ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Arc. Ime Ekpo. We will remember him forever.
January 9, 2023
January 9, 2023
I/9/23 - Ime Ekpo, my brother with a gentle soul & beautiful smile, continue to Rest in Perfect Peace. Today marks the 2nd anniversary of your passing and you will never be forgotten!
December 25, 2022
December 25, 2022
Indeed you were very special to so many of us.
Rest on my great Boss
December 24, 2022
December 24, 2022
I remember you for your smiles of hope to some of us. May your soul find rest in the bosom of the Lord. Rest in peace Arc. Ime Ekpo.
January 9, 2022
January 9, 2022
Ime: Today, 1/9/22 is the first anniversary of your passing. To say that, I miss you; is putting it mildly. My only consolation is in the fact that, I truly believe, you are now in a much better place with no more pains; even though it’s been a struggle to us, your family and friends, who knew and loved you. Thank God, your wife and children are holding on strong; knowing you are up there, cheering them on, as you always did in life.
Rest In Peace my dear ‘brother’. You will never be forgotten!!
January 5, 2022
January 5, 2022
Rest on.
Great man.
You meant so much to so many of us.
We miss you.
August 24, 2021
August 24, 2021
I am yet to understand the reason why it happened that way.
All the unanswered questions......
All the promises.........
I pray that God will keep your family.
Continue to rest in peace
March 5, 2021
March 5, 2021
This still feels like a movie though, like the director any time now will shout "cut".... i remember the last time i saw you...I still remember your voice, your many stories of the time you worked with my father and with my mum, i can even still picture your warm smiles...My honorary Uncle.

I watched how you loved all that was connected to you, you were very proud of your nieces and nephews. You were a good man with a good heart.

Thank you for being God's outstretched hands to bless and help when needed.

I pray the Holy Spirit console and comfort everyone you have left behind.

Rest on Sir!!!
March 5, 2021
March 5, 2021
Rest in peace, a cheerful giver, a man that gives with all his heart, my G.O, God knows best, i can't forget your cute smile you Normally smile when GOMI Brass minister in church, sir we will all miss you.
Rest in the bossom of Abraham
Good night sir.
March 4, 2021
March 4, 2021
A great man has gone home. You were a great man who showed me a whole lot. Your advice was always timely to me, even in my public and professional career. I will not ask questions but I know God knows better why He chose to call you. Rest on, great man. We will always cherish your memories.
March 4, 2021
March 4, 2021
Your friendly disposition was remarkable. Your kindness flowed naturally. Your humility was exemplary. You brought impeccable quality to your work. Your creativity and hard work can be seen in the quality of all the structures you worked on for your dear state. Mr. quality, I pray that the good lord will reward you with the highest quality of heavenly dwellings. RIP.
March 3, 2021
March 3, 2021
Arc Ime Ekpo- FNIA,
Adieu Etubom. Words may not able to express our pains and loss when the news of your demise was announced. You were one in a million, dependable friend, brother and close confidant. Rest on Ime .
March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021
The pain and trauma of losing a loved one, a good and reliable friend who is more of a family member is immeasurable. To the Ntuk’s family you were more than a brother and we are all traumatized by your death.

Today, I am forced to bid you farewell. I am the last person that would have thought that the sickness will end up taking your life. I remember you inviting us to your house in Uyo the last time I was in Nigeria, less than 24 months ago. That night you called your tailor to come over with his catalog and to take my measurement for some traditional wears. It was that night that you told us that you have a health condition which to us was not life threatening . It was not until several months after that I was told that you are sick and someone had called me from Nigeria to asked if I have heard anything about you..........
I was so scared that I picked up my phone and called you, and it happened that you were in Germany getting ready to return to Nigeria. This is what you told me , " Edem, abadie? Mkpo inamma, infact nsuk nwong tea, I will be returning to Nigeria on Monday"

Just a few days after, another friend called to tell me that you were very sick. This time I had to call your brother, Uwem , to find out about your condition and he told me that arrangement is being made for you to be flown to Germany in 2 days for further treatment . I was full of confident. Unfortunately, two days , precisely on the 10th of January, after you arrived Germany, my brother, Mike, text to say you passed on.

Your death has created an unfathomed vacuum , a void that will continue to linger in my memory. Your welcoming smiles and brotherly love all gone, leaving me in everlasting sorrow.
Ime, my heart is filled with grief. Adieu , my good brother.

I am consoled by these words " Those who walk uprightly enter into peace: they find rest as they lie in death." - Isaiah 57:2.
Rest on Ime
February 28, 2021
February 28, 2021
A Tribute To My Friend, Architect Ime “Imi” Okon Ekpo

We lived across the street from each other on Goldie Street, Calabar, attended Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar and studied OND Architecture together at the now defunct College of Technology, Calabar.
Though our professional lives kept us on separate continents we remained in touch and with Imi’s love and dedication to our alma mater, HOWAD, he was able to attend his first of a series of Hope Waddell-North America (HWOSA-NA) alumni Reunions in Las Vagas, Nevada with a group from Nigeria during my presidency.
I can attest from my personal knowledge of Imi that he was a gentle and genuinely caring person.
May God give his family and all of us the strength and grace to find comfort according to His will...
Rest in Perfect Peace my friend!

Eno Udo, New York
On behalf of my wife Justina and our family.
February 28, 2021
February 28, 2021
A TRIBUTE TO MY DEAREST UNCLE

What I feel, how I feel, what I think, cannot be explicitly captured by simply putting pen-to-paper.
I am still trying to comprehend and bring myself to understanding of this happening I felt my faith have failed me!
My father and my God, you say you love me but you choose to hurt me deeply. My heart is torn.
I have never truly understood what death meant until now. God had to use my Uncle Imi, my most dearly loved uncle to Set me on a path to research more about death, to truly understand what death means and does.
To me you will never die uncle Imi, you are not dead, you live on.
Your voice, your laughter, jokes, discipline, shouts are still as real as it has always been.
Who will call me 'Anigirl' with that smile? Uncle Imi, you were everything a father could have been to me and my children.
Oh death! is so disrespectful to come and touch you.
Yet I will trust in God.
He has never made a mistake, even when I fail to understand this, I know you are in a better place.
"Teach us to use wisely all the time we have" (Psalm 90:12)
I Will Always Love You Uncle Imi cuz you are very much in My Heart EVERYDAY.

Your Niece
Anima
February 28, 2021
February 28, 2021
A TRIBUTE TO MY UNCLE

Dear uncle, your death came as a shock to me and as you sit in the arms of the Lord I want you to know that our lives has not been the same since you left.
We still wake up every morning hoping this is a dream and it hurts knowing that you are gone forever. Words have failed me to describe these difficult moments that we're in but if this is the last time I get to say goodbye then I know I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself blessed to have lived this life as your niece.
You touched my life by your selfless and countless acts of kindness; always giving, always giving, always giving, yet never expect anything in return.
The benefits of your hard work is a living testimony for so many young men and women under your wings at a personal and professional level.
Uncle I want you to know that you will and will always be an inspiration to myself and my entire family.
Indeed you have left a void in the family that will never be filled, while we mourn today we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on Earth has been fulfilled.
We thank the Lord for your life please know that we love you and we bid you farewell as you go to rest with the lord.

Your Niece
Esther Umoren
February 28, 2021
February 28, 2021
This is one of the most difficult realities of my Life, it is still like a dream that Uncle Imi is no more,

Uncle imi, Loved us from cradle,
He stood by us during the most challenging and difficult times of our life infact we were part of his budget,
Uncle Imi celebrated Our successes and never failed to caution us when we went astray,an attribute of a Father,Very rare of an Uncle...

He was very proud of us...Always introducing us as 'Ndito Adiaha Eka Mmi' with a smile.

Come Rain,Come Shine Uncle Imi was always there for Our Mum...His Sister..
Uncle Imi,believed so much in the Family and tried everything within his God's given power to protect its Unity ,

Uncle Imi was a great pillar of support to us,
Our history can never be complete without him,

Uncle Imi,You were and will continue to be a source of inspiration to us,

Oh......Uncle Imi!!!!!!
Your body might be gone from this world but you continue to Live in Our HEARTS FOREVER.

Adieu.......Uncle Imi
Adieu to a very intelligent,Resourceful and Dynamic Man
Adieu Etubom

I pray that your Soul Rest in the Bosom of the Lord.

Your Niece.
Blessing-Ekaette Mbuotidem Udoh.
February 26, 2021
February 26, 2021
Words fail me!
How do I start and where do I end?
Uncle Imy as we fondly called you, my husband's Snr Cousin who became Our uncle, my father in law and a great treasure to my family.
You were always there at anytime we needed you, a shoulder to Lean on any moment.
Heaven have gained a soul
We love you but God loves you most.
May God comfort your dear wife, children, brothers and sisters.
Rest on till we meet to part no more.


Emem & Uko E. B. Akpan
February 24, 2021
February 24, 2021
        THE MAN IME EKPO          Ime and I shared in two institutions of learning, that is, Hope Waddell and the then College of technology Calabar at different times but we spent much of everyday of the next twenty two years together working in the same environment. That I believe is enough time to get to know someone to a great extent. I have read most of the tributes written about Arc. Ime Ekpo Fnia, and can confirm that the same truths about him are observed by all who wrote or knew him.
Not much has been written about his work ethics which was first class.
Ime was a great part of the physical development of Akwa-Ibom state right from it's inception in 1987 till his retirement, and even after.
He impacted greatly on the physical landscape of the State where he was in charge of the design and supervision of many government projects.
Arc. Ekpo was particularly in charge of the supervision of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, current Government House and Offices to mention but a few. In all of these, he exhibited exceptional professionalism. He was an untiring worker and could be depended on, most of the time.
Arc. Ekpo was loyal to his bosses and friends throughout the years of service and even after. The same traits saw him rise to become a member of the State Executive Council where he shone as a star, we miss him already.
To his family I pray that the God of all comfort shall show mercy and Grace, condole and keep you in His perfect peace, Amen.
Elder Arc. Etete Akang
Perm sec. Rtd.
[For and unbehalf of all members of staff, who where colleagues with Arc Imeh Ekpo between 1987, until his death]. 
February 24, 2021
February 24, 2021
Beyond Tears

Oh, my big brother and my friend Arc Ime Ekpo. People called you Ime, but I called you Etukudo Nko because you had an amiable personality, just like your late mom.
I did not know my visit with you in the hospital that fateful Saturday will be the last time I would see you. Otherwise, I would have stayed a little longer, but I needed to leave to let you rest.

You were humble and respectful of anybody you came across regardless of age. You always started a sentence with "mbok kuyat Esit" no matter what you talked about, irrespective of the person's age or gender.
I never heard you raised your voice no matter how provoked you were, and you will quietly withdraw instead of raising your voice.

I will miss all the jokes and African Proverbs you used in every sentence. You were very compassionate and always gave from your want without looking at who else was waiting to give to the same person.

I learned from you what genuine service to the people entailed. Thank you so much for your charitable courses for the less privileged. Thank you for your selfless service that you never bragged about on social media and privately. Thank you for the privilege to serve Ubium people alongside you these past years.

However, you could not complete the review of my upcoming project before you departed, but I will implement the ideas you communicated to me on the phone. Thank you for being there for my family and me through tough times.

To my sister Mabel Ekpo, The Good Lord will guide and protect you and your children. He says, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness." ( Isaiah 41:10). This scripture and many others have helped me immensely and will help you. May God continue to comfort you and your children.

We are comforted with the scriptures that say; there will be a resurrection of the dead ( John 5:28,29). Until then. Asiere, Etukudo Nko.

Ndipmong Inyang & Family
February 24, 2021
February 24, 2021
Arc Ekpo, you were a great blessing to our generation. Hearing about your sudden demise was a rude shock. We attended the same University, Great University of Ife, and he was one of our sincere and admirable alumni. When I visited him in Uyo in his office in 2018, he taught me our Great University of Ife Alumni anthem.
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Engr(Dr) Ezekiel Olajide Adeniji
Chairman, FERMA (2011-2015)
February 23, 2021
February 23, 2021
I’m still trying to grapple with a loss that is too profound for words.

My dearest Uncle Imi, we will miss you so much - you were a brother, husband, father, friend, pastor, teacher, coach and so much more.

You were kind, gentle, humble, and had a heart of pure gold.
You were selfless, full of love and wisdom.
You were patient, insightful, and you made us laugh.
Without a doubt, you are one of a kind and these are just few reasons why your mark in our lives will remain always.

I bless God for bringing you into our lives and for using you to bless the lives of all those who knew you.
We love you and will miss you very dearly.

Rest on Rev. (Arc) Ime Ekpo (FNIA).
Adieu and good night, till we meet to part no more.

-Your Niece-
Uduakobong Isong
February 23, 2021
February 23, 2021
IME - A friend and a brother like no other. I'm yet to comprehend or come to terms with your departure. Last we met, just 4 days before your demise,you gave me your word that you will come out to help in planning my mum's funeral. This promise you have not kept. You were my close confidant whom we shared lots together. It is so painful to tell you Goodbye.

Goodnight my friend - Ekpatuka. Rest in peace. Amen

Ini Ekanem
February 23, 2021
February 23, 2021
Even as a privileged curator of the built realm, it is difficult to find the words to describe your existence. You came; you pushed yourself as you did others; and you made progress where possibility could not be easily seen.

Hopefully, and reverently so, you have gone where no downtime or burn rate can follow.

May your family be comforted by the Holy Spirit as they become guardians of an unfolding legacy. May God's illustrious grace numb the pain, fortify their souls and guide us all into that ultimate gallery of glorious witnesses.

Shalom.

- DANIEL ETTEH, MNIA, PMP
February 23, 2021
February 23, 2021
Aaa-Single!!!! and Architect Ime Ekpo would beam his full faced and infectious smile, always playful, always full of jokes, and nke to go with the situation. The familiarity never changed from the moment I met Ime at HOWAD for the first time up to the very end, he remained the same person, a very genuine human being and there was no pretense with him. What you saw with him was what you got. My friendship with Ime started at Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar (HOWAD) where he was a year my senior having entered the school in 1970. There was a strict social order or a kind of pecking order at HOWAD where the junior students knew their places and do not join or enjoy 'senior jokes', but Ime was a different kind of senior student who would enjoy the company of junior students like me.

Although Ime's dormitory was Thompson Hall, he would come over to Mosbourne House, my dormitory, to play ground tennis and he did not mind whom he played with or against, and of course playful me, I was as frequent as anyone to oblige him with a good game. For those who do not know, ground tennis is when you hit the lawn tennis ball with the bare hand within a makeshift court drawn with chalk on concrete ground. This was a sign of the humility that would mark his entire life, he did not have any ego with him, and did not put on any airs, he was just a straight forward and plain spoken individual who dealt with every person equally and with respect.

Our interaction extended to backyard soccer where we were both regulars, and this took place directly behind his dormitory. Now, in those days people had to come up with nicknames to be called in the soccer field. There were HOWAD nicknames like Kotoko, Genocide, Kosa Joe, Planner, Skawawa. Ime chose to call himself Pele. To distinguish himself from the Brazilian World Cup player he called himself Single Pele which later metamorphosed over time into A-single.

Our paths crossed again at the College of Technology Calabar, the University of Ife, with his frequent visits to the University of Ibadan our friendship flourished. On his many visits to the United States he makes sure to get in touch even if he cannot visit in person, and he also did attend the Hope Waddell Old Students' Association Reunion in the United States at my behest when I was a member of the executive. We had such a very close friendship such that I considered him my brother.

Over the past 6 years my wife and I have been conducting medical missions to Nsit-Ubium in conjunction with the Ubium Development Association, Ime had been one of our pillars, one of our prime sponsors, raising funds for the mission. He held a welcome party for the team in his house in Ikot Okoro, Ubium, he also provided lunch for all the team members. On many occasions he would bring the food in his personal car and would distribute the food by himself to ensure that every single volunteer was not overlooked. This was a very admirable and remarkable thing for him to do at the time he was the State Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources. His passing to eternity has been a big shock to us, it is so surreal that it his hard to believe this has actually happened. His passing is a big loss to his family, his friends, and the community. On behalf of my wife Mrs. Ekamma Inyang and our family, I pray that God should console his family and give them the strength to bear this big loss, and may Ime's soul Rest In Perfect Peace.
Amen.

February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
So Difficult To Forget
Ime, the memories of your friendship and love for me and my family is so difficult to forget. You were always there, always ready to help, so kind with such a good heart, you were just a phone call away....your famous words to me were...' Just give me 5 minutes I will be there' 'Don't worry, it is well' you had such great faith. Your advise and guidance never wrong.
How do I forget your role during my daughter's wedding April 20th, 2019 you became a German guiding my inlaws during the marriage rites in short you planned, coordinated and ensured the wedding was a huge success both financially and materially. Tears roll down my eyes.....
Your picture in my parlor when you joined us for my daughter's graduation in Budapest, Hungary June, 2015 is a constant reminder of the strong bond that exist between us.
Ime, you became sick and drifted away.
You are truly gone to be with the Lord.
We will miss you dearly.
Rest in Peace My Brother and Friend
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Writing this tribute is a task that must be done, Arc. Ime Ekpo (Etubom) like I normally called him was one of the finest gentlemen I came in contact with through my husband. He was selfless, ever-smiling, humble, caring, and believing your problem was his, ready to help, advise, and always asking after my kids especially Tony the baby of the house his friend. Etubom, we will miss you, your kind words, advice, and help in so many areas. Mabel, my sister, and friend I pray the Almighty cloth you with strength, wisdom and be encouraged in His words always for He will not leave you, nor forsake the family. Etubom, may your soul rest in your maker's bosom, till we meet again.
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Uncle you have left a vacuum in my heart, it looks like a dream that you are no more. I can remember one of my days in higher institution you advise me not to join cult in school, you were a father, and a mentor. I will FOREVER remember you. Sleep on my hero, till we meet to part no more...... Edikan Ekpo your nephew
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Arc Ime Ekpo

A great mentor that I always looked up to. A fine gentleman and a great Architect.
In my darkest moment with a broken heart after the loss of my husband, you were there for me.
You offered me a job, paid my bill where necessary and encouraged me to write my professional exams.
How I was secretly afraid when I asked why your voice was shaking on the phone when you called from your sick bed.
I miss you sir. Honestly I miss you.
The institute has lost a great Architect.
May God grant your soul eternal rest.

Arc Ekanwan Alale.
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Your were my dear husband
Thank you to have been a great one to me.
You were so kind and caring, making sure I was happy. You made me special in you own way oh my dear husband. Time ran so fast when we were together, yes you so funny and full of stories. With you there was no dull moments. I always looked forward to having you back home.
Oh my Dear it broke my heart to lose you. You told our Pastor that day that your wife is a very strong woman, I don’t know why you said that. If you were encouraging me, praising me or you were telling me to be a very strong woman.
My Dear words can’t just relate how much I miss you were here again. But God can’t let you go anymore. Rest on My Dear. Rest on My Smiling Face. Rest on one of the Kindest man I’ve ever seen. Rest on My Hero. I will forever be proud of your faith in God. Ebe Mmi asiere.
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Ime Ekpo, like I fondly called you, I thought you were getting better, when I last spoke with you. You sounded strong and I was so sure you would pull through. I guess God had better plans for you!! . It is like a dream that you are gone. 

When I got that dreadful text on that early morning from your wife which read ‘Aunty, I have lost my husband ooo’, I was totally confused and truly thought it was a dream. A dream because, I had just spoken with her a few hours before and she had told me that, you were improving. Not caring what time it was in Germany, I decided to call to make sure of what I read. With tearful eyes I could no longer sleep. Stayed up wondering why you??

Ime, for the past 30 plus years, you were an integral part of both my families. The Hogan Ekpo family that I was born into and the Ntuk family into which I married. You became a very huge part of my life. Way before those years, you were a household name in the Hogan Ekpo family but my relationship with you became much closer within those 30+ years when I got married to your best friend/soul mate. It’s not often you hear a man refer to another man as a ‘soulmate’ but that just explains how close you and my husband (Michael) were; and just like he said, nobody could have penetrated that wall between the two of you.
Having met and known you over the years, it was so easy to understand how and why. 

Ime, you were someone anyone would love to have as a friend. You were loyal, humble, caring respectful of others and so generous. I remember many times while my mother was alive, you visited her numerous times without anyone asking you to do so. Each time, you took her foodstuffs, goodies money and spent time with her. My mom will always call to tell me that; you and your wife had paid her a visit; or sometimes by yourself while in that area. You took care of my mom; like she was your mom too; and will even video her and show me whenever we met. 

Ime, your family became my family, your wife became my sister and your children became my children. I truly will miss all those good times being around you. Each time you visited us, you always had gifts for me and the children. My son, Kufre was always happy to see you and would always run with excitement and say ‘mommy, see what Uncle Ime Epo (Ekpo), brought for me’. Nobody could tell stories and make people laugh better than you; yet you knew when to be serious. 

You were a good listener and a wonderful brother; there were times, when you became my ‘calm’ in the midst of a ‘storm’. Your death has left a very big void in my family’s life especially my husband’s. I can remember so many funny times together between us; like many years ago we all had paid my parents a visit and while we were ready to leave; my dad was not quite ready for me to leave; anyway, we left but once we got in the car, Michael became a little ‘mouthy’ and you were like ‘Da, shut up, why did you wait to get in the car to say something, why didn’t you tell your father-in-law, what you are now saying in this car’? It was a response only Ime Ekpo could have told his friend. This joke would have been funnier, if I could write it in Ibibio, unfortunately, I cannot.

Ime, you were the only other person, who called me Ima Ekpo apart from Mike. Remember, between us, we are siblings (Ime Ekpo & Ima Ekpo). 
Rest In Peace my brother; and say hi to my mom. I know, she will be so delighted to see you again!!!
We pray to Almighty God to console your wife, children, your other family members and friends, like me who knew and loved you. 

You will surely be missed. Goodnight and sleep well, my always jovial and smiling brother!!!.

-Ima Ekpo-Ntuk.
February 21, 2021
February 21, 2021
Whenever you met Ime you part ways with a smile on your face. He had a way to ease your tension with a rare “nke” or a rib cracking joke. I met Ime Ekpo during one of my frequent trips to Ife from Ibadan in our University days in the late 70s. He was pleasant, warm and desirable company. His kindness, friendship and ease are the things we will miss most. He was very smart and ready to assist you in any way he could. One is just too numb to string words together to pay tribute to someone that was so genuine, so true and so real. Our prayers are with his family. May God be their comfort and strength. I can only say, Single, we never saw this one coming. Rest In Peace my friend.

Drs. Ally & Udeme Inyang
February 20, 2021
February 20, 2021
Hon Ime Ekpo lived a life that reminds us of the obligations of the privileged to the less privileged. He was a fine example of a public servant. May his soul Rest In Peace in Jesus name.
February 13, 2021
February 13, 2021
A Tribute To My Soulmate, Arc. Ime Okon Ekpo.

This is the most difficult write up that I have had to pen down in my whole life. My best friend Ime Ekpo, and I truly mean my best friend, is gone. Ime’s death has rocked every fiber of my being to the core. I have been totally devastated and heart broken. Our friendship was one that I can boldly say was a bond that was impenetrable by any force in this world. We were close, closer than close! We had our ways. We even had our ‘language’ where we could communicate, and no one would understand. Ime knew the good, the bad and the ugly about me and I can say he opened up all about himself to me. With Ime’s death, a part of me is gone, and I do not know how to cope with this gaping loss. The good Lord knows best, and I pray that He will heal this deep agonizing pain in me.

Just recently, Ime forwarded me an email from his doctors in Germany, after he went for a routine checkup. The doctors had discovered some unusual swelling on his jaw that needed further investigations. At that point, they recommended a ‘watch and wait’ and advised that treatment might be necessary if certain symptoms developed. He was not moved because, as a deeply spiritual and devout Christian, he believed in divine healing. Based on the little that I read and coupled with the fact that the governor of my state of residence in the USA had a similar condition, I reassured him that it was a treatable condition which his doctors also confirmed. Typical of Ime, instead of seeing a problem, he saw a silver lining and claimed the good Lord had a reason and purpose to hassle him with the condition. However, months later treatment was started. To know that just a few months after the findings, Ime is gone is overwhelmingly painful.

Again, how am I going to cope with this death? Ime was such a dependable guy. He was the kind of friend everyone craves; therefore, it will not be a surprise if hundreds of folks will claim him as a friend. He affected a lot of people with his generosity. Always reaching and touching anyone within his reach with all that he could afford. Above all, adding that his signature disarming smile to boot. He was truly a sweet natured, lovely, and humble soul. Ime particularly cared about his family, his friends, and work. As a father he was very fond of all his kids and each kid had some kind of pet name aside from their given names. His passion and dedication to work enabled him to work with all governors since the beginning of the fourth republic till date. He was in sync with any government in power and all considered him an asset. On the social scene, Ime’s convivial nature made him to be constantly sought after to any events he was invited. He could rile up any gathering with his classical raw humors. His jokes and historical presentation of events were unique and would always generate lively amusement and great laughs. We joked and laughed even until a few days to his demise. What a guy!

I can write a book on this guy and on how our lives were interwoven, but unfortunately this is not the place for that. Stating that I will miss Ime is to put it lightly. Only the good Lord will fill the void his death has left behind. Ekpatuka, Nnan enyin, Imi-boy (you see I could call him any names), may the good Lord grant you eternal peace until we meet again.

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Recent Tributes
January 9, 2023
January 9, 2023
I/9/23 - Ime Ekpo, my brother with a gentle soul & beautiful smile, continue to Rest in Perfect Peace. Today marks the 2nd anniversary of your passing and you will never be forgotten!
December 25, 2022
December 25, 2022
Indeed you were very special to so many of us.
Rest on my great Boss
His Life

BIOGRAPHY

February 20, 2021
Preamble:

Death is the last guest everyone must attend to; it is the unavoidable climax of every living creature. How it comes, when it comes, constitute the greatest challenge of every philosophical intellect of man. It has no pardon, and it gives no second chance. It causes untold despair and agony to those who do not know but courage to those who know it is the master’s servant who takes the beloveth to the Lord and Creator.


Birth and Parentage:

Late Rev. Arc. Ime Okon Ekpo fondly called “Imi” was born on the 10th day of August 1956 into the royal family of Nung Obio Afiain Ikot Okoro Ubium, in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. He was the 3rd son and the 4th child of his father, late Dr.Okon Akpan Ekpo of Ikot Okoro Ubium, Nsit Ubium LGA. His mother was late Princess Mrs. Nkoyo Okon Akpan Ekpo of Akai Ubium, Nist Ubium LGA, AKS.



Education:

Imi started his primary education at Methodist Primary School, Ikot Ekpene in 1963. He later attended C.M.S Primary School, Umuduru, Mbano in the present-day Imo State and completed his primary education at St. Mary’s Primary School, Efut Abua, Calabar, Cross River State in 1969.

Late Rev. Arc. Ime Ekpo was admitted into the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar in 1970. He sat and passed the West African Certificate Examination with flying colors in 1974. Ime attended the defunct College of Technology, Calabar between 1974 and 1976 where he obtained the Ordinary diploma (OND) in Architecture. In 1979, he was admitted into the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) for a degree program in Architecture. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture (B.Sc.) in 1983. In 1985, he obtained his Master of Science degree in Architecture (M. Sc).



Career:

Imi as he was fondly known started his career with the Cross River State Ministry of Works and Transport, Calabar as an Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) Building in 1976. There, he was assigned to a Task Force which was involved in the construction of the first government owned Housing Estate in Etinan. After working briefly for three years, he left for his University education at the University of Ife. Upon completion of his academic programs at the university, he was posted to Kano State where he did his NYSC. He was reabsorbed into the Cross River State Civil Service at the completion of his NYSC.

He attained Full membership of the Nigeria institute of Architects in 1991 and was fully registered with the Architects Registration Council to practice architecture in Nigeria. He has worked in various firms and organizations namely:

  • Coplan Associate, Kano.
  • Ministry of Housing and Urban renewal, Uyo.
  • Ekmi design Consult, Uyo.
He was involved in various building projects both at the pre contract and post contract stages, namely:
  • Gamji Recretional Park, Kaduna.
  • United bank for Africa Area Office in Kaduna.
  • United bank for Africa Luxury flats, Ikoyi, Lagos.
  • One bedroom Terrace building for Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, Ntak Inyang, Itu, AKS.
  • FM transmitting Building wit Studio for AKBC.
  • Office blocks for the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State govt.
  • Governor’s lodge, Lagos Akwa Ibom State government.
  • House of Assembly Complex for Akwa Ibom State government.
  • Extensions, Mobil Pegasus Club, Eket.
  • Bonny Museum for Mobil Nigeria Unlimited.
  • Apico Shelter Afrique Housing Estate, Mbiaobong, Uyo.
  • Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Nwaniba, Uyo.
  • The Ultra-modern Itam Timber and Livestock Market/Abattoir.
  • Government House Complex, Uyo.
  • Police Secondary School, Ukana.
  • Mobile police base, Ukana.
  • Akwa Ibom Stadium Complex.
  • Akpan Hogan Ekpo Center for Public Policy, University of Uyo, Uyo.
Between 2005 and 2008, he served as a consultant for Mobil producing Unlimited in Community Assisted projects in Rivers and Akwa Ibom State. In August 2011, late Arc. Ime Ekpo voluntarily retired from the service of Akwa Ibom State government as the State Director of Housing. After retirement, he set up an architectural practice firm – Ekmi Consult, where he served as the principal consultant. Between 2010 and 2013, he represented Akwa Ibom State on the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON).

In December 2016, late Arc. Ime Ekpo was appointed by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel as honorable Commissioner and member of the Executive Council.

Awards received:

Through dint of hard work, late Arc. Ime Ekpo was a three-time recipient of merit awards from the Akwa Ibom State government namely:

  • 1989Col. Godwin Abbe
  • 1999 Group Captain John Ebiye
  • 2007Arc. Obong Victor Attah

Religious life:

Late Arc. Ime Ekpo was born into the Christian family of Salvation Army faith. He was a senior soldier of the Salvation Army. In 1996, late rev. Arc. Ime Ekpo was called into a higher service in the Lord’s vineyard as a minister of the gospel. He was the Head pastor and general Overseer of God’s Own Ministry international, No 21 Akpan Essien Street, Uyo.


Marital life:

Late Arc. Ime Ekpo got married to Mrs. Mabel Ime Ekpo of Urue Offong Oruku and was joined in Holy Matrimony. The marriage is blessed with six children.



Glorious Call:

Death is said to be a terminal point in life and everything on earth has its own time and its own season – Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, there is a time for birth and there is a time for death. He was confronted with a brief illness. He finally answered the home call from his Creator on January 10, 2021. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace till we meet to part no more, Amen.

He is survived by a wife, six children, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and a host of other relations to bid him farewell.


Recent stories

SUPPORT

August 24, 2021
Arc. Ime Ekpo: Austin what are you waiting for?
Austin: Sir, ehm ehm ehm..........
Arc. Ime Ekpo: Austin, I will support you. I will support you.

He kept to his words. He supported Austin before, during and even after. 

My Man!

February 13, 2021
I remember the date this pic was taken like yesterday. We slipped out of the grandeur occasion for this pose. It was fun as usual hanging out together. Beautiful memories such as this will ever remain green.

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