Late Obong Okon Mkpong, the founder of the Nigerian Christian Institute, NCI has been described as a man with many parts, who excelled exceptionally in different fields, including; teaching, preaching and in the political arena.
The octogenarian who served at various time as the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and a traditional Chieftain of Ibesikpo-Asutan exempted himself as a disciplinarian who did not compromise his Christian principles in the face of all odds, thus aiding in churning out God-fearing leaders into the Akwa Ibom society and Nigeria at large.
Comrade Ini Ememobong, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, stated these, in his eulogy, during the Tribute Day organised in honour of Late Obong Okon Mkpong at the Nigerian Christian Institute, NCI, IBB Way, Uyo.
The Information Commissioner said, the late Obong Okon Mkpong was not only a father figure and mentor to him, but a counsellor who he drew inspiration and wise conselling from for his daily life activities, adding that his Radio Christian Programmes which held sway for years, fished so many souls to the kingdom of God.
Represented by the Director of Public Relations, Mrs. Grace Akpan at the occasion, the State Spokesman said, the late octogenarian contributed immensely towards boosting and developing the education sector of the state, recalling that, NCI has remained one of the notable secondary schools in the state with "A" grade results in WAEC and other competitive examinations.
While congratulating the children and family members of late Okon Mkpong for the successful hosting of the event in memory of their great patriarch, Comrade Ini Ememobong urged them to push on and keep alive the aspirations of their late father as a means of imortalizing the legacies and memory of the great teacher, Preacher and traditional chieftain.
Speaking, the eldest son of the deceased and President of the Nigerian Christian Institute, NCI, Ekemini Mkpong had said, the occasion was to create an avenue for his late father's contemporaries and mentees to share the memories of their father especially with those who may not have personally come in contact with him while alive.
Tributes were presented by numerous eminent sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State including: the member representing Akwa Ibom State in the Federal Character Commission, Obonganwan Dora Ebong, a former State Accountant-General, Dr. Umanaette S. Udoh, the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, HRM Edidem Udo Joe Ntuk Obom (X11), Mkpisong Ememobong Essien, Obong Edem Akpainyang and a Missionary, Mr. Clif Jerald among others.
A Thanksgiving Service in honour of the departed Obong Okon Mkpong is scheduled to hold tomorrow, Friday, 9th July, 2021 at the same venue, the Nigerian Christaian Institute, IBB Way, Uyo by 10am.
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