one of them. Others are: Abak, Eket, Ekpe, Atai, Essien Udim, Etinan, Etim Ekpo, Ikono,Ikot Abasi, Ini, Itu, Mbo, Mkpat Enin, Nsit. Ibom, Nsit Ubium, Okobo, Onna, Oron, Oruk Anam, Ukanafun, Uquo Ibeno, Uruan, Urue Offong/Oruko, Uyo, Obot Akara, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Eastern Obolo, Udung Uko, Ika, Ibeno.
The geographical area known today as Akwa Ibom is inhabited by three major ethnic groups - the Ibibio, Anang and Oron who speak one language, Ibibio with minor dialectical differences. About 60% of the population is agrarian and such related employ, 25% is commercial oriented while the remaining 15% constitute the civil and public sector.
The homogenous nature of the people is accountable for the minor difference in traditions and customs, including all other aspects of their cultural life. For example, little or no difference exists in their dances, songs, myths, shrines, funerals, folklore, mode of dressing, foods, cults, festivals and monuments The people are noted for wood carving, sculpture, pottery and most importantly cane And raffia works. It is important to note that Ikot Ekpene is known internationally for its raffia products hence the term RAFFIA CITY.
The state is endowed with various minerals resources. It is the third largest producer of petroleum in Nigeria. Other, resources include limestone, clay, natural gas, salt, coal, giver nitrate and glass sand.
The state has one of the largest palm forest in the federation which harbours large varieties of wildlife.
The climate of the state allows for favourable cultivation and extraction of agricultural and forest products such as palm produce, rubber, cocoa, rice, cassava, yam, plantain, banana, maize, and timber.
Investment opportunities abound in the state in areas of commerce, industries, agriculture, housing, motels and tourism. The state government has given incentives for the development of medium and large scale industries. Through the generous provision of condusive environment to encourage local and foreign investors.
There are quite a number of tourist attractions in the state. Notable among these is the Ibeno Beach which stretches over 330 km along the Atlantic Coast line of the State with excellent opportunities for water sporting. Others include the Mobil Tank Farm, the Oron Museum, the Ibom Connection etc.