Do you know that the first (experimental) local government (county) in Nigeria was Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area?
-Sadly, today, it may be deleted from history as we don't seem to be proud of it.

Do you know that the second highest Slave Depot in West Africa (The first was in Badagry, Lagos) was established in Ikot Abasi in the year 1795? And, the famous Bridge of no Return was built in Ikot Abasi that same year?
-Sadly, in google, it is recorded as if the bridge stands in Imo State along Imo River.

Do you know that the decision and the plan for the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates into one country called, "Nigeria" was taken at the Brick House at Ikot Abasi by Sir Lord Lugard and other colonial leaders, in the presence of all regional heads then?
-Sadly, that centre (The Amalgamation House which is still standing in Ikot Abasi till today) was not recognized by the federal government when Nigeria Amalgamation history was celebrated in 2014.

Do you know that the first leper colony in Nigeria was established by the Presbyterian Church at Obot Itu?

Do you know that the first telephone service station in West Africa was at Itu?

Do you know that Mary Slessor spent most of her life and times in Use Ikot Oku in Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, than she lived in any other place on earth?

Do you know that Mary Slessor died in Use Ikot Oku and her house and her grave monument is still there till today?

Do you even know that the names of the towns in Akwa Ibom that Mary Slessor affected are written in the Scottish Currency?

Do you know that the name, ITU, given a local government area in the then Cross River State and now Akwa Ibom State, was derived from a Portuguese/English Trade Centre called, International Trade Union (ITU)?

Do you know that the "Aba Women Riot" of 1929 actually originated from a market called Ukam Market in Ikot Abasi and so many women lost their lives in the killing ordered by the Colonial Division Officer in Ikot Abasi?

Do you know that there was no riot on the streets of Aba, and that female traders in Aba only did a sympathy walk?

-Sadly, today, Aba is more popular in the glory of that history because Akwa Ibom State government does not care about it, even the mock graves of the over 500 women who died in the process are not worth a tourist site to be celebrated.

Tourism is a major economic driver in many parts of the world today. But Akwa Ibom State citizens travel out to so many lesser historical sites around the world while their rich heritage at home s made to suffer neglect.