Historical Perspectives of the Roles of Kolokuma/Opokuma People in the Development of the Niger Delta

Abstract

The political Niger Delta comprises of nine (9) states namely; Abia, Akwa-lbom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers. Some Indigenous groups in the region are; Izon (Ijaw), Ikwerre, Ogoni, Ogba, Abua, Odual, Andoni, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Ukwani. Others include Epie-Atissa, Engenni, Degema, Edo, Ekpeye, Oron, Efik, Ibibio and others. Due to the dominant riverine environment of the area, the major traditional occupation of the people was fishing. Other economic practices of the people were farming, hunting and gathering, craft making and trading. The occupations served as means of livelihood of the people and development of the area. Development of the area was achieved through individual contributions, clan efforts and multi-ethnic co-operations. There are several studies on development of the region. However, studies on the roles of clans in the development of the region are few. Hence, this study helped to fill the existing gap. The study helps to preserve the history of roles of Kolokuma/Opokuma people in the development of the region. It would be a useful source of reference for future researchers on developmental studies of the region. The study made use of oral tradition and oral history. They were derived through Interviews with people in all Kolokuma/Opokuma Towns. Books, journals, newspapers and other secondary sources in library and internet were utilized. Data derived from the sources were analysed. The research findings showed that Kolokuma/Opokuma clans have contributed to the development of the Niger Delta in many ways.