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 Ralph Waldo Emerson’s position 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 also advised: “I would study and prepare myself for I know one day my chance would come” — Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.), Honourable Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, has not only studied and prepared, but has consistently risen to the occasion whenever opportunity has called.
Early Life and Career
Born in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Captain Ekong began his educational journey at Boys Primary School, Anua, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1976. He proceeded to the Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene (1977–1982), where he earned his West African School Certificate.
He later studied Civil Engineering at Calabar Polytechnic before gaining admission into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, in 1984 as part of the 36th Regular Course. In 1988, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Nuclear Physics, and in 1989 was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant. He rose to the rank of Captain before honourably retiring in 1996.
Service in Public Office
After an illustrious career in the Nigerian Army, Captain Ekong transitioned into politics and public service. He has served Akwa Ibom State with passion, discipline, and integrity, holding several leadership positions.
As Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, he recorded landmark achievements, including:
- Modernising Land Administration through the introduction of the Akwa-GIS Project, which digitised land allocation and management.
- Driving Infrastructure Projects such as the development of the Dakkada Luxury Estate, complete with road networks, water systems, and fencing.
- Protecting Government Assets by revoking and revalidating suspicious land allocations, thereby ensuring transparency.
- Recovering State Lands from speculators and fraudsters while aligning ministry operations with the Governor’s ARISE Agenda.
In August 2025, following a cabinet reshuffle, he was redeployed to the Ministry of Trade and Investment, where he is expected to bring the same energy, discipline, and vision that have defined his career.
A Birthday Worth Celebrating
Today, as family, friends, colleagues, and admirers gather to celebrate the birthday of Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.), we do not only mark his personal milestones but also celebrate a life of purposeful service to his people and his state.
He is more than a soldier and more than a politician — he is a leader, a mentor, a philanthropist, and a man of integrity whose influence continues to inspire many.
On this special day, we join voices across Akwa Ibom and beyond to say:
Happy Birthday, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.)!
May your new age be filled with greater wisdom, strength, and opportunities to continue serving humanity with zeal and zest.
Chief Edet Isong, Okete Okete Oro