By Prof. Mike Ozekhome
In the serene town of Ugep, nestled in the verdant embrace of Cross River State, Nigeria, the 24th of August, 1986, marked the birth of a remarkable soul, Dr. Essien Ibiang Ewa. His arrival brought joy and jubilation to the home of Professor Ibiang Oden Ewa and Mrs. Patricia Ibiang Ewa, who saw in their youngest child the manifestation of God’s enduring faithfulness. In a world often fraught with uncertainties, Essien was a beacon of love, hope and resilience qualities that he exhibited from his earliest days.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). This biblical promise seemed to resonate through every step of Essien’s life, guiding him with a quiet, yet resolute confidence that the path ahead, though fraught with challenges, was paved with purpose and divine intent.
Essien was the youngest of four children, but from a tender age, he displayed a maturity and sense of responsibility that belied his years. His gentle spirit and loving nature endeared him to everyone around him. As he grew, these qualities only deepened, making him a beloved son, brother and friend. The values of integrity, kindness and a relentless pursuit of knowledge were instilled in him by his parents, who nurtured his inquisitive mind and caring heart.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” said Nelson Mandela; and Essien embodied this truth throughout his life. His post Secondary School academic journey began at the University of Calabar, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and International Studies in 2009. But Essien’s thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, leading him to further his education with a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration in 2015 and a Master’s degree in the same field in 2019.
Education was not merely a pursuit for Essien; it was a calling. He believed, as Aristotle once proclaimed, that “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” He embraced the challenges of his studies, knowing that the knowledge and skills he acquired would empower him to make a meaningful impact on the world. His academic quest led in 2023 to return to his alma mater, the University of Calabar, where he earned a doctorate degree in Public Administration with specialization in Human Resource Management. This uncommon achievement was a loud testament to his dedication, perseverance and a deep belief that education is a lifelong journey of growth and discovery.
Essien’s professional career was equally distinguished. He began as an Administrative Assistant at Harig Oil and Gas in Lagos, where his talents and work ethic quickly became evident. He rose through the ranks in various organizations, ultimately becoming the Business Operations Manager at Medeba Limited in Lagos. Yet, Essien’s restless entrepreneurial spirit yearned for more, leading him to found two successful ventures, Delkor Security and Brug Travels. These companies were more than just business endeavors; they were reflections of Essien’s vision for a better world, a world where security and exploration were accessible to all.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do,” said Steve Jobs, and Essien lived by this creed. His love for his work was evident in every aspect of his life. He approached his businesses with the same passion and dedication that he brought to his studies; and his success was a natural outgrowth of his commitment to excellence.
Yet, beyond his professional achievements, Essien was a man of deep faith and unwavering conviction. His relationship with God was the cornerstone of his life, providing him with the strength to face life’s challenges with grace and resilience. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3). This psalm was not just a verse for Essien, it was a way of life. His faith was a constant source of comfort and guidance, leading him through both the valleys and the mountaintops of his journey.
Essien’s battle with sickle cell anemia could have defined him, but instead, it revealed the depth of his character and the strength of his spirit. “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will,” said Mahatma Gandhi; and Essien’s life was a testament to this truth. He faced his condition not with despair, but with determination and an unyielding will to live life to its fullest.
Despite the challenges he faced, Essien never wavered in his commitment to his family, his community and his faith. In 2022, he co-founded The Youth Lobby Group, an organization dedicated to encouraging greater youth involvement in the governance of Cross River State. This endeavor was born out of Essien’s deep belief that young people are the driving force behind societal change. “The youth are the hope of our future,” said Jose Rizal and Essien dedicated himself to empowering the next generation to take an active role in shaping their communities and their nation.
Essien’s passion for youth empowerment was matched only by his love for his family. He was a devoted husband to Peace Sable Ekpenyong and a loving father to their son, Kebe. His family was his greatest source of joy and pride, and he took every opportunity to express his love and support for them. “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,” (Proverbs 13:22); and while Essien’s life may have been shorter than many, the inheritance he left behind of love, wisdom and a legacy of service is immeasurable.
His life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, faith, and service. He had a deep love for music, reading, and building meaningful relationships. His sociable nature and warm personality made him a beloved figure among his peers. “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main,” wrote John Donne. Essien lived this truth by cultivating deep and lasting relationships with those around him.
Essien’s journey on this earth came to a peaceful end on August 7, 2024, just weeks before his 38th birthday. His passing is a great loss to his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. Yet, even in death, his legacy lives on. A legacy of love, service, and an indomitable spirit that will continue to inspire future generations. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die,” wrote Thomas Campbell. Essien will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
As we reflect on Essien’s life, we are reminded of the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Essien stood tall in the face of adversity, his faith unwavering, his love unfaltering. He was a man who lived his life with purpose, guided by the principles of integrity, kindness and service.
In the end, Essien’s life is a testament to the words of the Apostle Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Essien fought the good fight with grace and dignity, finishing his race with a legacy that will endure for generations to come. His life serves as an example to us all of what it means to live with faith, love, and an indomitable spirit.
As we say our final goodbyes to Dr. Essien Ibiang Ewa, we do so with heavy hearts, but also with a profound sense of gratitude for the life he lived. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a mentor, a friend, and a leader. He was a man of faith, a man of vision and a man of action. His journey may have ended, but his story will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant,” we can imagine these words being spoken to Essien as he enters into his eternal rest. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Now, he rests in the arms of his Saviour, where there is no more pain, no more sickle cell, no more suffering, and no more tears.
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2). Essien’s place is now prepared, and while he is no longer with us in body, his spirit remains, a shining light that will continue to guide and inspire those he leaves behind.
Dr. Essien Ibiang Ewa, your life was a gift to all who knew you, and your legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who follow in your footsteps. You have shown us what it means to live a life of purpose, faith, and love, and for that, we are eternally grateful. May your soul rest in perfect peace, and may your memory be a blessing to us all, amen.
