13 Interesting Facts About the People of Efik Ethnic Group in Nigeria

Have you ever wondered about the Efik people? Maybe not all the time, but sometimes you are curious about them. Do you wish to know their origin? What they like? What they believe in? Have you ever wondered how far they have come as a people? This article will bring Interesting Facts About The People of the Efik Ethnic Group in Nigeria.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Efik Ethnic Group

Nigeria is a diverse nation with so many beautiful ethnic groups. Each group has their own culture while some shares similarities. You might have heard about the Efik people but don’t really know much about them. This article provides you with information that helps you to understand them.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Efik Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The people of the Efik Ethnic Group have some interesting facts about them and these facts would be shared with you in this post.

1. Residence

They are situated in Southern Nigeria. They can be found in Akwa Ibom state as well as Cross River state.

2. Language

The Efik ethnic group speak a language that resonates with their name. Their language is also called Efik. Also, some Efik people are found in Southwestern Cameroon, the Bakassi inclusive.

3. Historical Origin is One of the Interesting Facts About the People of the Efik Ethnic Group

Lots of tales have been told about the Origin of the Efik people. Their actual origin seems unknown but research has it that they migrated from Nubia. They were recorded to have passed through Ghana and settled a while in Arochukwu. They lived peacefully with the “Aros” for about four hundred years before they moved on.

After they left Arochukwu, some of them settled in Akwa-Ibom state. Some also settled in Eniong and it’s surrounding areas. After much movement, the rest of them settled in Cross Rivers State.

4. Religion

The people of Efik believe in a supreme God called ‘Abasi’. Their religion centres on showing respect for Abasi. They do that by avoiding different kinds of sins. The Efik also practice Christianity. Some part of them believes in water spirits and deities.

5. Language Family

The Efik language is classified under the Benue-Congo family. It is a sub-family of the Niger-Congo language group.

6. Their Related Ethnic Groups is Among the Interesting Facts About the People of the Efik Ethnic Group

The Efik people share similarities as well as boundaries with other tribes. Some of the areas are Ibibio, Annang, Bahumono, Biase, Oron, as well as Ijaw.

7. Festivals and Ceremonies

The Efik people hold beliefs about festivals. They believe festivals help in the cleansing of the land. They also believe festivals help to avoid looming doom. Some of the festivals they celebrate are Ndok, which is held around. They celebrate it to drive away evil spirits.

Another festival is the Anko Ebekpa. Also, the Ekpa dance is another festival held by elderly women.

8. Food

The Efik people are famous for their diverse cuisines. They have the Afang soup, Afia Efere, Anyan Ekpang, as well as Edikang Ikong. They put little onions as well as pepper when preparing meals. Also, they use crayfish to make food spicy. The Efik people also make different foods with yam such as Iwewe.

9. Their Occupation is One of the Interesting Facts About the People of the Efik Ethnic Group

Prior to modern times, the Efik people were involved in the slave trade. They acted as middlemen in the exchange of slaves. In recent times, they have evolved into the export business. They export palm oil, rubber, barwood as well as other items.

10. Education

The resident states of the Efik people have schools established at different levels. This aids the education of the populace of the Efik people.

11. Clothing

The Efik people wore loin clothes that were made of Raffia prior to European clothing. They also have a royal type of gown called Ikpaya. Women also adorn themselves by wearing brass rings on their arms and legs. In modern-day Efik culture, women wear Onyonyo for different occasions. It is usually worn with coral beads.

12. Development is Among the Interesting Facts About the People of the Efik Ethnic Group

The Efik are a fast-developing people. Over the centuries, they have traded with different kinds of people. They traded with the Dutch, French, Portuguese as well as English people. Also, they have accommodated immigrants from different countries like Cameroon, Jamaica, and Lebanese as well Sierra Leone.

13. Settlements

The Efik society has various clans into which the people are divided. It originally was known as ‘Esien Efik itiaba’. It means, Seven Clans of Efik. Presently, it is known as ‘Esien Efik Duopeba’ which means Twelve Clans of Efik.

The original seven clans are scattered between Akwa Ibom as well as Cross River state. The bulk of the Efik people is found in Calabar, Cross River state.

Conclusion

The Efik people are a large number of people found in Nigeria. Apart from their resident state, they also can be seen in various states. This is due to the reason for wanting to relocate or see other states. These facts will help you to better understand the Efik culture as well as their way of life.

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