Sir Maurice Bassey Ekpenyong

Sir Maurice Bassey Ekpenyong was born more than four decades ago as the first son of late Hon. (Chief) Francis Bassey Ekpenyong of Ekpenyong Ekpe Oyo Ita lineage, Okoroba Oyo Ita village, Akpabuyo Local Government Area.

Sir Maurice attended Primary School, Mayne Avenue, Calabar where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1980. He then proceeded to the West African People's Institute and sat for his GCE in 1987. In 1990 and 1993 rrespectively, he obtained an OND and HND certificates from the Polytechnic, Calabar in Science Technology (Microbiology/Parasitology option).

After returning from Gombe State where he did his compulsory one year National Youth Service (NYSC) in Diagnostic Laboratories, Gombe State General Hospital, Sir Maurice got employed by the Cross River State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) and later was transferred to the Ministry of Health where he is till date a lecturer in School of Nursing, Calabar.

While still working, he gained admission into School of Medical Laboratory, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, where he obtained a certificate in Medical Laboratory Science as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, and later the Univversity of Calabar for a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in IPPA.

He is the Managing Director of Freemee Nig. Ltd.

Sir Maurice is a Catholic by birth and has held several positions in the church both within and nationally. He was called to the order of Knight of St. John's International in 2012.

He is a politician, a lover of sports and very sociable.

Sir Maurice is married to Lady Etim Ekpenyong (KSG) and the marriage is blessed with children.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in inviting this wonderful achiever for presention for the award of the exalted title of 'OKOM' Ufok Oyo Ita.