Eket

The Eket are an Ibibio-related people of Akwa Ibom State, centred around Eket and neighbouring local government areas near the Atlantic coast. They share many cultural links with Ibibio, Annang and Oron neighbours while maintaining a local Eket identity.

Eket history is tied to the Lower Cross River and coastal Akwa Ibom region, where farming, fishing, palm produce and later petroleum-related economic change shaped local life. Their identity developed within the broader Ibibio-Efik cultural area.

Eket communities are organised through extended families, village councils, elders, age grades and recognised traditional rulers. Kinship and community associations remain important in local decision making.

Traditional Eket religion included belief in a supreme creator, ancestral spirits, water-related powers and local shrines. Christianity is now dominant, while older customs influence masquerades, funerals and community festivals.

Eket cultural life includes masquerades, age-grade activity, traditional dance, marriage rites and coastal foodways based on fish, palm produce and cassava. Local festivals strengthen Eket identity within Akwa Ibom.