Ekid Historical Society

20/08/2026

Clemson University students in South Carolina have developed Deep Orange 17, a solar-integrated electric vehicle prototype in collaboration with BMW’s research and development team.

The project began in 2024 after BMW challenged the students to explore whether a vehicle could generate more energy than it consumes while driving.

More than 1,700 photovoltaic cells cover the vehicle’s exterior, allowing it to capture sunlight while moving and while parked.

The energy-positive concept could reduce dependence on charging infrastructure by continuously generating electricity during everyday use.

BMW project manager Stephan Augustin called the project a rewarding achievement after students spent 2 years overcoming technical challenges to bring the vehicle to life.

02/08/2026

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY MBOHO MKPARAWA IBIBIO (MMI) AT THE END OF ITS 39TH FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION HELD ON SATURDAY, 1ST AUGUST, 2026, AT THE MBOHO MKPARAWA IBIBIO INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE, UDO UDOMA AVENUE, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE

PREAMBLE

Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), the foremost socio-cultural organisation of the Ibibio ethnic nationality, established on 1st August, 1987, in Calabar, Cross River State, shortly before the creation of Akwa Ibom State, commemorated its 39th Founders’ Day on Saturday, 1st August, 2026.

Having reviewed the addresses delivered by the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa (Elder) Ini-Abasi Ekanem, and the President-General of Ekid People’s Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, during the inauguration of the 12th International Executive Council of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio on Friday, 24th July, 2026, and reaffirming our commitment to truth, justice, the rule of law, and peaceful coexistence, the organisation hereby issues the following communiqué.

This communiqué is intended neither as an act of provocation nor hostility, but as a reasoned statement aimed at placing historical, legal, and constitutional facts in their proper perspective.

RESOLUTIONS

After extensive deliberations, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio resolved as follows:

1. MMI affirms that all statements made during the inauguration ceremony of the 12th International Executive Council were founded on verifiable historical facts, established legal principles, and constitutional realities. They represented the official and considered position of the organisation and not the personal opinions of any individual.

2. MMI expresses concern over persistent attempts to reference Ekid, Itu Mbonuso, Nkari, and other Ibibio sub-groups as distinct ethnic nationalities rather than by their proper historical and collective identity as components of the Ibibio ethnic nationality.

The organisation observes that, over several decades, some political actors within the Oron Federal Constituency have pursued what scholars describe as ethnic balkanisation by nomenclature with the apparent objective of weakening the political and developmental cohesion of the Ibibio people.

MMI reiterates that the Oron Federal Constituency is historically and anthropologically composed of both Ibibio and Efik elements, while the core Oro ethnic group traditionally occupies parts of Oron and Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Areas. The Ibibio ethnic nationality has never sought to fragment the Oro people for political advantage and therefore rejects every attempt to portray Ibibio unity as a threat while simultaneously promoting ethnic fragmentation.

3. MMI observes that since the withdrawal of a section of the Oro people from the Ibibio ethnic group in 1937 following the Ibibio State Union scholarship initiative, a recurring pattern has emerged whereby certain Oro leaders and commentators resort to ethnic blackmail whenever legitimate historical or legal issues are raised.

The organisation notes with concern the increasing incidence of disparaging comments directed at the Ibibio people and several of their distinguished leaders across social media and other public platforms. Such conduct is inconsistent with genuine calls for peace, restraint, and responsible leadership.

MMI particularly states that former Governor Udom Emmanuel, CON, inherited the Ibom Deep Seaport project from previous administrations and neither commissioned nor authored the technical reports relating to the project.

Consequently, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio hereby gives notice that it will no longer tolerate defamatory or disparaging remarks directed against any Ibibio leader, son, or daughter. Such actions shall be challenged through every lawful means available.

4. MMI recalls that on 25th June, 1999, stakeholders from the Oron Federal Constituency adopted the Oro Bill of Rights, which proposed political alignment with Ibeno and Eastern Obolo in pursuit of state creation.

The organisation notes that Section 8(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), prescribes constitutional requirements for state creation, including territorial contiguity. MMI observes that the Oron Federal Constituency, Ibeno Local Government Area, and Eastern Obolo Local Government Area do not constitute one continuous landmass.

Accordingly, any attempt to establish contiguity through claims over Ibibio coastal territories is constitutionally untenable and unacceptable.

5. MMI further observes that the various clans within the Oron Federal Constituency do not share a common ethnic origin with the peoples of Ibeno and Eastern Obolo. The organisation therefore regards the Oro–Obolo alliance as principally a political arrangement aimed at advancing the objectives contained in the Oro Bill of Rights.

6. MMI condemns the circulation of unofficial maps purporting to annex portions of the Ibibio coastline to the Oron Federal Constituency.

The organisation reaffirms that the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law, 2023, remains the extant legal instrument defining the territorial boundaries of Akwa Ibom State and its Local Government Areas. The law neither excises any Ibibio territory nor transfers any Ibibio coastal land to the Oron Federal Constituency.

MMI maintains that any grievances regarding the official map should be pursued before courts of competent jurisdiction rather than through propaganda or historical revisionism.

7. MMI acknowledges that agitation for state creation is a legitimate constitutional right within a democratic society. However, the organisation insists that any future state must be created strictly from lawfully constituted territory.

Drawing from historical precedent, MMI notes that neither the creation of the South-Eastern State in 1967 nor the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987 involved the annexation of another ethnic group’s territory.

Accordingly, MMI declares that no portion of Ibibio ancestral land shall be ceded, annexed, or alienated under the guise of state creation, and that this position shall continue to be defended through lawful constitutional means.

8. MMI welcomes calls for judicial determination of contentious issues and fully supports the resolution of disputes through the courts rather than through media campaigns.

The organisation believes that questions relating to the legal definition of littoral communities, offshore oil production, territorial boundaries, host community status, and jurisdiction over the Ibom Deep Seaport are matters appropriately reserved for judicial determination.

9. MMI recognises the Ibom Deep Seaport as a strategic economic project of immense importance to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

The organisation maintains that issues relating to its location, host communities, territorial jurisdiction, and benefit-sharing must be resolved strictly through law, technical evidence, environmental impact assessment, and due process rather than competing ethnic narratives.

10. MMI reiterates its commitment to peace, dialogue, constitutionalism, and responsible public discourse.

While condemning inflammatory language and the politicisation of women or any other group in ethnic disputes, the organisation maintains that leadership demands accountability. Those who advocate restraint must themselves demonstrate restraint in both words and conduct.

Accordingly, MMI calls on:

a. All ethnic organisations, leaders, and stakeholders to pursue disagreements through constitutional and judicial processes rather than inflammatory public campaigns.

b. The Government of Akwa Ibom State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Akparawa (Pastor) Umo Eno, Ph.D., to continue upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no individual or group undermines peace through propaganda or deliberate distortion of history.

c. Ibibio youths to remain peaceful, law-abiding, intellectually engaged, and steadfast in defending the heritage and legitimate interests of the Ibibio people through lawful and constitutional means.

CONCLUSION

Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence, justice, constitutionalism, and the preservation of the historical identity and territorial integrity of the Ibibio ethnic nationality.

As Nelson Mandela aptly observed, “No one is born hating another person.” Hatred is learned, and it can only be overcome through truth, justice, and mutual respect.

Accordingly, MMI calls on all stakeholders to allow historians to examine history, lawyers to interpret the law, the courts to determine legal disputes, and every ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom State to embrace peace founded on truth, justice, and the rule of law.

Issued this 1st day of August, 2026.

For: Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI)

Signed:

Akparawa (Elder) Ini-Abasi Ekanem
12th International President

Akparawa John Offiong
International Secretary-General

02/08/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Shouldn’t Be Based on Rhetorics”

Afigh Iwaad Ekid has noted the various reactions, counter-reactions, commentaries, and personal attacks that have followed the address delivered by the President General of the Ekid Peoples Union (EPU), Dr. Samuel Udonsak, during the inauguration of the 12th International Executive Council of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio.

While every citizen is entitled to express opinions on matters of public interest, it is unfortunate that what ought to have remained an intellectual, historical, and legal discourse has, in some quarters, degenerated into unwarranted attacks on the personality of Dr. Udonsak rather than a reasoned engagement with the substance of his position.

As the foremost socio-cultural organization of the Ekid people and one of the custodians of the historical, cultural, and territorial heritage of Ekid Nation, Afigh Iwaad Ekid considers it necessary to reaffirm that the issues raised by the President General of Ekid Proples Union are neither novel nor emotional. They are matters firmly rooted in history, geography, documentary records, and existing legal processes.

The question of the littoral status of any local government area cannot be determined by rhetoric, ethnic sentiments, or public declarations. It is a matter that must be established through verifiable historical records, geographical evidence, statutory instruments, official government documents, and, where disputes arise, by competent courts of law.

It is instructive that official maps published both before the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987 and the Official Akwa Ibom State Map of 2023 clearly depict the territorial configuration of the coastal region. These official documents show that Mbo Local Government Area shares an estuarine boundary with Cross River State, while the Atlantic coastline lies distinctly elsewhere. This reinforces the long-established geographical principle that the existence of an estuary, creek, or navigable river should not be deliberately or erroneously equated with direct Atlantic littoral status.

For the avoidance of doubt, the position articulated by Dr. Samuel Udonsak was based on the following considerations:

* The distinction between a shoreline, estuary, and an Atlantic littoral territory must never be deliberately blurred.
* The existence of rivers, estuaries, creeks, or navigable waterways does not automatically confer Atlantic littoral status.
* Historical maps, colonial records, official government maps, and boundary documents remain primary evidence in determining territorial descriptions and coastal boundaries.
* The existence of petroleum resources or offshore economic activities does not, by itself, determine the historical littoral status of any ethnic nationality or local government area.
* Existing territorial disputes concerning areas such as Okposo I and Okposo II are already before competent courts, and EPU remains committed to allowing due legal process to take its course.
* Public debates, media campaigns, or political sentiments cannot replace judicial pronouncements where legal questions remain in contention.

Afigh Iwaad Ekid further wishes to state, without ambiguity, that Okposo I and Okposo II are historically, geographically, and culturally communities of Ekid (Southern Ibibio). Their status is neither a recent invention nor a political convenience. While the matter is before the courts for legal determination, Ekid people remain resolute in defending every inch of their ancestral heritage through lawful and constitutional means. We shall not surrender any part of our ancestral land to anyone during our watch.

It is equally necessary to reaffirm an undeniable historical fact that Ekid Nation is, and has always been, an integral part of the Ibibio ethnic nationality. The designation of Ekid as Southern Ibibio is deeply rooted in history, anthropology, culture, and linguistic scholarship. No individual, organization, or ethnic group can alter this historical reality through public statements or revisionist narratives.

Like every major ethnic nationality, linguistic variations exist within Ibibio. Such dialectal differences do not diminish our common ancestry or shared identity. Indeed, even within Oro Nation, Oron and Okobo speak distinct dialects while remaining one ethnic nationality. In the same manner, the Ekid dialect remains one of the recognized dialects of the Ibibio language, while Ekid people continue to share the customs, traditions, institutions, values, and historical heritage of the Ibibio nation.

Afigh Iwaad Ekid therefore urges individuals and organizations that disagree with the position of its President General to channel their grievances through lawful, scholarly, and constitutional means rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric or personal attacks.

If anyone believes that Dr. Samuel Udonsak’s assertions are inaccurate, the proper forum for establishing the truth remains the court of law, where documentary evidence, historical records, expert testimony, official maps, and legal arguments can be objectively examined and determined.

History cannot be rewritten through press statements, social media exchanges, propaganda, or emotional appeals. Genuine historical facts must be established by credible evidence, not by intimidation or campaigns aimed at discrediting individuals who speak from documented records.

Afigh Iwaad Ekid remains committed to peaceful coexistence with every ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom State. We recognize our shared heritage and common aspirations for development. However, peace is best sustained when discussions on sensitive historical and territorial matters are conducted with civility, mutual respect, and fidelity to verifiable facts.

We therefore call on all concerned parties to lower the temperature of public discourse, refrain from inflammatory statements, and allow existing legal and constitutional mechanisms to resolve any areas of disagreement.

Afigh Iwaad Ekid will continue to defend the historical identity, territorial integrity, and legitimate interests of Ekid Nation through lawful, peaceful, and constitutional means.

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱:

𝗢𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗮𝗱 (𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁.) 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗴
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹
𝗔𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗜𝘄𝗮𝗮𝗱 𝗘𝗸𝗶𝗱
𝟬𝟮:𝟬𝟴:𝟮𝟲

01/08/2026

29/07/2026

PROFESSOR DEFENDS UDONSAK ON COASTAL STATUS DEBATE
--Says geography, not sentiment, should guide public discourse

By Solomon OKPO | July 29, 2026

A university don, Professor Etie Ben Akpan, has thrown his weight behind the President-General of the Ekid People's Union (EPU), Dr. Samuel Udonsak, insisting that the claim that Oro Nation is a coastal or littoral area is not supported by geographical or scientific evidence. He urged those engaged in the ongoing debate to rely on established facts rather than emotions, ethnic sentiments or political considerations.

Professor Akpan was reacting to criticisms that followed Dr. Udonsak's remarks at the installation of the 12th International President and Executive of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio in Uyo on July 24, 2026. During his address, Dr. Udonsak had maintained that describing Oro Nation as a coastal or littoral area was misleading, a position that has generated widespread reactions from some stakeholders in Oro Nation.

Defending the EPU President-General, Professor Akpan stated that Dr. Udonsak merely presented a geographical fact. According to him, while Oro Nation is hydrocarbon-bearing, this should not be confused with the legal and geographical definition of a coastal or littoral territory. He challenged critics of Dr. Udonsak's position to provide verifiable geographical and scientific evidence to support their claims.

The professor also faulted claims credited to some commentators that Oron and Mbo Local Government Areas possess over 60 kilometres of Atlantic coastline.

He argued that the areas mentioned are located along the Oron River, the Cross River estuary and associated tributaries, and are therefore shoreline environments rather than territories directly bordering the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Guinea. He maintained that no recognised historical or contemporary map identifies any Oro Local Government Area as occupying the Atlantic coastline.

Professor Akpan further contended that available historical records, including colonial-era maps and the current official map of Akwa Ibom State, do not classify Oro Local Government Areas as littoral.

He listed Esit Eket, Eket, Ibeno, ONNA, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi as the local government areas that properly fit the description of coastal or littoral areas in the state, while describing Mbo, Udung Uko, Oron, Okobo, Uruan, Itu and Oruk Anam as shoreline local government areas.

He called on Akwa Ibom people to approach the issue with maturity and avoid personal attacks, stressing that differences of opinion should be resolved through facts and constructive engagement.

Professor Akpan added that the benefits associated with the state's coastline belong to all constituent parts of Akwa Ibom State and should not become a source of division, noting that this, in his view, was the central message conveyed by Dr. Udonsak.

29/07/2026

Official Map of Akwa Ibom State,
(Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law, AKSNL No. 10 of 2023)

28/07/2026

UDONSAK IS RIGHT AND TRUTH MUST BE TOLD. ORO NATION
IS NOT COASTAL; STRICTO SENSU

BY PROF. ETIE BEN AKPAN

Dr. Samuel Udonsak, President General of the Apex Ekid Nation Socio Cultural Organization, Ekid People’s Union has come under intense and
unwarranted attacks from some people of Oro Nation over his address at the installation of the 12th International President and executives of the
Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio on Friday 24th July, 2026 at the Mboho Secretariat in Uyo.

As part of his statement during the Address of the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Assembly, Dr. Udonsak had stated that the claim by some pople of Oro
Nation that the latter is a coastal or littoral state is a fallacy and totally misleading. On this aspect of non-littoral status of Oro Nation, I am 100%
with Dr. Samuel Udonsak.

Scientific facts must be separated from emotions, ethnic sentiments and politics in this matter. I could have disagreed with Dr. Udonsak if he had
said that Oro Nation is not hydrocarbon bearing but he didn’t say so.

I expect all those who are in disagreement with Dr. Udonsak’s statement that Oro Nation is neither coastal nor littoral to come up with clear and
concrete geographical and scientific facts to prove their claims.

Specifically, one Apt. Robin Etifit Jp is quoted to have stated that both the Colonial and Official Maps of 1943-2026 clearly list Oro Local
Government Areas as coastal with over 6okm of Atlantic Coastline from Oron Local Government Area to Ibaka in Mbo LGA.

The above assertions are completely untrue and dangerously misleading. The mention of Oron Local Government Area and Ibaka in Mbo Local
Government Area by Apt. Etifit as being coastal environments shows that he is not familiar with the geography of the area and the true meaning of the
term because the mentioned locations or territories are associated with the shorelines or banks of Oron River; Cross River and its Estuary as well as the associated tributaries, but are in no way directly connected with the Atlantic Coastline or the Gulf of Guinea.

No Map in this world has shown any Oro Local Government to be coastal or littoral in the true and strict sense of these terminologies. From all
available maps of this part of Nigeria, whether it is
the one produced by Talbot of the then Eket District Region, during the British Colonial Government, which was used in the Privy Council land case of 1916-1918 or the official 2023 Map of Akwa Ibom State, no Oron Local Government Area has occupied even an inch of the Atlantic Coastline; talk less of 60km of it.

The last I checked, the 7 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State that can correctly and rightly be described as coastal or littoral are Esit Eket,
Eket, Ibeno, Onna, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi.

There are many shoreline Local Government Areas which include Mbo, Udung Uko, Oron, Okobo, Uruan, Itu, Oruk Anam etc.

Dr. Udonsak’s insistence that Oro is not a littoral or Coastal Nation should not generate this sort of heat or attract controversy and attack on his
person. He is merely stating a fact and speaking the truth. The latter must be the watch word in Akwa Ibom State especially now that a Pastor is the Governor.

Being littoral or coastal does not mean that only the concernedLocal Government Areas should own all the resources that accrue to this
status. As Akwa Ibom State is also defined by its coastline, the latter should be of benefit to all the constituent parts of the State.

Every part must remain and work together to enjoy the benefits that it brings and no part should attempt to run away with our coastline or transport it to another State. I think, this is Udonsak’s message which should be applauded by all well-meaning Akwa Ibomites.

27/07/2026

In an official rebuttal, Barr. Manfred Ekpe criticizes claims made by Apt. Robin Etifit regarding the littoral status, Atlantic shoreline, and geographical identity of the Oron Nation in Akwa Ibom State. Ekpe disputes Etifit's assertions—which include the existence of supporting historical maps from 1913 to 2026, a 60-kilometer Atlantic coastline, and recognitions under UNCLOS 1982 or a 1976 National Boundary Commission report—arguing that they are legally and geographically inaccurate, factually non-existent, and misleading. Highlighting that locations like Ibaka are situated along the Cross River estuary rather than the open ocean, Ekpe calls on Oro leadership to regulate public commentators to protect the community's reputation from what he describes as uninformed arguments.

READ MORE 👇

https://ekidhistorical.org/news/re-official-rebuttal-the-truth-about-oron-littoral-status-the-atlantic-shoreline-and-ibaka-deep-seaport-by-apt-robin-etifit-a-response-by-barr-manfred-ekpe

25/07/2026

𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗨𝗠𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗔 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 @60

A Tribute to Mkpisong Barrister Inam Akpadiaha Wilson Inam, SAN, on his 60th Birthday.

By Assam Abia.

Today, July 25, the universe stands still to shower encomiums on Mkpisong Barrister Inam Akpadiaha Wilson Inam, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as he marks another milestone in a remarkable life defined by resilience, excellence, service, and unwavering commitment to humanity.

His journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of Nigeria's legal profession is a story that inspires hope and demonstrates the transformative power of vision, hard work, and gratitude.

Born in 1966 in the middle of Nigeria's first coup and counter coup leading up to the Nigerian Civil War, Inam's arrival into the world came during one of the most turbulent periods of our nation's history. Yet, adversity would become the foundation upon which he built a life of extraordinary accomplishment.

A proud son of the INAM family in Atung Adungide Royal family of Atai Ndon, Afaha Eket in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, he was the fourth of twelve children raised in a modest home. His father, Late Mr. Akpadiaha Wilson Inam, was a dedicated civil servant, while his mother, Late Mrs. Roseline Erewarifagha Bethel Inam (Née Hart), earned a living as a petty trader. Despite the family's limited means, the values of integrity, discipline, hardwork, perseverance and fear of God were deeply instilled in the children.

His educational journey began in 1972 - 1978 at Banham Memorial Primary School, Aggrey Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He later attended ONNA Peoples' High School, Abat - Onna (1978-1981) and Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket, Eket (1981-1983) before proceeding to the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS, now UNIUYO) (1985-1989), where he fulfilled his lifelong dream of studying Law. After his successful completion of the Nigerian Law School, Lagos (1989-1990), Inam qualified to practice law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990. Inam's quest for education further took him to Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos where he obtained a Masters of Law (LL.M) degree in Maritime and Commercial Law in 2004. Inam has practiced law at the highest level and is currently a partner at the prestigious law firm of TEMPLARS.

From childhood, Inam never entertained doubts about his calling. He wanted to become a lawyer, and that singular ambition shaped every stage of his academic and professional life. His determination eventually made history, as he became the first lawyer from his village, a distinction that has inspired countless young people to believe that greatness is possible regardless of their background.

Behind his success lies a story of selfless sacrifice. He readily acknowledges the immeasurable role played by his late uncle, Mr. Sunday Wilson Inam, who took him in as his own son while living in Aba. Beyond sponsoring his education, his uncle personally tutored and mentored him, laying the intellectual and moral foundation upon which his distinguished career stands today. For Inam, gratitude is not merely a virtue but a lifelong obligation.

Reflecting on his life's journey ahead of his birthday, the legal icon said:

"The name, INAM, has been good to me. I consider myself a favoured child. I believe that I have a clear purpose in life, and that purpose is to help people."

Perhaps no statement captures his philosophy better than the meaning behind the traditional name, "Owituoporibie" given to him by his late maternal grandmother. Translated into English, it means, "In times of need, who should I cry to?"
For him, the answer has become the mission of his life.

"I want to believe that God has placed me in certain positions so that when people say, 'Who should I cry to?', they cry to me, and I always find a way to wipe their tears. That, I believe, is my purpose in life."

He sees every position he occupies not as a symbol of status but as a sacred trust, one that demands sacrifice, compassion, and responsibility.

Like many success stories, his professional journey was anything but easy. He began legal practice in Benin in 1990 before venturing into Lagos, where the first decade proved to be the most difficult period of his life. He endured severe hardships and recalls that he almost lost his life during those challenging years. Rather than surrender, he persevered, moving through several law firms until he eventually found a professional home at TEMPLARS Law Firm where he has worked for over 21years during which period he rose from an Associate to a Partner.

Today, as one of Nigeria's highly respected Senior Advocates of Nigeria, he remains remarkably humble about his achievement.

"Today I am a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The platform for my SAN position was provided by TEMPLARS, the law firm I am currently working with." he said.

He also pays glowing tribute to Mr. Oghogho Akpata, the Managing Partner of the firm for the mentorship and opportunities that helped shape his legal career.

To him, the SAN rank is not an ornament of prestige but a platform for lifting others.

"I see SAN as a privileged position given to you to empower others," he says.
His vision extends beyond the courtroom. While he has no political ambition, he remains passionately interested in good governance because he believes leadership directly affects the lives of ordinary citizens.

Looking to the future, Barrister Inam dreams of establishing a world-class legal resource centre in Eket, where young lawyers and researchers can access quality legal materials. Since 1998, he has invested heavily in acquiring law books, believing that knowledge remains the greatest investment for any legal practitioner.

His prayer is simple yet profound: that God grants him long life and the resources to touch more lives.

One of his greatest aspirations is to witness the emergence of more Senior Advocates of Nigeria from Eket.

"My biggest joy will be to see more SANs from Eket, and I hope it will happen soon."

Beyond legal practice, Barrister Inam has continued to demonstrate purposeful leadership. He was the District Director of Toastmasters International District 94 during which he superintended over Anglophone and Francophone Toastmasters clubs across West Africa. Currently he serves as the President General of the Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket Alumni Association which has provided him the opportunity to promote and cater for the welfare and well-being of his members. Disturbed by the deplorable condition of his alma mater, he has consistently advocated the restoration of its lost glory.

He has expressed concern over the deteriorating hostels, classrooms, and staff quarters of Government Secondary School Afaha-Eket, warning that neglecting educational institutions amounts to mortgaging the future of society.

As he rightly observes, "If the school is neglected, we suffer in future."

Under his leadership, efforts are ongoing to stimulate infrastructural renewal and reposition the school for future generations.

His passion for humanity is equally evident in his philanthropic activities. Through a scholarship scheme, he supports indigent students studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, while also extending assistance to numerous individuals through various humanitarian initiatives.

Away from legal briefs and public engagements, Barrister Inam is an avid football lover (a Gunner for life) who enjoys playing the game whenever his demanding schedule permits. Yet, perhaps his greatest personal challenge is his generous heart.
He readily admits that his greatest weakness is trusting people too easily. On many occasions, his kindness and generosity have exposed him to disappointment. Nevertheless, he has chosen not to allow betrayal to diminish his compassion.

Friends and associates also describe him as a consummate workaholic, a man whose dedication to excellence often sees him immersed in work long after others have retired for the day.

Behind the accomplished lawyer stands a fulfilled family man. He is happily married, and the union is blessed with three children, two daughters and a son, whose love and support continue to strengthen him.

As Mkpisong Barrister Inam Akpadiaha Wilson Inam, SAN, celebrates his 60th birthday, his life reminds us that true greatness is measured not merely by professional titles but by the number of lives transformed along the journey.

He has become more than the first lawyer from his village. He is a beacon of hope, a mentor, a philanthropist, an education advocate, and a distinguished ambassador of Eket.

Indeed, his legacy is still unfolding. And if his heartfelt desire to wipe away the tears of others continues to guide his footsteps, generations yet unborn will remember him not only as a legal luminary but as a man who answered the cry of those in need.

Happy 60th Birthday, Mkpisong Barrister Inam Akpadiaha Wilson Inam, SAN. May your legacy of justice, compassion, and service continue to illuminate lives for many more years to come.