From a historical, anthropological and economic perspective this study presents the foundation of social ethics in the Niger Delta. Interpretive claims about Eastern Niger Delta social organizations are examined by defining the societal organization, ethical ideals, social virtues, and ethos of the Ijo people. The study provides an account on how they sustain orderly activities and relationships among themselves and identifies the sources and carriers of meaning and normativity in the Ijo community. Nimi Wariboko is the inaugural Katherine B. Stuart Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at Andover Newton Theological Seminary, Newton Center, Massachusetts. He has written extensively on social ethics, economic history, anthropology, sociology and political science.