Elder Statesman, Chairman, Ibibio Elders Forum Sir Uko Passes On
A prominent medical doctor in the country and chairman, Ibibio Elders Forum, Dr Okon Akpan Uko, KJW, JP has been reported dead.
The family of the deceased in a statement signed by Dr Ifiok Okon Uko said the late Sir Uko, who until his demise, was the medical director, Mainland Hospital, along Aka Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State passed on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital after a brief illness.
The statement read, “With a heavy heart but with gratitude to God for a unique life of service to God and humanity, we announce the transition to immortality of the patriarch of the Uko family of Ikot Essien Nsit, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Sir (Dr) Okon Akpan Uko, KJW, JP.
“He was until his death, the chairman of Ibibio Elders Forum a.k.a Adaha Ibibio and the Medical Director of Mainland Hospital, Uyo. The sad event occurred on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital after a brief illness.”
It could be recalled that the late medical practitioner had at various times served as the Caretaker Chairman of Nsit Atai and Uyo Local Government Areas.
He was also the Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, pioneer Chairman of Akwa Ibom Property Development Authority (now known as APICO) as well as pioneer Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Hospitals Management Board.
The Elder statesman was also the Life President of the Old Boys Association of Methodist Boys High School, Oron, Uyo Chapter.
He held the honorary titles of Akpan Idung, Ikot Essien, Obom Ibia Ikot, Ukeme Nsit Atai and Otuekong Ikpaisong Uyo among other numerous achievements. He was a devout Christian and Knight of John Wesley in the Methodist Church.
In order to accord late chairman of the Ibibio Elders Forum a befitting exit, the family has inaugurated a Burial Planning Committee headed by Dr Emmanuel Akpanobong, Secretary General of Ibibio Elders Forum with Mrs Judy Uko Akpabot as Secretary and Elder Matthew Okono as Head of Media and Publicity.
The burial arrangements is expected to be announced soon.
