Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, PhD has paid tributes as family, community leaders and associates gathered in Calabar to lay Chief Archibong Ewa Ekeng to rest following his death on February 9, 2026, after a protracted illness. Chief Ekeng was 71. While expressing sadness over his demise, Duke noted the late Chief Ekeng's lifelong dedication to public service, community development and faith, describing him as a bridge between Calabar’s royal lineages and a tireless advocate for the people. "Chief Ekeng’s humility, humour and unwavering commitment to the community set a standard for leadership," he said, urging younger leaders to emulate his integrity and service. Born on October 15, 1954, Chief Archibong Ewa Ekeng, according to his biography read by his family, traced his roots to prominent royal families across Calabar. Educated at Big Qua Presbyterian Primary School , Hope Waddell Training Institution and the Polytechnic Calabar , he served as a Building Technologist in t...
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio , has been appointed into the National Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election . Ms. Akpabio was further named a member of the Women’s Mobilisation Committee , a strategic sub-committee of the National Campaign Council tasked with driving grassroots engagement, stakeholder coordination, and voter mobilization efforts ahead of the election. The committee is chaired by Her Excellency, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Ponle, with Her Excellency, Mrs. Joke Orelope-Adefulire and Senator Biodun Olujinmi serving as Co-Chairpersons. The National Campaign Council itself is chaired by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani , while the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio , serves as Vice Chairman, alongside several governors, former governors, lawmakers, and key party stakeholders. Her inclusion in the council further underscores her growing nation...