Annang is one of the aboriginal tribes of Africa in today’s Nigeria. They occupy a rightful place in Akwa Ibom State. The Annangs are a proud people with unique characteristic of frankness, friendliness, and honesty. Ananngland is bounded in the northwest and southwest by the Igbos and is bordered in the northeast and southeast by the Ibibios. Abak and Ikot Ekpene are the two major cities in Annang Land. Annang is the ninth largest ethnic group in Nigeria (1975/76 Nigeria Year Book) and the second largest in Akwa Ibom state. Abong, Akuku, Ikpa-Isong, etc, controlled Annang traditional government institutions. These institutions, the backbone of Annang orderly social life, were well established long before the advent of the colonialists.

The culture and tradition of the Annang people include among others, the respect for the elders. This is essential as it allowed the chiefs and elders to rule effectively. The elders, it is believed, are the links between the living and the ancestors. This reasoning adequately explains why the elders are asked to bless any gathering through libation, by calling on the ancestors to spread their protective wings on the living

The Annangs are good farmers and business people especially on such products as palm wine, palm kernel, and palm oil, major export crops before the discovery of crude oil in Nigeria. In acknowledgement of this expertise and agricultural intensiveness, the colonial government found it profitable to establish a transshipment post in Annang known as the United Africa Company (U.A.C) in Ika. Actually, it was the trading outpost that the famous women suffrage struggle, popularly knows as the Aba Women Riot began and spread to adjoining towns and concentrated at Aba Town, hence the name. The colonial government also established one of the largest agricultural institutions in Africa for the study of agricultural practices including the West African Institute of Oil Palm Research (NAIFOR). Ironically, Republic of Malaysia, the present world largest exporter of palm oil, borrowed the seedlings from these institutions.

The Annangs are one of the major custodians of culture and tradition in Nigeria. Ekong, Ekpo Masquerades, Okoh, Uko-Akpan, Asian-Akan-Awan, Uta, are just the few of the cultural and traditional dance displays on a given community gala. Indeed, Annang as a major cultural center was recognized by the colonial administration. In September 7, 1896, the Colonial Assistant District Commissioner wrote to inform the Consul General, describing Annang community as “a major cultural and commercial center.” When it comes to defending themselves against aggression, they do usually hold their grounds firmly. In fact, a machete is to an Annang what a shotgun is to an American. Annang craftsmanship is unsurpassed, especially in the area of raffia products and woodcarvings; these works of arts are exhibited all over the world. The Annangs speak Annang language and it is one of the 27 languages chosen by the federal ministry of Education to be taught in Nigerian schools. According to Peter Farb, an American and World-renowned socio-linguist; “the name ‘Annang’ means they who speak wittingly upon any occasion”. Professor Farb further observed, “they admire the ability to speak well and pride themselves on their eloquence…”

There are so many prominent and industrious Annang citizens who are worthy of mention because of their contributions to Annang people and Nigeria in general. Among them are late Dr. I U Akpabio, former Deputy Premier of Eastern Region, Late Se. Raymond Akpan Umo, first Annang Senator, late Justice Akpan-Ekukinam Bassey, Provincial Commissioner for Calabar Province and Agent-General of Eastern Regional government of Nigeria to United Kingdom; the late Mr. O U Afia and Mr. Ikpe Umo Ime, former ministers of Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Ime S. Umanah, International businessman and philanthropist. Not at all the least, Chief Donatus Etiebet, former Minister of Petroleum and Chief Donald Etiebet, former Governor of Cross River State. Mr. A E Ekukinam, former minister of finance and first indigenous Managing Director of Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) and Mr. Ray Ekpu, an award winning and internationally renowned Journalist. Many more also contribute immensely to the development of Annang and Nigeria from the fight for Nigerian independence to the present day Nigeria. The Annangs are all indebted to their women who are always the torchbearers of development of our community.

For all the Annang People, the maintenance of our culture and tradition is a “task that must be done”

 By Ukpong Ekam
 Edited by Rev. Ezekiel Ette

Annang Mma! Annang Mma! Annang mama de-o!!!