Mr. Okon Udofia Akpan ‘aka’ Papa, Mbakara, was born into the Nung Oku Family on the 22nd July 1937 in Use Ikot Oku, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. 

He was the first son in a family of two sons born to Late Mr. Udofia Akpan and late Mrs Ikwo Udofia Akpan.

Papa attended standard school from 1942 to 1948 and Bible College at Ukpom Abak during 1948 to 1953. He also studied various programmes at diploma level in Religious Studies while working. He was very active in sports including playing football at different level in the village; a game he loved so much throughout his life time.  

Papa joined the internal revenue board in 1955 where he worked for 4 years and resigned. It was at this juncture that he decided to move to Lagos for greener pastures just before Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

His first employment in Lagos was at the Lagos Ports Port Authority and it was during this period he met and fell in love with Ms. Victoria Okon. They got married and started life together in 1966.

In 1967 Papa was offered employment in the Sudan Embassy, where he worked in various roles till he felt it was time to do something different. He joined the the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in 1975 at their Headquarters in Lagos. This was very much like the end of moving between jobs as he remained in the NPF till retirement in 1997. 

Papa was blessed with his wife Mrs. Victoria Okon, four sons and two daughters whom are: Mr. Effiong Okon, Mr. Ime Okon, Mr. Udeme Okon, Mr. Emmanuel Okon, Mrs. Alice Ekaita and Miss. Eno Okon.    

Papa was quite a gentleman of impeccable character, hard working, believed very much in the core values of honesty and integrity, and truly lived these values. But above all, Papa was very prayerful and a dedicated Christian.

Papa was a very strong man, even when he was ill, he managed very well by his Grace until that fateful Saturday night of September 22nd 2012. He battled and struggled to live but God Almighty said his hour had come and Papa answered the clarion call.

Papa, you lived a worthy life and left us with great legacy. The vacuum your departure has created can never be filled up. We believe your soul has earned the peace you deserve.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

May your loving gentle soul rest in everlasting perfect peace with the Lord.

Mr. Effiong Udofia Okon

For the family.