13 Interesting Facts About the People of Iyala (Iyalla) Ethnic Group in Nigeria

September 15, 2023

There are so many fun and interesting facts you need to know about the great people of the Iyala ethnic group in Nigeria. And, for instance, you’ll get to learn their language, history and so much more.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Iyala (Iyalla) Ethnic Group

1. Location

The Iyalla people reside in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria in Cross River State. Also, states near cross-river states include Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Enugu.

2. Food

The food of the Iyalla people, they are very well made of crops that they can grow locally and things they can obtain from trade with nearby ethnic groups. For instance, crops such as yam, cassava, and maize are produced. Crops they can trade for include guinea corn, sweet potato, and beans.

3. Occupation is One of the Interesting Facts about the People of the Iyala Ethnic Group in Nigeria

Due to modernization, many of the Iyalla people have abandoned their original agricultural occupations and moved to newer professions such as nursing, engineering, teaching, and accountancy.

4. Ceremonies

The Iyalla people take their ceremonies rather seriously. For instance, the marriage and burial ceremonies are important in the life of every individual.

5. Use of Water

Water is a very important resource that these individuals have in abundance. Furthermore, in the past, it was used to support the growth of crops, cooking of wood, environmental sanitation, and bathing.

6. Related Ethnic Groups: Interesting Facts About the People of Iyala (Iyalla) Ethnic Group

The ethnic groups in this aspect are related in one way or another other such as through language and nearness to the tribe. So, we have Igbo, Idoma, Tiv, Ibibio, Boki, and Efik ethnic groups.

7. Religion

There are three main religions in which the Iyalla people take part, Islam, Christianity, and their ethnic religion. Christianity is the most widespread religion of all. Moreover, this is due to the influence of British colonization.

8. Education

Education is truly an important part of any community and the Iyalla people see it as such. Children regularly go to school. However, in the past, the children would work on the farm.

9. Nearby Spectacles is on the List of Interesting Facts About the People of Iyala (Iyalla) Ethnic Group

In this aspect, we will list some natural beauties which are near the dwelling place of the Iyalla ethnic group. So, we have the Agbokim waterfalls, Obudu mountain resort, Drill Ranch, and National Museum Calabar.

10. Name

The Iyalla ethnic group is often referred to as the Iyalla with one of the “L’s” taken away. Although, Iyalla is the preferred word.

11. Folktales

Folktales are certainly important to the Iyalla people. Children would gather around their elders as they began to narrate these stories. Also, folktales were used to teach important life lessons and to pass the language easily.

12. Nearby Fish is Also Among the Interesting Facts About the People of the Iyala (Iyalla) Ethnic Group

The Iyalla ethnic group, much like the rest of Cross River State is heavily dependent on agriculture as a source of income, and, fishing is a great source for them. So, you can find these fishes near them: Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus logfiles and Heteroclarias, Oreochromis niloticus

13. Relationships with other Ethnic Groups

The Iyalla ethnic group has not really been involved in squabbles with neighboring ethnic groups. Also, they are certainly a peace-loving and peace-keeping group of people.

Conclusion

Knowledge is power and there is a saying that the more of it you have the better. So, in your search for knowledge and information on ethnic groups, be sure to check out our many articles regarding this topic and so much more.

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