My favourite food is any swallow - Comrade Ekpenyong Ekpenyong

Segun Oladipupo |

Comrade Ekpeyong Ekpeyong is the shipping branch President of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).

Ekpeyong combines both intelligence and physical attractiveness yet he remains humble to a fault.

He is a fellow of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants. He is a philanthropist of note, he has rendered help to so many people across tribes. His contributions to helping the youth to get jobs and offer of help in different strata have been severally recognised and acknowledged. One of such recognitions was the recent Patron status bestowed on him by the Akwa Ibom Forum Ajegunle at their 2019 cultural festival held on the 7th of December 2019. No session with Ekpeyong that is not worth its while.

Enjoy your weekend as you read the excerpts from the interaction with this comrade who though gentle, never waivers when it comes to the welfare of his members.

Comrade Ekpeyong Ekpeyong and family

My academic attainment includes First Leaving Certificate, West African Schools Certificate /GCE, B. SC Accounting MBA Strategic Marketing, Fellow Certified Management Consultant.

My favourite colour is Blue

My favourite food is any swallow with Native Edikang-Ikong or Afang soup.

How did you get into unionism?

I became a unionist far back in my school days when I was voted a class Governor where I developed and exhibited leadership qualities.

When I joined the bank, I was spotted by my colleagues and I was voted as one of the union officers both at unit and district levels. I came to Maritime in 1995, there was a compelling need for leadership and proper direction in my unit, so with my wealth of experience in the presentation of workers’ grievances to management, it was incumbent on me to become the chosen leader and from then to this height as a unionist.

How was your growing up like?

My growing up was awesome and remarkable. I grew up in a village setting with a large family under a strict and disciplined parent. We didn’t enjoy any luxury but were forced to make and achieve an inch for yourself in all areas of endeavours. There was no distinction between male and female children during house chores, especially in cooking food and cleaning the house. Going to farm and paddling canoe was compulsory.

We grew up as a family without discrimination and segregation as love was a unifying factor. Finally, we were introduced to Christianity and God early in life, in fact, my ability to recite Bible verses and lead in family morning prayers earned one special gift of clothing and food.

What’s your philosophy of life?

My philosophy is that “Determination and Hardwork, coupled with the will of God bring Success”.