IKA PEOPLE

This study seeks to provide the manifestation of palm wine tapping in Nigeria, particularly to the Ika people and the various activities applied in the era till date. Since the pre-colonial era, palm wine is enjoyed in Nigeria as a drink of entertainment in festivals and other ceremonies by guests and other individuals, in Ika community. Palm wine is one major drink that is recognized traditionally for events such as marriage rites, funerals and other socio-cultural activities. The context of palm wine tapping has given a facelift to our knowledge of the overview concept of the Ika people and their economic activities prior to this time. Chinua Achebe in his work “Things Fall Apart” describes palm wine as a prestigious drink which was always drank by the major character Okonkwo, including the wealthiest and most respected elders in the village The economic importance of the Ika people is solely dependent on agriculture, with that notwithstanding, the essence of palm wine which is gotten from palm raffia trees, has been a major source of income for the Ika people