The Patriarch of Mboho Akwa Afaha, a socio-cultural organisation in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Okon Mkpong, has journeyed into eternity.
Mkpong, said to have bowed out of the earthly race on Sunday, was the President of the organization in which Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel is a member. Though of Ibibio stock, Udom who hails from Awa Iman in Onna local government area comes from Afaha, one single cultural group that boasts of kinsmen in virtually all the local government areas in the state.
Ekemini Mkpong, the son of the deceased who broke the news to Straightnews in a telephone interview on Monday, said “Thanking God for answering our prayers, we announce the transition of Obong Okon Mkpong to eternal Glory. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, plans to honor him appropriately will be announced when things return to normal.
“A condolence register has been set up at the NCI for those that wish to express their thoughts of him in print,” he added.
Born September 29, 1939, Mkpong was an executive chairman of Uyo local government area from 1991 to 1993.
Until his death, he was the Village head of Afaha Udo Eyop in Ibesikpo Asutan local government area, the same village with Obong Rita Akpan, a one-time Minister of Women Affairs.
Survived by six children- Idongesit, Uduak, Eno, Ini, Mfon, Akanubo, and many grand-children, Mkpong was the President of Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo and a minister of Churches of Christ in Nigeria and in the foreign countries.