Etinan


Etinan is located within the south south part of Nigeria and constitutes one of the Local Government Areas in the oil rich Akwa Ibom State. Known for its agricultural and arts craft products, the area forms one of the most peaceful locations in the West African State of Nigeria.
Etinan is also home to the famous Peacock Paints Industries and NIFOR zonal office.
Within Etinan LGA, is the village of Mbioto, hometown of the former Akwa Ibom state governor Obong Akpan Isemin and the village of Ikot Udo Abia, which was part of the route of the African slave trade.

Historical Background

Following the recommendations of the Akilu commission of Inquiry into the administrative structure of the then South Eastern State, Etinan Local Government was created in 1976 out of the former Uyo Division with Etinan as its headquarters.

People & Culture

The area is mainly inhabited by the Iman Ibom people who are characteristically dynamic, imaginative, industrious and intelligent. They generally speak Ibibio language and have a rich cultural heritage. Some of the cultural societies found here are Ekpo, Ekong, Ebre and Idiong. A greater percentage of the people are Christians although some forms of African traditional religion are practiced by few people. Their culture is reflected and displayed through dances, arts, and crafts. The main occupation of the people centres around farming and petty trading. Crops cultivated include yams, cassava, cocoyam and maize. Small scale manufacturing is also carried out by the people. A number of the people also engage in palm-wine tapping, crafts-making, wood-carving, sculpture and baking.

Geographical Location & Climate

Etinan Local Government Area is located on latitude 05001’N and longitude 07054’E. It is 26 kilometres south of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital and 24 kilometres north of Eket. It shares common boundaries with Onna, Nsit Ibom, Mkpat Enin, Abak and Uyo Local Government Areas. The entire local government area lies in the tropical rainforest belt and has two distinct seasons – the rainy season and the dry season. The vegetation is evergreen.

Natural Resources

There are large deposits of mineral resources such as clay, glass, sand and sharp sand. Agricultural resources include palm produce, cassava and yam.

Commerce

One of the most famous markets is the Udua Etinan which is in the capital of the Etinan, along with other markets.

Population

According to the National Population Commission of Nigeria in 2006.