Ikot-Abasi

Ikot Abasi is located in the south west corner of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It is bounded by Oruk Anam Local Government Area in the north, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the south. The Imo River forms the natural boundary in the west separating it from Rivers State.^[2] The Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi is a federal government-owned university located in Ikot-Abasi.

Ikot Abasi Ikot Abasi, Nigeria
LGA
Nickname:  Alu City
Ikot Abasi Location in Nigeria
Coordinates: 4°38′0″N 7°39′0″E
Country	Nigeria
State	Akwa Ibom State
LGA	Ikot Abasi
Headquarters	Ikot Abasi
Government
• Type	Traditional
• Chairman	Hon Ime Williamson Essien
Area
• Total	280.8 km2 (108.4 sq mi)
Population  (2022)[1]
• Total	169,200
• Density	600/km2 (1,600/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT)
Climate	Am
Website	web.archive.org/web/20111006012428/http://www.aksgonline.com/lga.aspx?qrID=ikotabasi

People

The people of Ikot Abasi are made up of the Ibibio ethnic group with diverse cultural heritage and tradition.^[3] They speak the Ibibio language.

Ime Williamson Essien

Ime Williamson Essien is a Nigerian politician currently serving as the Executive Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He assumed office in 2023 following his nomination and inauguration by Governor Umo Eno.^[4] His administration has focused on education, youth empowerment, economic development, and community engagement.

Education and Youth Empowerment

As part of his administration's focus on improving access to education, Essien initiated programs to support students preparing for university entrance examinations. These included the distribution of 100 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms and the provision of free Computer-Based Test (CBT) training to candidates. He also pledged further support for students who achieve high scores and secure admission into tertiary institutions.^[4]

Economic Development and Community Engagement

In collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government, Essien supported a ₦250 million disbursement to empower traders in the Ikot Abasi federal constituency. This initiative was part of a broader effort to stimulate grassroots economic growth and entrepreneurship.^[5]

In 2023, he addressed youth-led protests regarding unemployment, particularly concerns related to job access at the Ibom Power Plant. In response, Essien convened meetings with stakeholders to resolve tensions and initiate dialogues around job creation and inclusion.^[6]

Vision for Ikot Abasi

Essien's administration promotes a development agenda focused on infrastructure, education, and economic revitalization. Ikot Abasi, known for its historical significance and coastal location, is being positioned for increased investment and community-driven growth under his leadership.^[4]