Introduction

Patrick Akpan Ekpotu, a Chemical/Petrochemical Engineer, exemplifies a generation of Nigerian professionals in politics at its best: multi-talented, and capable of multi-tasking; highly driven, focused and determined to make Nigeria a better place through the competence of their ideas and the quality of service delivery.  To the extent that Engr Ekpotu possesses these and other outstanding qualities, his selection as Barr Godswill Akpabio’s running mate on the PDP ticket for the April 14, 2007, governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, was a strategic move by the party to win the election convincingly and serve the people well. He brought to the ticket an excellent track record rooted in brilliant academic/professional achievements, service to society and the party (PDP) and a strong partnership with Akpabio, the governorship candidate.

Birth

He was born in Kaduna on the 26th day of June in the year of Nigeria’s independence (1960) to the family of the renowned teacher/headmaster of his time, Gaul and his wife, Cornelia of Essene village, Ikpa Nung Assang Clan of present day Ikot Abasi. Ekpotu had a disciplined, focused, and ordered upbringing.

Education

Engr Patrick Ekpotu’s career profile says it all: From 1973 – 1978, he attended Regina Coeli College, Essene for his secondary education which he completed at Nsit People’s Grammar School, Afaha Offiong in 1979 at Grade One level. This was after his elementary education in Kaduna and Oruk Anam LGA. He obtained his Bachelor of Tec. (Hons) Degree in Chemical/Petroleum Engineering from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt in 1986.

Membership of Professional Bodies

He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Petroleum Engineers and a Corporate Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE.

Employment History

He taught at Baptist High School, Port Harcourt during his National Youth Service Corps year, 1987/1988, though his first stint at paid employment was as a clerk with the United Bank for Africa – UBA, shortly after his secondary education. He has a robust technical and engineering management skill which has been the driving force behind the success of his numerous companies including Paegaul Engineering Nig. Ltd, Island Agro-Industries Dev. Comp. Ltd, IADC; Baks & Pee Int. Ltd; Baks & Pee Structures and Island Communications Ltd, all of which he serve as Chairman/CEO between 1989 and 2003.

Political Career

Ekpotu had shown signs of leadership especially by active involvement in student activism. He was the president of the National Association of Cross River State Students, NACRISS, (RSUST Chapter), 1982-1983; Parliamentary adviser to RSUST Students Union Government, 1983–1984; national chairman, Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association, 1982-1983; national president, NACRISS 1983-1985; and in 1984, made history as the first non-indigenous president-elect of the Students Union Government, RSUST. Though the election was annulled and a Caretaker Committee set up, he was appointed the vice chairman and later the chairman of the Caretaker Committee. In 1983, Ekpotu was the leader, Youth Wing of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, Cross River State Chapter, and served as special assistant to its Governorship Candidate in the year 1983 general election, the late Brig. Gen. U. J. Esuene.

Ekpotu, through CROWN, sponsored and was Lead Guest on SPOTLIGHT,  a 60-minute weekly political/current affairs programme on AKBC Radio, between 2001-2003. By 2003, he served as member, Information Sub-Committee, Obasanjo/Atiku Presidential Campaign Committee, a position he got nominated into by Obong Victor Attah personally. He also served as member, Rally/Mobilization Sub-Committee, Obong Victor Attah/Chris Ekpenyong Campaign 2003, a committee which was headed by Barr Godswill Akpabio. In 2003, after participating actively in the campaign to re-elect Obong Victor Attah as governor of Akwa Ibom State for a second term and during which time he used the machinery of his non-governmental organization, the Civil Rule Advancement Works Organization of Nigeria, GROWN, to reposition the public perception of Obong Attah for eventual victory, he was appointed Commissioner, Information, Culture & Ethnical Re-orientation, Akwa Ibom State and served from 2003 to 2005.

Even when he left office as Commissioner, he still connected to the government and people. That is why he was appointed as Chairman of the Ethical and Attitudinal Re-orientation Commission, EARCOM in May 2006, a position he respectfully turned down. Shortly after, Ekpotu was spotted by the Federal Government which appointed him Co mmissioner (South-South) in the National Assembly Service Commission, Abuja.

Publications

As a cerebral person, Ekpotu has published several articles, books and has also contributed to other publications. His works include:

*The Recovery of Peace and National Continuity

*The Imperatives for True National Escape to Freedom.

*Rhythms in Courage: The Search for National Redemption

   …The Victor Attah Paradigm (to be presented to the public soon) and five others.

Awards/Accolades

Engr Ekpotu has a store-house of awards – local, national and international. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International; Fellow of the Institute of Certified Economists of Nigeria and Obong Ifiok of Ibibio land, Ukai Ibibio, Ibatai Ikpa Nnung Assang; Edep Nsit Ibom; Udu Onyi Urue Offong Oruko, Ufan Mkpat Enin among others.

Family Life

Ekpotu is a good family man taking a cue from his late parents. He is married to Mbosowo and they have three children whom they fondly refer to as Comrades. The children are equally named after prominent (historical) world leaders Winston (after Winston Churchill), Lenin (after Valadimir Lenin) and Fidel (after Fidel Castro).

Hobbies

His hobbies include writing, reading, football and driving.

Religion

Patrick Ekpotu is a devout Christian of the Catholic faith.

Conclusion

The Ekpotu that I know, is a dynamic, resourceful, honest, intelligent and God-fearing gentleman of abundant goodwill; and with Barr Godswill Akpabio as the Executive Governor, they will lead us from the land of promise to that of fulfillment.