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Raffia City Book Club, The Esu Center for leadership, 102, Tony Esu Drive, G. R. A, Ikot Ekpene (2026)

Q: What is the address?

The Esu Center For Leadership, 102, Tony Esu Drive, G. R. A

23/11/2025

A remarkable mentoring and mentorship

By Nsikak Essien

Five students of the Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Ubon Ukwa in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State will forever remember the November 2025 edition of the monthly reading session of the Raffia City Book Club, Ikot Ekpene.

The five students who are currently in SS3 were offered their 2026 JAMB fees by Hon. Tiebet Joshua, a former Chairman of Obot Akara Local Government Area who represented Dr. Victor Udo, the Special Guest of the session. Dr. Udo is the Director of Sustainability, Bucknell University in Pennsylvania in United States.

The Special Guest sent in a nine page resume of his contributions to learning and development. Dr Udo hails from Ubon Ukwa community and the 31 students at the session were challenged to beat his record because he started out from the local community school like them.

Hon. Tiebet Joshua specifically told the 12 boys and19 girls that "greatness is by choice". They too can make themselves great if they choose to. The children were drawn from the six classes in the school, JS 1 to SS 3. They attended the session with their Principal, Vice Principal, Administration and two teachers.

As the practice in the monthly sessions of RCBC the students each picked a book provided by Charles Esu Library and read for 30minutes. Five of them were randomly picked to tell the audience what they read. From their presentations they were given advice on how to improve on their reading and review skills.

The book of the November 2025 edition for review was: My Formative Journey To Legacy 00001, a 46 page pamphlet written by Miss Ime Akanimo Edet, a first degree graduate of Software Engineering of the pioneer set of graduates of Topfaith University, Mkpatak in Akwa Ibom state. She's the youngest graduate of the university at 18+, after also graduating at 13+ from Topfaith International Secondary School Mkpatak.

The review of the book was undertaken by Engr. Nsikak Essien, the 5th Editor of the defunct National Concord newspaper in Lagos and Chairman of RCBC Board of Patrons. His review was titled: A Remarkable Mentoring and Mentorship and he noted the remarkable mentoring of young Ime by Topfaith University Founder, Dr. Emmanuel Abraham and Founding Patron of RCBC, Abom Tony Esu, leading to her graduation in the university at a very young age of 18+. Miss Edet notes in her book that she wrote it to recount the important formative events and cornerstones that shaped her life.

Ime concludes that she's moving into the world with the advantage of Topfaith culture of excellence, distinctive identity, meritorious achievements and acquisition of fundamental life skills. She specifically calls for the participation of both men and women in growing our nation.

Welcoming the students and other guests, Abom Tony Esu told them that RCBC monthly sessions are to encourage them to read, learn and lead. The session ended on the advice.

Raffia City Book Club donated books to the school for their library.

30/10/2025

EXPLORING IDENTITY AND PURPOSE: Insights from RCBC's October's Reading Session
> Wilson Peter

The October reading session of the Raffia City Book Club, Ikot Ekpene, was held with students of Okon Community Secondary Commercial School, Okon, Essien Udim, featuring as the participating school. Teachers from the participating school, as well as RCBC members, were also a part of the session.

After arrivals and opening formalities, the session progressed into the “Let’s Go RAKE” segment, during which students read a variety of books and shared insightful reflections on the lessons learned and how the readings could positively influence their growth and outlook on life.

A lively word search puzzle activity followed, engaging the students in a fun yet mentally stimulating exercise that fostered focus.

The highlight of the day was the review Book of the Month by Dr. Collins Edet, Schools Engagement Advisor of Raffia City Book Club. He introduced WHO ARE YOU ? WHAT DO YOU WANT? authored by Mick Ukleja, PhD, and Robert L. Lorber, PhD, and delivered a concise yet thought-provoking review. The book serves as a practical guide to discovering purpose and living intentionally, structured around four essential questions: “Who are you and what do you want?”, “Where are you and why are you here?”, “What will you do and how will you do it?”, and “Who are your allies and how can they help?” Dr. Edet emphasized how answering these questions helps individuals align their values with their actions, make clearer decisions, and pursue meaningful goals with confidence.

The session ended on an uplifting note from the RCBC's Chief Support Advisor - Abong Tony Esu and donation of Books for the participating School's library. The participants expressed appreciation for the inspiring experience with a renewed determination to keep reading, reflecting, and applying knowledge to their personal development.

29/09/2025

“Reading, Fun, and Wisdom Shared” - September Session of Raffia City Book Club

- Wilson Peter

The Raffia City Book Club, Ikot Ekpene, held its September 2025 Reading Session with vibrant participation from students of The Apostolic Secondary School and Global Icon Foundation Schools, both in Ikot Ekpene. The event was marked by a lively blend of reading, learning, and interactive activities.

Following arrivals and opening formalities, the program opened with the “Let’s Go RAKE” segment, where students read different books and later shared insights on the lessons they gained and how these could positively shape their lives. Patrons Nsikak Essien and Abong Tony Esu were on hand to provide necessary commendations and corrections to the students as applicable.

Next came the word puzzle games, featuring both individual and team challenges, which brought energy, excitement, and healthy competition among the participants.

The high point of the session was the introduction of the Book of the Month – Wisdom of the Ages by Jim Stovall. Abong Tony Esu gave a brief but impactful review of the book, then invited few participants to read selected portions of the book. He highlighted the key takeaways - wisdom is not just knowing, but living out timeless truths; true success comes from integrity, humility, and perseverance; and by seeking for and passing on wisdom, our lives become a lasting legacy. He encouraged participants to apply the timeless wisdom to their personal growth and everyday living.

The session concluded on an inspiring note, with students motivated to deepen their love for reading and carry forward the insights shared.

25/09/2025

You are cordially invited to the September 2025 Reading Session of the Raffia City Book Club, Ikot Ekpene.
We shall be hosting students from Apostolic Secondary School, Essien Road, Ikot Ekpene as well as Global Icon Foundation School, Ikot Inyang, Ikot Ekpene as participants during the session.

Join us for an engaging review and reading of Jim Stovall's WISDOM OF THE AGES by Abong Tony Esu.

There will also be Word Puzzle Games anchored by Wilson Peter.

*Date: Saturday, 27th September, 2025.
*Venue: Divisional Library, Cardinal Ekandem Avenue, Ikot Ekpene.
*Time: 2 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you there, to share exciting intellectual ideas and encouraging perspectives.

Yours sincerely,
WILSON PETER
Secretary, RCBC

01/09/2025

The August 2025 RCBC Rainbow Reading Session: A Convergence of Learning, Health, and Creativity

- Wilson Peter

The Raffia City Book Club, Ikot Ekpene, held its August Reading Session on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Divisional Library, Ikot Ekpene. The event, tagged a special Rainbow Session, brought together pupils and students from diverse levels of learning, including Monika Kindergarten and Elementary School, Ikot Ekpene; Mother’s Pride Schools, Ikot Ekpene; St. Columbanus Secondary School, Ikwen, Obot Akara; TopFaith Legacy College, Ikot Ekpene; St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Okon, Essien Udim; Chris Model College, Ikot Ekpene; University of Calabar; and the Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences, Ikot Ekpene Campus.

The session began with arrivals, introductions, and tone-setting, after which the Let’s Go RAKE (Reading and Knowledge Experience) segment commenced. Participants read selected books and shared insights on how the stories could impact their lives. Patrons Dr. Collins Edet and Nsikak Essien, provided needed commendations and corrections during the segment.

A highlight of the event was a presentation by Ntienseobot Ekere, FWAPCNM, Dean of Student Affairs at the Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences. She delivered a powerful and enlightening presentation titled “Your Health, Your Greatest Wealth: Recognising and Appreciating the Health Needs of Girls and Boys.” With clarity and conviction, she painted vivid pictures of what true health means, unveiled the distinct needs of boys and girls, addressed the challenges facing adolescents, and armed participants with practical steps for intentional healthy living. Her words resonated like a call to action, reminding everyone that knowledge without health is powerless.

The energy soared further as the crowd was split between the battle of wits in word puzzle games — individual duels of vocabulary brilliance and team contests that demanded both creativity and collaboration. Laughter, shouts of triumph, and sparks of imagination filled the air.

Significantly, attendees of the August session became the first beneficiaries of free writing books generously sponsored by The Esu Centre. Making the presentation, Chief Support Advisor and Patron of RCBC, Abong Tony Esu stated that this gesture, which would eliminate use of papers in jotting down points, was to ensure that the students put down important aspects of their reading experiences, so they could go through them later.

The Rainbow Session successfully blended reading, learning, health awareness, and fun, leaving participants inspired and better equipped for personal growth.

24/08/2025

Invitation to RCBC August 2025 Reading Session

Raffia City Book Club, Ikot Ekpene warmly invites you to our August Reading Session, a special Rainbow Session featuring the vibrant voices of pupils and students from different schools.

*Date:* Saturday, August 30, 2025.
*Venue:* Divisional Library, Ikot Ekpene, Cardinal Ekandem Avenue, Ikot Ekpene.
*Time:* 2:00p.m.

We shall have Word Puzzle Games moderated by Wilson Peter.

This month’s session will also feature a presentation on the topic "Your Health, Your Greatest Wealth: Recognising and Appreciating the Health Needs of Girls and Boys" by Ntienseobot Ekere, Dean of Student Affairs, Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences.

Join us for an enriching afternoon of reading, learning, and inspiring conversations.

Sincerely yours,
WILSON PETER
Secretary, RCBC

04/08/2025

Abong TONY ESU
Esteemed Patron and Chief Support Advisor, RCBC

Here's to warmly celebrate you on your 2025 birth anniversary. Your unwavering support, guidance, and inspiration have continued to enrich our literary journey and strengthen our commitment to knowledge and community service.

We pray for your continued good health, joy, and fulfillment in all your endeavors. Thank you for being a beacon of encouragement to our club.

With heartfelt regards,
WILSON PETER
Secretary, RCBC.
04082025

28/07/2025

Reading to the Future: Students engage with Prof. Uwem Akpan at Raffia City Book Club session
- Wilson Peter

The Raffia City Book Club, Ikot Ekpene, last weekend hosted a special July reading session featuring Prof. Uwem Akpan, author of "New York, My Village". The event brought together students from State Secondary Commercial School, Okopeto, Ikot Ekpene, and Independence High School, Ukana, Essien Udim and their teachers. Members of RCBC and others were in good attendance.

The session began with the "Let's Go RAKE" (Reading And Knowledge Experience) initiative, where students read different books, including Prof. Akpan's earlier novel "Say You're One of Them". They shared their reading experiences and discussed how the books would impact their lives. Abong Tony Esu, Prof. Uwem Akpan, and Nsikak Essien made necessary commendations and corrections.

The moderator of the session, Nsikak Essien, engaged Prof. Uwem Akpan to share his journey in early life and academic pursuits, as well as insights into his recent book "New York, My Village", which is one in the long list of the 2025 NLNG Prize for Literature. After reading a few pages of the book, Prof. Akpan used the session to encourage the visibly-excited students and entertained questions from the students as well as other participants. Aspects of the book ranging from impact of the Nigerian Civil War, infusion of local names, adages and sceneries in the story, and even the essence of promoting indigenous language and culture, also formed part of engagements during that segment of the session.

Dr. Collins Edet, RCBC Chief Schools Engagement Advisor, then shared insights from Fiona Harrold's INDESTRUCTIBLE SELF-BELIEF. This inspiration talk segment highlighted the lessons from the book's seven chapters as strategies for building confidence and overcoming self-doubt.

Donations of books for students in support of the club's objective in reviving reading culture and intellectual development were made by Dr. Ephraim Okon, AFAC and Dr. Martin Akpan. Additionally, Raffia City Book Club donated books to the participating schools.

The trademark Obot Akara excursion ended the session.

31/03/2025

RCBC March Reading Session: Inspiring Self-Belief and Academic Growth

* Wilson Peter

The Raffia City Book Club (RCBC), Ikot Ekpene, held its March 2025 reading session featuring an engaging mix of book discussions, student presentations, and an inspiring keynote address.

The event opened with formalities before participants immersed themselves in a DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) Moment, exploring books across various genres. Selected students from Community Secondary Commercial School, Nto Edino took turns summarizing their readings, demonstrating comprehension and analytical skills. Patrons Prof. Felicia Etim and Nsikak Essien provided commendations and necessary corrections to the students' presentations.

A major highlight of the session was a review of Fiona Harrold’s INDESTRUCTIBLE SELF-BELIEF by Dr. Collins Edet, the RCBC Chief Schools Engagement Advisor. He dissected key lessons from the book’s seven chapters, emphasizing strategies for building confidence and overcoming self-doubt. Further insights were provided by Abong Tony Esu, who elaborated on practical ways to develop self-confidence.

The Special Guest, Pastor Nicholas Ekarika, a retired Permanent Secretary and an indigene of the participating school’s community, delivered an inspiring speech. Reflecting on his early academic journey, he urged students to transcend limitations posed by their rural backgrounds and pursue excellence in their chosen fields. His address included an interactive segment, with one student earning a reward for the best response.

In a significant gesture to promote literacy, Pastor Ekarika and RCBC donated books to the school's library, further reinforcing the club’s commitment to education and personal development.

The March session of RCBC proved to be a blend of intellectual engagement and motivation, leaving participants inspired to cultivate strong reading habits and self-belief.

27/01/2025

Raffia City Book Club Holds Successful First 2025 Reading Session

The Raffia City Book Club, Ikot Ekpene, recently hosted a successful reading session, featuring students from Government Technical College, Ikot Udoe, Ikot Ekpene. The event was a celebration of reading, learning, and community.

The session began with the DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) moment, where students read from various books and shared their experiences with the audience. Interventions from RCBC Patrons Nsikak Essien, Prof. Felicia Etim, Abong Tony Esu, as well as Dr. (Mrs) Dorothy Achalu, a Health Education Specialist at University of Uyo, provided necessary commendations and corrections to the students.

The DEAR moment was followed by a special address from Engr. Sunday Umoh, FNSE, who shared his inspiring story of overcoming challenges and achieving success. Umoh emphasized the importance of role models in career development, encouraging the students to pursue their goals and aspirations. His words of wisdom resonated with the students, who were visibly inspired by his story.

The book review and reading interlude, anchored by Abong Tony Esu, provided an engaging overview of the featured book, READERS ARE LEADERS by Dr. Elvis Ukpaka. Mr. Isong, the school's English teacher, read the 6th chapter, "The Reading Student - Making Reading A Lifestyle," sparking interesting discussions and reflections among the students and other participants.

As part of the session, the Board of Patrons of RCBC was announced. The board, a new structure for the Club aimed at repositioning for improved functioning has Mr Nsikak Essien as Chairman. Other members are Abong Tony Esu (Chief Support Advisor), Prof Felicia Etim (Chief Programmes Advisor), Dr Collins Edet (Chief Schools Engagement Advisor) and Dr Anietie Ekpenyong as Board Secretary. The Secretary of RCBC, Mr Wilson Peter, as well as other Patrons also serve as members of the Board.

As we celebrate one year of moving to the Divisional Library, Ikot Ekpene next month, RCBC will launch an innovation called "Let's go RAKE", where we will endeavour to create a deeper and more meaningful experience through reading.

Raffia City Book Club's efforts to promote reading and learning are commendable, and their events continue to inspire and educate students in the region. As the Club continues to thrive, it is clear that her impact will be felt for years to come.

20/11/2024

Raffia City Book Club's November Session: A Celebration of Resilience

The Raffia City Book Club held its November reading session on November 16, 2024, at the Divisional Library, Ikot Ekpene, drawing a diverse crowd of Club members, book lovers, as well as students from Community Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Inyang, and few students of Akwa Ibom State College of Health Sciences, Ikot Ekpene. The event celebrated resilience and the human spirit, featuring Eno Essien's inspiring memoir, "Unstoppable: My Journey of Resilience and Overcoming Cancer."

The session commenced with the popular "Drop Everything and Read" (DEAR) moment, encouraging participants to cultivate a reading habit. Prof. Felicia Etim, a renowned academic, presented a captivating profile of author Eno Essien and the Foreword to her book. Nsikak Essien, renowned journalist (and father of the author) then delivered a thought-provoking review, highlighting Eno's courageous battle with cancer and her determination to overcome adversity.

Speaking during the session, the member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara/Essien Udim federal constituency in the National House of Representatives, Hon. Patrick Umoh, Ph. D. thanked the Patrons and members of the Club for encouraging the intellectual growth of children through her activities. He narrated his career journey as a lawyer and academic, highlighting his inspirations and resilience, that helped him attain his dream, urging the students to be diligent in their studies and be of good character, while pledging his support to the Book Club.

On his part, the Special guest of the session and Chairman of Ikot Ekpene, Hon. (Elder) ANIEFIOK NKOM, expressed his delight at the enthusiasm of the students to participate actively during the session. He recalled the role that discipline played in his upbringing and the huge reason for the successes he has attained in life, encouraging the students imbibe a culture of discipline in order to be successful. Hon. Nkom restated his commitment to providing a condusive environment and logistic support for the Club's monthly sessions.

The three new "Merchants of Light" Moses Akaninyene Ekeredimo, Happiness Emmanuel Sunday and Mfonido Udeme Ayang, students who represented Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara and Essien Udim LGAs in the recent Akwa Ibom State/UK Educational exchange programme, shared with the audience - their qualification process, trip experience and the benefits derived from being a part of the programme.

The Raffia City Book Club continues to promote literacy and community engagement through its monthly readings sessions, fostering intellectual and literary growth.

© Wilson Peter

14/11/2024

You are specially invited to the November Reading Session of Raffia City Book Club, Ikot Ekpene.

Join us for an inspiring session featuring students of Community Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Inyang, Ikot Ekpene.

We shall have the Review/Reading of Eno Essien's UNSTOPPABLE: My Journey of Resilience and Overcoming Cancer by Nsikak Essien.

The Special Guest of the session will be Hon (Elder) ANIEFIOK NKOM, Chairman, Ikot Ekpene LGA.

Also in attendance at the session will be three New "Merchants of Light": Moses Akaninyene Ekeredimo, Mfonido Udeme Ayang and Happiness Emmanuel Sunday.

Date: Saturday, 16th November, 2024.
Venue: Divisional Library, Ikot Ekpene, Cardinal Ekandem Avenue, Ikot Ekpene.
Time: 2:00 p.m.

We hope to share intellectual ideas and excitement with you, as we expect your presence and participation.

Best regards,

WILSON PETER
Secretary, RCBC

Raffia City Book Club

23/11/2025

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01/09/2025

24/08/2025

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27/01/2025

20/11/2024

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