The Ilaje are a linguistic group of yoruba stalk made up of four geo-political entities namely Ugbo,Mahin,Aheri and Etikan.As a result of nearness to sea and presence of rivers in the area,the chief means of livelihood was fishing.Fishing was engaged in by both men and women from the primordial time.Though,women engaged in fishing,they were mostly noted for processing and marketing of fish while men were skillful in catching.Fishing among this people was an agentvof craftsmanship as many indigenous techniques and gears were invented by the people by making use of local materials relevant to the society such as Cast net(Obiriki),Encircling method(Aworiro),Funnel entrance gear(Iyanma,Ighere,and Agada),Spear(Ugaga),Dragnet(Asunfifa),Fencing(Ufo),Sinking net(Apamu),Core gear(Ojijin and Madogba).Fishing was carried out both in the creeks and sea.

Farming was another economic activity of the people.The settlements in the inland area such as Atijere,Agerige,Ugbo edun,Igbo-Egunrin etc were noted for food crop farming .They engaged in cassava processing and production of garri and cassava ball(pupuru).Animal rearing was also part of human activities .This was a method of keeping domestic animals such as goats,pigs,dogs,sheep,and so on for economic purpose.

Hunting was one of the oldest occupation among the Ilajes.They were hunters of small animals such as Squirrel(Ehugben),Grasscutter(Ewuju),Alligator(Legungun),.Some large animals been hunted include Deer(Agbanrin)Crocodile(Onen)etc.

Crafts and manufacture formed a crucial economic foundation among the people during this period.The people developed indigenous industrial technology in the area of boat,canoe,paddle,leaf bed construction and mat weaving.In addition,salt,soap,and potash production forms parts of the major economic activities in the area.

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