13 Interesting Facts About the People of Obolo Ethnic Group in Nigeria

In today’s article, you will learn 13 Interesting Facts About the People of Obolo Ethnic Group in Nigeria. It is a good thing when you wish to learn more about the different ethnic groups in Nigeria. It will help your understanding of the people as well as help you to appreciate their culture.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Obolo Ethnic Group

Although the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria are Hausa, Yoruba as well as Igbo, there are lots of minority groups that you don’t know about. This article will enlighten you about the Obolo ethnic group as well as their resident state.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Obolo Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The following are interesting facts about the people of the Obolo ethnic group in Nigeria as well as facts about the state they reside in.

1. State of Residence

The people reside in the Delta region of Nigeria. They reside in Rivers State as well as the Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria.

2. History

The records of the history of the people are sparse and also fragmented. Records show that they were already existing before the colonial era and also had commercial contact with the Europeans.

The earliest data on Obolo people are from around the 12th century BC. They had interactions with different groups like the Okrika, Kalabari, Bonny, Ibeno as well as Nkoro. Now, they have migrated and have settlements in various parts of the Niger Delta as well as West Africa at large.

3. Historical Lineage:  Interesting Facts About the People of Obolo Ethnic Group

The Obolo people are an Ijaw sub-ethnic group. As such they have historical relations with the Oron people of Niger Delta. Also, there is a strong historical lineage with the Ohafia people in Abia state.

4. Settlement

The people live in towns and villages which are situated on islands. The islands are grouped into four with the third island three serving as the link between one and two. Each of these island houses different towns and villages where the people reside.

5. Alternative Names

The people are not only known as the Obolo people. They also identify as the Adoni people as well as the Idoni people.

6. Language is One of the  Interesting Facts About the People of Obolo Ethnic Group

The people speak the Obolo language. The language is a contribution to the identity of the Adoni and also the Eastern Obolo. The language is a sub-branch of the Delta Cross branches and also belongs to the Lower Delta Cross River language. Its grouping is under the Niger-Congo language family.

7. Economy

The territory of the Obolo people spans from the Oron territory in Akwa Ibom state to Bight of Bonny in Rivers state. As such, they have significant natural resources. It is in record that much of Nigeria’s oil and gas is from the Obolo land.

8. Population

The people have a growing population in the country. Records show that their current population is 3,000,000. Rivers state as well as Akwa Ibom state is said to be the most populated with these people.

9. Festivals are Among the  Interesting Facts About the People of the Obolo Ethnic Group

The people celebrate different festivals that promote their culture. One such festival is the Nwantam masquerade festival which is held every January 1. They also celebrate annual festivals like the Ijok-Irin (fishing festival).

10. Villages

The people are scattered in different villages on the four islands. Some of the villages are Ngo town, Akaradi province, Ama Ubulom, Ama Jaba as well as other villages.

11. Religion

The dominant religion of the people is Christianity. Long before 1699, Christianity was already in acceptance in Obolo land. They have lots of churches scattered in their settlements. The people refer to God as Awaji and also Owaji.

12. War Relations:  Interesting Facts About the People of the Obolo Ethnic Group

In the past, the people were popular to be ferocious warriors. However, records show them to be peaceful people when not at war with other communities.

13. Development

The people develop along with the recent times. For instance, they rebrand their fishing festival to make financial income. Also, the people have amazing arts as well as crafts. Most of these crafts are on display in British museums.

Conclusion

These facts will help you to know more about the Obolo people. It will also help to further your research on the people.

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