Chief Nduese Essien Eulogizes Eket foremost Medical Practitioner Dr Esenowo at 97

Chief Nduese Essien Eulogizes Eket foremost Medical Practitioner Dr Esenowo at 97

… advocates for pension review of retirees

….tasks prominent individuals, groups and organisations to upgrade next birthday celebrations for the unsung hero

By Emmanuel Paragon

An elder statesman, Rt Hon Chief Nduese Essien has felicitated with one of the foremost medical practitioners of Ekid stock, Dr Esenowo on the occasion of his ninety seventh birthday ceremony held yesterday at Idua Civic Centre,, Eket and bankrolled by Music Makers Organisation International.

According to the political leader of Eket Senatorial District, the erudite medical doctor has left some indelible footprints on the sands of time in his chosen field of human endeavour. ” His compassion and expertise have touched countless lives and we are so grateful for his dedication and service to humanity.”

The Attah of Eket went down memory lane to recap how he used to hear of Eseneowo’s dynasty of Idua during his hey days in Primary School, Ofriyo. ” As at that time it was not only this particular Esenowo but the whole Esenowo dynasty that was making waves in Eket. Other prominent and wel known families then were the Ikoiwak at Efoi, Mbang in Idua, Jackson Amah, and Essien’ Etukudoh at Ikot Ibiok.

The two term former federal lawmaker further disclosed that the nonagenarian Dr Eseneowo came back from America in the early 1950s and made history as the second medical doctor of Eket stock. History also has it that the first medical doctor of Eket origin came from the popular Jackson Amah’ s lineage.”

‘What made these families the rave of the moment and thick then were their passion for Christianity as exemplified by the teachings and doctrine of the Qua Iboe Church with sound moral upbringing. This was not unconnected with the fact that they first embraced western education which later metamorphosed in their offsprings playing prominent roles in the society, as at today. We can now see how education has continued to play a pivotal part in the development of any community.”

The elder statesman noted that he is always impressed by Doctor Esenowo’s kindness , humility , devotion to duty, strict adherence to principles, courage outspokenness, doggedness and perseverance.These qualities of course , he further stressed are the characteristics of the original Eket man. He described the celebrant as one of the few relics left of the original Eket person.

To the best of his knowledge, majority of them with these sterling qualities had since gone to be with their maker but Eket people are very happy to have this son of Hippocrates stock still around with them.

The former federal minister also said that Dr Esenowo is an ardent lover of Ekid dialect to the extent that sometimes he speaks the language to the whites not caring about whether he is being understood by them or not. His popular refrain then was ” nsisu ubiak” which literally means “what is wrong with you” in doctor’s parlance.

During his sojourn in the medical profession, Dr Eseneowo was able to contribute significantly to the development of Idua, Eket and the defunct South Eastern State.

Interestingly, the medical doctor was one of the founding fathers of the University of Calabar which was affiliated to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, during the tenure of the great Brigadier General U J Esuene.

“Dr E J Esenowo single handedly processed for the establishment of a school of nursing at Eket. He was also instrumental to the establishment of medical school in the University of Uyo, when he served as the board member of the Governing Council of the university. He also worked for the creation of Akwa Ibom State and the list is endless. He deserves all the honours given and poured encomiums because of his track records of service.” The Ada Idaha Ke Efik Ebrutu further declared.

Essien’ also used the occasion to say that it is not right for us to forget people because they have gotten old. He stated emphatically that we should always remember our heroes while alive, not only when they have gone.
The outspoken chief implored the government to review the retirement benefits of people of this status as building of homes for old people to come and live is not an ideal solution. “Dr Eseneowo is on a monthly pension of #29000 which is unimaginable.”

The chief was of the opinion that this event should be regarded as a dress rehearsal for his centenary birthday celebrations which will be upgraded to encompass the various segments of the society in the planning befitting the status of a man who had put in so much for his community.

Highpoints of the occasion was the presentation of award as an icon of hope to the celebrant.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Eket monarch and his dear wife, Edidem E C D Abia and Akwa Obongawan Mandu C Abia , Archbishop Senator Helen Esuene, clan heads of Okon and Ekid Afaha, Etebom Akpabio Ekpokon Inyang and Enim Ekanem , village heads of Odoro Atabong, Idua and Etebom ,Dr Ferdinand Ikwang , Eteidung Samuel Eyiridua and Johnny Udia , former Commisioner for Health, Dr Dominic Ukpong, councillors Hon Mrs Udeme Isemin , Okokon Oduok , Pastor Akpadia Udoakagha , Rockyfeller Nsudoh , Obongiwaad Emmanuel Mbong among others