13 Interesting Facts About the People Of Ibibio Ethnic Group In Nigeria

The Ibibios are another group of ethnic people who reside in Nigeria and are part of the over 250 ethnic groups found in Nigeria. This article will give you 13 Interesting Facts About the People of Ibibio Ethnic Group in Nigeria.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Ibibio Ethnic Group

They belong to the Ibibio people cluster and they reside in the southern and eastern region of Nigeria. This article will show you more Ibibio people interesting facts that you don’t know about.

13 Interesting Facts About the People Of Ibibio Ethnic Group In Nigeria

The following factors will help you with interesting facts about the people of Ibibio ethnic group in Nigeria.

1. Location In Country

Ibibio group of people are found in Akwa Ibom, Cross River state, and Abia state. They dominate the southern part of the country. However, majority of them are found in Akwa Ibom.

2. History

When it comes to the history of their origin, there are several stories that tells their history. In one tale, they believe they are from central Benue valley; the Jukun. Another tale says they are related to the Jukuns because of manilla, a popular Jukun currency. Both conspiracy shows their involvement with the Jukuns and the formation of Akwa Ibom settlement with the Jukuns.

Another of the story relates the Ibibio to Cameroon. It says that the Ibibios come from the Afaha lineage who’s original home was Usak Edet in Cameroon.

Amidst all the stories and tales from different scholars and historians, one thing is certain. This fact is that they show a migration history. And we’re first in another country before finally making a home for themselves in Nigeria.

Another certain fact about their migration and settlement history is that they were among the earliest settlers of Akwa Ibom dating back to 700 B.C.

3. Population is One of the Interesting Facts About the People Of Ibibio Ethnic Group

I’m terms of size and population the Ibibio people are known to be the fourth largest ethnic group of the 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria. Although they are found in about four different states, their population estimates is over 6,666,000 people in Nigeria only.

4. Ibibio Numbers

Below are the numbers from zero to ten in Ibibio.

  • 0: Zero: Ikpoikpo.
  • 1: One: Keed.
  • 2: Two: Iba.
  • 3: Three: Ita.
  • 4: Four: Inañ.
  • 5: Five: Ition.
  • 6: Six: Itiokeed.
  • 7: Seven: Itiaba.
  • 8: Eight: Itiata.
  • 9: Nine: Usokeed.
  • 10: Ten: Duop.

5. Ibibio Groups

These groups are divided into;

  • Enyong: Northern Ibibio.
  • Eket: Southern Ibibio.
  • Andoni-Ibeno: Delta Ibibio.
  • Annang: Western Ibibio.
  • Ibibio: Eastern Ibibio.
  • Efik: Riverine Ibibio.

6. Culture is Among the Interesting Facts About the People Of Ibibio Ethnic Group

The Ibibios are very rich in culture. From their dress, to food, even to their cultural beliefs. Their masks each has meaning. It makes up the greatest works of art in Ibibio society. There is a clear distinction between the masculine and the feminine mask. While the masculine mask is made to be ugly with deformed structures and dark colors, the feminine mask is designed to represent the true beauty of women. This includes the light color and tender features.

7. Language

The main language spoken by these people is the Ibibio language. Ibibio language is one of the mother languages of ancient proto Bantu nation. However, since the Ibibios have divisions into sub groups there is a bit difference in their language speaking even if they all speak Ibibio.

8. Religion

Largest religion practiced by the Ibibio is Christian religion. The Ibibio people have a history with animism and traditional religion. They were in practice of all sort of fetish belief in form of worship to their forefathers. Now, the majority of them are Christians who now preach the Gospel and spread the good news of Christ.

The history of their Christianity journey started through the work of early missionaries in the 19th century. This was when churches where introduced into the area.

9. Local Government Areas are Among the Interesting Facts About the People Of Ibibio Ethnic Group

It is a known fact that they reside in Akwa Ibom and other states. These are their precise local government areas in those states. In Akwa Ibom, they live in Itu, Uyo, Etinan, Ikot Abasi, Ikono, Nsit Ikpe, Uruan, Onna, Nsit-Ubium, and Mkpat Enin LGAs. In Rivers they live in Opobo Nkoro and Oyigbo LGAs.

10. Ethnicity

People Group: Ibibio.

People Cluster: Benue.

Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan People.

Ethnicity Code: NAB56b.

11. Evangelism

There is progress of evangelism amongst the people. Since the era of Christianity more people are changing their religion with the help of evangelism. On August 27th 2020, their first ever Bible translation was at Ibom hall in Uyo. This has made history for the people.

12. Hairstyles are Also Interesting Facts About the People Of Ibibio Ethnic Group

Like other tribes, the Ibibio have a way of communicating with each other without necessarily using their mouths. The hairstyles of the women is capable of telling a story. For a married woman to carry an I kept hair, it means someone close to her is dead. Sometimes, the thread and hairstyles of the ladies tells a story of the wearer. While some style tell stories, others tell age, marital status, or social standing.

13. Relationship To Other Tribes

The Ibibio share relationship with Annang, Efik, Ekid, Oron, and Ibeno. They share the same names, culture, tradition, and closely related language.

Conclusion

To conclude, the Ibibio tribe is one of the largest tribe in Nigeria and the people are also found in some other countries like Cameroon, they speak the Ibibio language and are predominantly Christians.

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