Ray Ekpu, a world-renowned quintessential journalist and outstanding writer, was the central figure of celebration at WatBridge Hotels, Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom on Sunday, August 6 as he marked the Platinum Jubilee.
Uyo Book Club, host of the celebration gathered a galaxy of authors, writers, readers, journalists, book lovers, students at the Shakespeare Hall of the hotel as early as 4 p.m. in honour of Ekpu who turned 75.
The choice of the venue was remarkable to Ekpu given the revolution William Shakespeare, the great poet and dramatist, made to the literary world.
The theme of the occasion “Literary Tribute of a Quintessential Public Intellectual, a Journalist and World Renown Writer” captured the essence of the gathering as speaker after speaker took turns to express personal encounters with Ray Ekpu and his impact in the media space.
Born on August 6, 1948, in Ikot Udo Ossiom in the present day Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Ray remains one of Nigeria’s most outstanding journalists whose career spans more than four decades.
Ekpu is a recipient of several honours and awards, including the prestigious International Editor of the Year (1987).
He is a former President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Ekpu had also served as Chairman, Editorial Board, Concord Newspapers before partnering with the late Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed to establish Newswatch magazine in 1985.
In a tone setting, Dr. Udeme Nana, Founder, Uyo Book Club described Ekpu as a leading public intellectual, role model, Journalist par excellence, who despite his background, rose through the ranks to become one of Nigeria’s finest.
According to Nana, “Ray’s words dropped honey and are any reader’s delight. He competed and stood head to head with his contemporaries. In 1986, he was selected as world best Editor. He has been writing for more than 50 years. God has been gracious to him.”
He said ‘‘Journalism is the most dangerous careers in Nigeria. Ray stands tall in Journalism not only in Nigeria but also in the world, describing the life story of Ray from a remote village in Nigeria to global fame as heroic.
”Akwa Ibom people must learn to celebrate their icons in their lifetime’ and not roll out the drums when they die. To be alive to celebrate a milestone birthday at 75 years, is a blessing not to be trifled with,’’ Dr Nana emphasised.
For Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District and patron of Uyo Book Club, Dr. Ekong Sampson, “I salute Ray on his birthday. So much has been said about the great man and his writing heights. I began to read Ray right from my primary school days. But there is one feature I want to point out in the Ray script. Some might not have noticed a running thread in the man’s strong but simple thought machine-humour!
“Behind Ray’s probing visage is his ready ability to upset the ribs. That may be one hidden medication that has kept our hero in appreciably good health and shape over the years. Ekpu and Achebe easily connect in language simplicity. Ukanafun posts a golden era indeed in the likes of Ekpu, Etiebet, Mkpanang, among others. Ray is rare,” he added.
In an emotion laden voice, Chief Augustine Okon, founder of ADC Airline, captured “Ray gave me my first shot to limelight. His story about the rot in Nigeria Airline where I held sway as Fleet Manager published on the front page of Sunday Times, spurred me into founding ADC Airline.
‘‘He published me on the back page of his paper and that was it. Today I stand fulfilled as Ibom Air is the grand child of ADC courtesy of Captain Mfon Udom. Without Ray’s story of me, will there have been an ADC?”
Arc. Ezekiel Nyaetok, the brain behind Shelter Afrique Estate, Uyo, said “There was going to be no Shelter Afrique Estate without a Ray Ekpu. His support resuscitated my abandoned Architecture career. The designing of the Newswatch plaza and Ray’s personal House, got me back on track.”
Anietie Usen, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Media and Publicity, recalled ‘‘Instead of an interview with Newswatch Magazine, I got an appointment letter courtesy of Ray Ekpu, my Elder Brother. I know him as a great and gentle mind.
‘‘My sojourn with Newswatch gave the platform to where I am today. I have so much to thank him. Maybe without him, I won’t be where I am today. Never look down on anyone,” the former General Editor of Newswatch stated.
Nyaetok upon hearing the animal salary of Anietie Usen back then, instantly paid him N5,000, against N4,500 Usen said he was paid annually by Newswatch.
Bren Inyang, accomplished brand image artist and Lagos-based printer, said “Ray is one of our greatest heroes and inspiration to the younger generation. His life inspired me to where I am today.”
As the evening was gradually giving way for the dark, some of Ray’s articles as captured in Newswatch Magazine and Books were read.
Dr Martin Akpan, author of The Crumb Eaters read the piece, noted “The like of Ray Ekpu will make you travel distances just to get copies of Newswatch Magazine because of the depth of his articles. Ray is a great and captivating writer.”
Akpan read A Hollow Ritual, written by Ekpu published by Newswatch magazine and Nsikak Ekanem who said his father attended Government School, Ikot Akpa Idem in Ukanafun the same school he attended too, read Nigeria’s New Religion, In pursuit of Happiness, and Esau’s hand, Jacob’s Voice.
Vincent Aluu read Dashed Hope; Uboho Bassey read The Choice We Make while Nkeneke Efo also read a column tagged Ekpu in the Dock written by Anitie Usen then a staffer of Newswatch contained in his book Audacious Journalism.
Highpoint of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake for the celebrator supervised by Mary Jonas, the Coordinator of Abak Book Club, who expressed gratitude for the honour done him even in absentia.
Toasts were proposed by Arc. Ezekiel Nyaetok to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Anie Sunny Udoh to Akwa Ibom State and Captain Augustine Okon to the good health of Mr. Ray Ekpu.
