The Legacy of Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Matthew Ekiko

September  4th, 1941 October  18th, 2024
Uyo, Nigeria
The Legacy of Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Matthew Ekiko

Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.

Obituary

Honoring The Exit of a Global Titan Honorable Mkpisong Otuekong Obong (Dr.) Cyril Matthew Ekiko Rtd. 

It is with extreme deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Rtd. Honorable Mkpisong Otuekong Obong (Dr.) Cyril Matthew Ekiko.

Rtd. Honorable Mkpisong Otuekong Obong (Dr.) Cyril M Ekiko an outstanding pillar, titan of our community and a respected leader, departed this world peacefully on October 18, 2024 to be with his MAKER. He was 83. Throughout his phenomenal life, he embodied a spirit of service, integrity, love, caring for others, and commitment, leaving an indelible mark in this world and on all who had the privilege to know him.

Rtd. Honorable Mkpisong Otuekong Obong (Dr.) Cyril M. Ekiko’s many contributions to our society were immense. He was not only a visionary leader but also an impactful father, mentor, father Inlaw, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He dedicated his entire life to helping countless others. His profound legacy will continue to inspire us as we remember his unwavering dedication to the betterment of others and our community.

In this time of grief, we ask for space to mourn our loss and extend our deepest condolences to the entire Ekiko family, clan, friends, and loved ones. We all share in the sorrow and offer our prayers and support to the entire Ekiko family during this difficult time. Since dad was an Mkpisong, Otuekong, and an Obong, we ask the family to maintain a code of silence for now as we work on the details of the next steps.

May dad’s gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Further details regarding dad’s celebration of life arrangements will be shared in due course.

Signed,

Engr. (Dr.) Mbong Ekiko for the family

Biography

Biography of Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Mathew Ekiko (1941 – 2024) 83 Years.
Early Childhood

Every great man has a beginning, and Late Rt. Honorable, Mkpisong, Otuekong Ikpaisong Uyo, Akwa Iko Ibibio, Adaha Ikono Uyo, Adaha Akwa Ibom State, Obong (Dr.) Cyril Matthew Ekiko’s early childhood was one filled with adventure, resilience, love and strong family values that would shape his life. Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko, fondly called “Cy” was born on 4th of September 1941 in Nung Asang Ikono, Uyo Local Government Area (LGA) into the family of Late Obong Mattew Akpan Ekiko and Late Obongawan Jenny “Ibeng Ikono” Udofia Ekpene Ekiko.
This phenomenal man was the 5th child and son in the Nung Akpan Ekiko family of 8 siblings. Growing up with a caring father that was a tailor and a very powerful mother that was a Trader, Farmer, Business Woman, and Women Leader not only in her village, but wherever she went, he learned leadership, importance of family, caring, and community building at an early age. He was always curious, determined, and ready to lend a helping hand to everyone. His early childhood growing up with a kind loving family instilled in him the strength, leadership, community building, kindness, and caring for others that we all admired in him.
Education

Late Rt. Honorable, Mkpisong, Otuekong Ikpaisong Uyo, Akwa Iko Ibibio, Adaha Ikono Uyo, Adaha Akwa Ibom State, Obong (Dr.) Cyril Matthew Ekiko was truly a remarkable man that had unwavering dedication to education and lifelong learning that left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He completed his primary school education in Nung Asang Ikono Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. After his primary school education, he attended Ibibio State College (now State College) in Ikot Ekpene and later proceeded to St. Paul College, Aba where he obtained his General Certificate in Education (GCE).

In true global titan fashion, as the 5th child of 8 sibling, Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko convinced his entire family to sell their plot of land dedicated for growing palm trees and farming to fund his ambitious trip across the Atlantic Ocean into uncharted territory to the United States of America. His family agreed to his proposal, sold the plot of land, and young Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko travelled to the United States of America to further his education. As a young man arriving in foreign land, he did not know anyone in America, and he had absolutely no friends or family members in the foreign land. Upon arriving the United States of America, he attended a random Catholic Church service, shared his unique situation with the Priest, and received the much needed support from the church which is how he started his life in a foreign land. He went on to open the path for many other families, friends, and acquittance by bringing them to the United States America.

Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko believed in the power of education not just as means for personal success, but as a way to uplift others, to open doors to opportunities, and to build a better community. He remained focused in his educational aspiration and studied Finance at St Edward’s University, Texas USA where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree (BSc). He went on to complete his Masters of Science Degree (MSc) in Business Administration from St. Edward’s University, Texas, USA. He proceeded to study for his Doctorate Degree in Business Administration at St Kitts University in the Bahamas.

His passion for education was not confined to the classrooms or textbooks. He was a mentor, a coach, a guide, and a beacon of hope and wisdom for many others. He taught by example, showing us that learning was a lifelong journey, that curiosity should never fade, and that knowledge was the most valuable when shared.

Marital Life

Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko was not just a devoted husband, he was the best friend, partner, and greatest source of strength to his beautiful wife, Mrs. Veronica Ekiko and family. The marriage of Obong (Dr.) Cyril Matthew Ekiko to Mrs. Veronica Ekiko was truly love at first sight. From the moment they crossed path on a ferry ride from Calabar to Uyo, he told his charming wife that he wanted to meet her parents and marry her. He even insisted on following her home from that trip and met the parents in Itam. The charismatic and handsome young Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko, swept Mrs. Veronica Ekiko off her feet, and was able to win the blessing and permission from her parents to marry his queen. Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko and Mrs. Veronica Ekiko got married in Austin Texas USA in 1969, and were married for an amazing 55 years. They were blessed with 9 children and 18 grandchildren.

Career

Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko was a great pillar of Akwa Ibom State. He had a very fulfilling, empowering, and diverse career. He started his early career working in Shell Oil as a Surveyor in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. At an early age, he was working for a prominent large Shell Oil organization where he collaborated and partnered with an international global company. Those early engagements with a global company like Shell Oil inspired him to pursue his dream of a western education and his great fortune overseas.

He was the first in his family and village to travel to the United States of America to further his education. After completing his university education in Austin Texas, USA he got a job and moved with his family to New York City, USA to work for American Express. After a few years working with American Express, he returned to Nigeria to work as an Academic Registrar in Polytechnic Calabar, Cross Rivers State. Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko exited the private sector and joined politics in 1979 and contested for a seat in the Cross River State House of Assembly under the Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP) platform. He won the election representing Ikono Oku Uyo Constituency and became the Minority Leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

He moved back to Uyo and ran a Waste Management Business for several years. He also worked at the Union Trust Finance Company Limited, Akwa Ibom State as Stock Broker and Finance Consultant. Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko also gave back to his community as a Part Time Lecturer as an Insurance Professor, in the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Uyo.

He relocated from Nigeria back to Denver, Colorado, USA. After enduring the frigid cold of the Mile High Rocky Mountains for a few years, he moved to settle in Houston Texas USA to continue his professional and business life.

While in Houston, Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko was an esteemed entrepreneur and opened several businesses. He established the E. E. Consulting firm as an International Business Consultant. He also opened a very successful Medical Supply Company which existed for over 7 years. He partnered to open JEAG Bright Home Health Agency, which is still thriving today.

In 2008, Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko retired with his lovely wife and relocated back home to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. While he retired from his professional career, he continued to remain fully engaged in the Traditional Rulers Council, Advisory Council, Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, Congress of Former Legislators, and politically even becoming the Political Leader and a foremost Elder under the PDP platform.He was instrumental in partnering with the Akwa Ibom State Government to build Asan Ibibio for Akwa Esop Imasong Ibibio where he gave the first Inaugural speech in Asan Ibibio.

Family Life

Late Obong (Dr.) Cyril Ekiko was truly a remarkable man and an exemplary husband, father, mentor, Inlaw, brother, uncle, grandpa, and friend to many. He dedicated his entire life to helping everyone in the family and countless others. His love, strength, and unweaving dedication to his family, extended family, and communit

Obsequies

2025
February 16th
Condolence Visits at Ekiko's Residence in Uyo
Condolence Visits at Ekiko's Residence in Uyo
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
2025
February 17th
Condolence Visits at Ekiko's Residence in Uyo
Condolence Visits at Ekiko's Residence in Uyo
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
2025
February 18th
Condolence Visits at Ekiko's Residence in Uyo
Condolence Visits at Ekiko's Residence in Uyo
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
2025
February 18th
Veledictory Session at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
Veledictory Session at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
2025
February 19th
Condolence Visits at Ekiko's Residence in Uyo
Condolence Visits at Ekiko's Residence in Uyo
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
2025
February 20th
Night of Songs at Ekiko's Country Home
Time: 4:00 PM - Night of Songs at Ekiko's Country Home at Nung Asang Ikono Uyo
Nung Asang Ikono, Uyo
2025
February 21st
Vigil Mass at Dacred Heard Parish
Time: 6:00 PM - Vigil Mass at Dacred Heard Parish at Aka Offot, Uyo
Aka Offot, Uyo, Nigeria
2025
February 22nd
Funeral Mass & Interment
Time: 11:00 AM  - Funeral Mass & interment at Nung Asang Ikono Uyo Government Primary School & Ekiko's Country Home
Governement Primary School, Nung Asang Ikono, Uyo

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