Late Colonel (Engineer) Okon Peter Essang (Rtd.)—a distinguished soldier, engineer, administrator, and community leader—will be laid to rest Saturday, November 15, 2025. His funeral service, to be conducted by the Methodist Church Nigeria, Archdiocese of Oron, will hold at the Oron Township Stadium by 10:00 a.m., before interment at his residence, 62 Isangedighi Street, Oron, Akwa Ibom State. He passed on at the age of 80.
Born on April 19, 1945, into the noble family of His Royal Highness, Late Ovong Peter Essang Ebianga of Eyo Obiosio in Elei Village, Urue-Offong Oruko local government area and late Madam Iquo Ottoh of Ekim village, Udung Uko local Government Area, Col. Essang lived a life marked by discipline, excellence, and service to God and humanity.
Fondly called “Ete Okon” or “Akpaya,” he attended Methodist Boys’ High School, Oron, Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1971. His academic journey extended across continents, earning Master’s degrees from Strathclyde University in the UK and an institution in India, as well as an MBA from the University of Lagos.
Commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1971, he was among the pioneer engineers of the Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps. He rose through the ranks, holding several command appointments, including Commanding Officer of 14 Infantry Workshop, Minna; Commander, Base Workshop, Kaduna; and Commandant, School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Auchi, where he made remarkable reforms before retiring in 1996.
Beyond military service, Col. Essang contributed immensely to state development as Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Akwa Ibom State (1997–1999). He established the Akwa Ibom State Integrated Farmers Scheme and founded the College of Agriculture, Obio Akpa, now part of the Akwa Ibom State University, projects that continue to impact lives and shape agricultural development in the state.
A devout Christian and lifelong Methodist, he served faithfully as Lay Preacher and Elder. A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, he received numerous awards, including the UNESCO Award of Excellence.
A statement by the Chief mourner, Engr Nse-Obong Essang indicates that the late Col OKP Essang is survived by two wives, nine children, three grandchildren, and an extended family to mourn his departure.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
