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Ukanafun | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 4°54′0″N 7°36′0″E / 4.90000°N 7.60000°E | |
Country | Nigeria |
State | Akwa Ibom State |
Government | |
• Chairman | Israel Demas Ideh |
Area | |
• Total | 89.6 sq mi (232.0 km2) |
Population (2022)[1] | |
• Total | 160,100 |
• Density | 1,800/sq mi (690/km2) |
Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
Ukanafun is a Local Government Area located in the South South of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom State.
Ukanafun was carved out from Abak and Opobo divisions of Cross River State. The Nigerian Civil war depopulated the area and slowed economic activities of the people.
The Ukanafun area has yet to recover from the shock and widespread casualties of the civil war. This used to be one of the great commercial centres of the ethnic Anaang. Its role has declined due to the wartime destruction of the good road network that characterised the area during the colonial period.
Palm produce was the major commodity crop. Ntak Ibesit, now within the Oruk Anam LGA, used to be the centre of the palm kernel trade at its Ekpene Okpo River port. It supported an excellent trade route to Opobo. Today Ntak Ibesit has no operating port.
In the early 21st century, Ukanafun is made up of a host of villages, including Ikot Ibekwe, Akoyo, Ikot Una, Idung Nnekke, Nkek, Nkek Idim, Afaha Obo, Ikot Esien, Nyak Ibah, Ikot Andem, Ikot Etim, Ikot Oku Usung, Ikot Uko, Ikot Akpa Ntuen, Ikot Inyang Abia, Ntak Afagha, Nto Okon, Usung Atiat, Ikot Udo Osiom, Ikot Akpa Idem, etc.