AKWA IBOM STATE CELEBRATES 38TH ANNIVERSARY

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Today being the 23rd day of September 2025, Akwa Ibom State is celebrating its 38th anniversary.

Akwa Ibom State is a land with great breathtaking views and culture which attracts tourists from all over the country and some continents who come to view the different tourists attraction in the state.

Akwa Ibom State was created on 23rd September 1987 by the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who was Nigeria’s Head of State at the time.

It was carved out of the old Cross River State to give the Ibibio, Annang, Oron, and other ethnic groups their own state.

If we go back in time we would see how Akwa Ibom State was created and why.

The creation of Akwa Ibom State came after many years of agitation by its people for recognition and self-determination within Nigeria. Here’s the background:

1. Early Struggles Pre-independence & Post-independence

The Ibibio, Annang, Oron, Eket, and related groups long sought their own identity separate from the Efik-dominated Calabar area in the old Eastern Region.

In the 1950s, leaders from the area began pushing for a separate administrative unit, which they called “Akwa Ibom” meaning Bright/Great Land in Ibibio .

2. Within Cross River State 1967 – 1987

When states were created in 1967, the Ibibio/Annang/Oron people were merged into Cross River State.

However, many felt marginalized politically and economically, as most state development and power were centered in Calabar the Efik stronghold .

This fueled stronger demands for their own state.

3. The Agitation Movement

Several leaders, intellectuals, and traditional rulers championed the cause, including Obong Sampson Udo Etuk, Chief Nyong Essien, Dr. Clement Isong, Chief U.J. Esuene, and many others.

The movement gained national attention, especially during the 1970s and 1980s.

4. Creation in 1987

On 23rd September 1987, General Ibrahim Babangida then Head of State officially carved Akwa Ibom State out of Cross River State.

Uyo was chosen as the state capital.

It became one of the oil-rich states in the Niger Delta region, giving its people more control and visibility in Nigeria’s politics and developments. It was first governed by Colonel Tunde Ogbeha, appointed in September 1987 when the state was created. He was a military governor, serving under General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration. The first civilian governor came later in January 1992 — Obong Akpan Isemin.

That state created the is what we Akwa Ibomites are celebrating and it has grown from state of creation to being one of the influencing states in Nigeria especially in oil production.

Thanks for reading my post.