Chief Orok Bassey Ekpenyong

Chief Orok Bassey Ekpenyong was born on March 6, 1963, to the couple of late Chief and Mrs Bassey Ekpenyong, a descendant of one of the pillars of Oyo Ita House, Obong Ekpenyong Ekpe of Duke Town and Okoroba Oyo Ita. His father being a dedicated teacher made sure he had the best education and so at barely 5 years he got enrolled at Christ African Primary School, MacDonald Street, Calabar from 1968 - 1970 after which the young Rocky was moved to A.M.E. Zion Church Primary School, Ifiang King Duke, Akpabuyo LGA. Upon completion of his primary education, our honouree gained admission into the West African People's Institute (WAPI) where he tarried from 1974 to 1976 before finally ending up at the famouse St Patrick's College, Ikot Ansa, Calabar from 1976-1979 where he obtained his WAEC certificate.

In addition to this, and as usually the case with most young persons of those days, our honouree in 1990 sat for and obtained the GCE (O' level) certificate. Armed with the above credentials, he had no difficulty in gaining admission into the Plateau School of Accountancy and Management Studies, Jos, Plateau State from 1988 to 1990. Still not satisfied, he again proceeded to the University of Calabar where he obtained his Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) 1922-1994. Our honouree then finally crowned his academic career with a B.Sc. Accounting (2nd class Hons.) from the same University of Calabar from 1999 to 2003.

In order to prepare well for the challenges of the world of today, our honouree acquired the requisite skill in Information Technology and appliccation programs (Microsoft Office and Word Perfect). Being naturally endowed with unparalleled leadership qualities, it is not surprising that his working career which started from 1980 is this intimidating. Worked with Mercantile Bank of Nigeria plc, Calabar from 1980 to 1982; Federal Ministry of Communications, Race Course, TBS, Lagos, 1983-1985; First Bank of Nigeria plc, Surulere, Lagos, 1985-1988; Deputy Leader/Councillor, Odukpani Legislature, Odukpani Local Government Council, 1991-1993; Clan Council Secretary, Adiabo Ikot Mbo Otu Clan Council, Odukpani LGA, 2000-2010; Managing Director/CEO, Sea Voyage Venture (civil engineering and construction company), Calabar 1994 till date.

By reason of this intimidating achievements, our honouree's mother's side found him worthy to be conferred with a traditional chieftaincy title by the Adiabo Ikot Mbo Otu Clan Council, Odukpani LGA which is highly commendable feat, but the Efik people say 'eyen okpon ke edem ete' which is why our honouree should feel proud that 'edem ete' has found him worthy to be equally honoured and we say bravo.

Our honouree's social life is encompassing and refreshing just as he is a pace-setter and a philanthropist and his hobby includes reading of motivational work of art; travelling and making new contacts; hospitality and empowerment; an advocate of cultural renaissance and evangelism.

Above all, our distinguished honouree is married with children.

Ladies and gentlement, please join me in inviting this wonderful achiever for presentation for the award of the exalted title of 'IBIBENE' Ufok Oyo Ita.