Akwa Ibom! Land of Promise
Travelling to Akwa Ibom State
The NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp is located at Ikot Itie Udung, in the Nsit Atai Local Government Area of the state. Akwa Ibom is served by an airport and is easily accessible by road from all parts of the country.
On YouthPlus:
More on Akwa-Ibom
Akwa Ibom is a state located in the coastal southern part of the country; one of the states in the South-South geopolitical zone. It is bordered on the east by Cross River State, on the west by Rivers State and Abia State, and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean and the southernmost tip of Cross River State. Akwa Ibom was created in 1987 by the former Cross River State. The state’s capital is Uyo and consists of 31 local government areas.
People and Culture
The physical relief of the State is basically flat. Like other parts of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom has basically two distinct seasons: The rainy season lasts from May to October, while the duration of the dry season is November to April. However, in the coastal areas, rain falls almost all year round. The harmattan, accompanied by the North-East Wind occurs in December and early January. The average annual temperature in the state is 26.4 °C
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.
Geography and Climate
Akwa Ibom State has five main ethnic groups; Ibibio, Annang, Oron, Ibeno, and Eket. The Ibibio are the largest group followed by the Annang. The ethnic groups have language and they express similar customs.
It is believed that a common heritage exists among the various ethnic groups hence the prevalence of customary solidarity among them.
Notable Places
Key cities and towns include Uyo, Oron, Abaki, Etinan, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, Itu, Mkpat-Enin, Ukanafun, Ibeno, Ibiono-Ibom, Nsitubom. Akwa Ibom state has many sites to explore from natural sights to man-made places. Of note are; Ibeno Beach, Bridge of no Return; The amalgamation house etc. One of the main festivals is the Ekpe festival. Also, be sure to try out the amazing Afang soup while in the state. Universities in the state are University of Uyo, Uyo; Ritman University, Obong University.
Economic Opportunities
The state’s competitive advantages include a state-owned airline & an international airport, the longest coastline in Nigeria & Gulf of Guinea (129km shoreline suitable for development and aquaculture), a 191MW state-owned power generating plant, the largest oil-producing state (566k+bpd), investment-friendly & secured environment, and vibrant agro-based economy.
Interesting Fact
Akwa Ibom state is currently the highest oil- and gas-producing state in the country.
Experiences of Corps Members that served in Akwa Ibom State
Image Sources:
https://www.televisionafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/akwa-ibom.jpg
https://ndlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Uyo-Capital-City.jpg
Other Sources Referenced:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akwa_Ibom_State
https://www.cometonigeria.com/region/south-south/akwa-ibom/