ABOUT THE IKWERE PEOPLE
The Ikwerre nation is arguably the largest ethnic
nationality in present day Rivers State. The reasons for this deduction are not
far fetch. It is made up of not less than four major Local Government Areas,
and occupies the largest land mass in the state.
Like most ethnic groups
in Nigeria, the history of Ikwerre could
be contested. However, several researchers have linked their origin to Igbo in South Eastern part
of Nigeria. Ikwerre is often highlighted as the richest and most industrious nationality in Rivers State, an observation that could have been due to the quality indigenes it has produced in recent time.
be contested. However, several researchers have linked their origin to Igbo in South Eastern part
of Nigeria. Ikwerre is often highlighted as the richest and most industrious nationality in Rivers State, an observation that could have been due to the quality indigenes it has produced in recent time.
Head of
Ikwerre Cultural Organisation, Worldwide, Chief Agbaru Ogbakor, who gave
credence to this in a narration of the history of the place and its people
said: “Ikwerre is one of the ethnic nationalities that make up the many
Nation-States that were amalgamated by Lord Luggard in 1914 to form what we
have today as Nigeria. They have their identifiable and distinct culture,
tradition and language.
“Ikwerre
spans four Local Government Areas in Rivers State. These LGAs are those of Port
Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre and Emohua. It has a population of about two
million people.”
Speaking
on the people, Ogbakor said: “Ikwerre people are hospitable, warm, very
accommodating and generous. They readily appreciate when a good deed is done to
them.
“In
terms of dependability, they are a people you can always count upon, once an
agreement is reached (Brief on Ikwerre People), Agbaro was quoted during a
Grand Civic Reception in Honour of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, by Ogbakor Ikwerre
Cultural Organisation five years ago.”
The
Ikwerre have volunteered their land to host important landmarks and
institutions of economic relevance in Rivers. Notable among these are the
Rivers State University of Science and Technology, University of Port Harcourt,
International Airport Omagwa; Seaport, largest Oil Palm Company in Africa,
University of Education, Nigerian Air Force Base, Nigerian Naval Base, Nigerian
Army Base, Oil multinationals such as Shell, Agip, Mobil and Elf, Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC), 52 oil wells and four Flow Stations.
With
the above, it could be seen that only Ogoni ethnic nationality could be said to
have the kind of economic potentials that can compete favorably with the
Ikwerre nation with two refineries, petrochemicals, trade zone, seaport and
numerous companies doing businesses there.
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