Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria was created on September 23, 1987 with the promulgation of Decree 24 of that year by the then Millitary President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.
The creation of the State marked the climax of a long and sustained struggle for a separate state by the people from this part of the former Cross River State which before now was described as ''MAINLAND" .
The struggle for state creation which resulted in the birth of Akwa Ibom State dates back to 1928, with the formation and formal inauguration of the Ibibio Union.
In 1948, the Union transformed from a mere progressive cultural association to a meaningful national institution which engaged itself in the propagation and promotion of the noble cause of the creation of State in Nigeria based on the concept of Nigdria as the Federation of State. This was just 12 years before the Country gained political independence from its British Colonial masters on 1st. October, 1960.
Seven years after the Independence, this struggle begat meaninful results with the creation of states in Nigeria by the General Yakubu Gowon Administration. Among these states was the South-Eastern State, of which the present-day Akwa Ibom formed a part.
Then came The General Murtala Muhammed Administration during which tenure Seven(7) more states were created in 1976. The South-Eastern State was then renamed Cross River State.
But the Akwa Ibom people, a people so distinct in culture and descent would not be coaxed to easily retire their struggle for emancipation. So the agitation ensued and not even a change in name of their 'landlord' would assuage it.
After the collapse of the 2nd Republic in 1983, a memorandum demanding the creation of Akwa Ibom State was submitted to the General Buhari Military Administration by Paramount rulers from six(6) Local Government Areas of the "MAINLAND" part of old Cross River State. Still nothing happened.
Opportunity again resurfaced in 1986 when the then Federal Military Government called for a Memoranda from the Public on how the Country could be governed. This chance, the people siezed, and re-submitted their memorandum for the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
On September 23, 1987 after six decades of quest for political and social emancipation, Akwa Ibom State was finally created.
Its people have continued to cherish the euphoria which greeted that first proclamation. And since then, they have risen to the challenges attendant upon their new political identity, embarking vigorously on capital projects to ensure a prosperous state which will serve as a model in Nigeria.
That is why the 23rd September every year, since 1987 is set aside to mark our state independence anniversary, and it is usual observed as a public holiday, together with Katsina State which was created on the same date.
WELCOME TO THE LAND OF PROMISE AND OF FULFILLMENT
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