Oku Ibom Ibibio Honours Late Nationalist Obong Nyong Essien
By Inemesit FRIDAY
The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, has paid glowing tribute to the late nationalist and statesman, Obong Nyong Essien, describing him as a visionary leader whose contributions to nation-building and community development continue to inspire generations.
The royal father gave the commendation on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, when members of the Central Planning Committee for the First Obong Nyong Essien Annual Lecture visited his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, to brief him on preparations for the upcoming event.
The delegation, led by Prof. EnoAbasi Urua, Chairperson of the Committee, included the Convener of the Lecture and member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Itoro Etim; Hon. Asuquo Nyong Essien; and Dr. Uwem Jonah Akpan.
In his remarks, Ntenyin Etuk described Obong Nyong Essien as a trailblazer and one of the finest sons of Ibibio land whose exemplary life remains a guiding light. He recalled the late statesman’s pioneering achievements in various sectors, including parliamentary leadership, chieftaincy institution, local government administration, trade unionism, legal services, and missionary enterprise.
According to him, Obong Nyong Essien’s immense contributions to the growth of Nigeria and the Ibibio nation justify efforts to immortalize his name. “He was a true Pan-Africanist and nationalist who stood for unity, progress, and justice,” Ntenyin Etuk stated.
The Oku Ibom Ibibio further charged the Ibibio people to remain united, uphold their cultural heritage, and continue to honour the legacy of great leaders who shaped their history.
He highlighted that Obong Nyong Essien was the first federal legislator from the present-day Akwa Ibom State, the first and only President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, the first Nsom of Uruan, and the first Paramount Ruler of the old Uyo Division, which covered the present Uyo, Uruan, Ibesikpo Asutan, and Itu Local Government Areas.
Providing updates on the forthcoming event, Prof. Urua announced that the First Obong Nyong Essien Annual Lecture will hold on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Ibom Hall, Uyo, with the Keynote Address to be delivered by Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University.
The event will also feature the public presentation of a book titled “Mountain Beyond Mountains: The Obong Nyong Essien Phenomenon in Nigerian Politics and Heritage,” a collection of essays edited by Prof. EnoAbasi Urua, Dr. Uwem Jonah Akpan, and Dr. Itorobong Etim.
The Annual Lecture is expected to draw scholars, traditional leaders, and policymakers from across Nigeria in honour of the man widely regarded as one of the architects of Nigeria’s political evolution and an enduring symbol of Ibibio pride and leadership.
