Prominent Towns in Akwa-Ibom

Essien Udim
Latitude:  5.0554          Lat (DMS)                5° 5' 56N              
Longitude: 7.7399        Long (DMS)           7° 38' 24E
Elevation (Feet): 830
Population Est.(2011): 229070
Zip Code: 530108

History
Essien- Udim is a second-order administrative division and is located in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The estimate terrain elevation above seal level is 78 metres.
Essien Udim is one of the Annang speaking Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It was created out of the former Ikot Ekpene division and includes the following clans in Annang land: Ukana, Adiasim, Akon, Afaha, Odoro Ikot, Ekpenyong Atai and Ikpe.
Before the last civil war, the portion described as Central Annang with its full autonomy as a council was merged with Ikot Ekpene Urban and Otoro County Council. The three county councils eventually became one council with the name Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. This situation went through the ordeal of the Civil war.
In the Second Republic, between 1979-1983 during the Shagari and Clement Isong as Executive President of Nigeria and Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State respectively, the Cross River State House if Assembly created Local Government following the recommendation of Okoji Panel Report.

It was during this creation that what was formally Central Annang was carved into Essien Annang and Udim Local Government Areas, the two functioned simultaneously with their headquarters at Ikot Obiokon and Ukana Iba respectively. Since there was no approval from the Federal Government, it was abolished and eventually merged with Ikot Ekpene.
By 3rd May, 1989 the Military Administration under the leadership of the then Head of States, General Ibrahim Babangida created Essien Udim Local Government Areas among other local Government Areas created then.
Geographically, Essien Udim is bounded on the north and west by Abia State of Nigeria; on the east by Ikot Ekpene as well as Ikono Local Government Areas. On the south by Abak,  Atim Ekpo and Ika Local Government Areas.
Essien Udim is endowed with some rich cultural heritage like the Ekpo, Esse, Ekong, Asian-Anwan, Ebere, Oko, Abom, Abiakpo, Uta, etc. All these in their uniqueness points to the fact that Essien Udim remains a home of tourism.
Agriculture is predominantly the occupation of the people of Essien Udim Local Government Area. There are three farming seasons: early, late, and dry season farming periods. The major food crops include, Cassava, Maize, Yam, Cocoyam, Water yam, Melon, ect. Vegetables are also grown extensively: fluted pumpkin, bitter leaf, water leaf, Okra, Afang, etc. These food crops are usually sold in the Obo Annang market. Essien Udim is also rich in palm oil, Kolanut, coconut, cassava, yam, plantain, Banana and Pineapple. There are also varieties of live stock sold in the Obo Annang market.
In addition, hunting, wood carving, raffia crafts, basketry, palm wine tapping are other occupations of the people of Essien Udim.

Interesting things about Essien Udim:

• There are eight market days in Essien Udim: Obo, Urua Ebom, Ekpa, Edit, Edit aha, Atim, Ofiongetor and Edet Obo. The eight market days have six big and other small market.
• Essien Udim is endowed with one government industry, the Sunshine Battery Industry at Ukana Ikot Ide
• Essien Udim is a land of rich cultural heritage, among them are: Utu-Ekpe, Ekpo, Ebre, Oko, Ekong, Abiakpo and Esse. Tourist attractions are Palace of Ikorok Traditional gods, Atan Ikot Okoro Water Confluence, Blacksmith Centers in Adiasm and Okon, sand beach in Afaha Ikot Ebak and Asaka Iba Ayop in Adiasm.
• There are so many public schools in Essien Udim. There are also private schools in the area.
• Essien Udim is blessed with some mineral deposits, such as clay for pottery and Ceramic industry.
• This Local Government Area is traversed by three tributaries of Qya Iboe River. These water provide enormous potential for sharp sand and gravel excavation. Investors are also needed to tap the enormous agricultural potentials in the area. Welcome to Essien Udim Local Government Area.