THE RISING PROFILE OF CAPTAIN INIOBONG EKONG

THE RISING PROFILE OF CAPTAIN INIOBONG EKONG

When a man has established himself on the pedestal of excellence and honour, there is no limit to the extent which he can go, what he can achieve, and the heights he can reach in life.

Such a man, like a magnet, keeps on attracting attention and recognition effortlessly. This fits in with the position of Ralph Waldo Emerson, that: “If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon or make a better mouse trap than his neighbours, though he builds his house in the woods, the world will make a beating path to his door step”.

Like Abraham Lincoln would say, “I would study and prepare myself for I know one day my chance would come”, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd), has no doubt thoroughly prepared himself academically for the noble life he is currently living.

Born in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State some decades ago, he started his academic journey at Boys Primary School, Anua, where he backed his First School Leaving Certificate in 1976. He moved on to the Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, from 1977 to 1982 and obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Armed with the WAEC certificate, he secured admission into Calabar Polytechnic to read civil engineering for his OND. In 1984 he proceeded to the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, as a member of the first degree awarding course, the 36 regular course where he graduated in 1988 with a Back (Hons) in Nuclear Physics. He got commissioned in1989 as a second lieutenant and moved to the rank of captain where he retired in 1996.

In a brave show of audacity in academic pursuit, coupled with insatiable quest and profound passion for all-round intellectual development, Ekong dared to cross from pure sciences to social sciences and ended up in pure arts.

In 2003, he secured admission into the prestigious University of Calabar and bagged a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2005.

Again, he enrolled in the Department of History and International Relations, University of Uyo, between 2019 and 2020 and obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies. This was immediately followed with a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution in the same Department.

Not still satisfied, Captain Ekong enrolled again for his PhD in Peace and Conflict Resolution which the conferment of the laurel is in view.

Indeed, the life of Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd), the Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Akwa Ibom State, symbolizes a dynamic tapestry of transition from one phase to another, one milestone to another, and one accolade to another.

After a successful retirement from an illustrious career as a gallant soldier in the Nigerian Army, Captain Ekong, unlike most people who pale into insignificance and unproductivity after retirement from service, brilliantly carved a new career pathway in the political arena for himself.

As a purpose driven gentleman with passion for service for humanity, he has leveraged on the political platform to continue to touch lives and contribute to the socio-economic development of his home State.

It was yet another rare honour for him as the academic community considered him worthy to be inducted into a reputable intellectual body of Historical Society of Nigeria as a member. This latest recognition is indeed a testament to his enviable and intimidating academic attainment and passion for scholarship. It is also a pointer to the fact that any man who has launched himself to the path of excellence should always be prepared to assume new roles and responsibilities.

The historic event which took place on Monday October 14, 2024 at the ICT Complex of the University of Uyo, was themed: Shaping the Future Through the Past: The Role of Historians in the 21st Century.

The colorful event which was graced by who is who in the academic and political communities is aimed at strengthening the historical narrative of Nigeria through research and innovation.

By the induction, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd), sees the offer as another call to service. For him, every new role entrusted upon him is not just a status symbol, but a platform to make a mark and change the narrative.

Of course, he has done this creditably in his previous national assignment as a soldier, and he is doing it currently as a Commissioner in his home State, and even in his Local Government and his community as a philanthropist who understands the yearning and aspirations of his people.

Introspectively, Historical Society of Nigeria, is an intellectual body established in 1955 at the University College, Ibadan. It has a mandate to promote an enduring sense of history and historical consciousness amongst Nigerians, and to conduct research into all aspects of Nigerian history and promote the publication of such research endeavors.

Incidentally, as a man who has traversed the length and breadth of Nigeria in the course of his military career, Captain Ekong is not a novice of Nigeria’s history. One can say that he has been inducted into a familiar terrain to shape Nigerian history as a member of the Historical Society of Nigeria. His wealth of experience and robust contributions to the body will no doubt offer a new insight to the antecedents of Nigeria, reevaluate the present state of the country, and of course set a new template for a better nation.

Already, he has set a template of excellence and proven track record in his previous and current position of responsibilities. The latest honour will serve as an additional impetus that will propel him to more recognition and honour to serve humanity with zeal and zest.

Congratulations, Sir, and more wins in the years to come.