The birth of every child is an epiphany of hope wrapped in a canvass of diverse possibilities. As hard as the parents strive for an upward social mobility of a child, it takes the grace of God to twang the transcendental cord that excites a critical element in the child for self awakening.
Thus, in the opening chapter of “encyclopedia of outstanding legislators in Nigeria” is conspicuously written the name, Hon. Efefiong Etoh Antigha, a member representing Okobo State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, perhaps, the grace of God has been sufficient unto him to discover and make good use of God-given potentials in him. Consequently, while some of his contemporaries floundered at different stages, Hon. Efefiong Etoh Antigha flourished with a clear vision, passion, valor, candor and honor.
Indeed, Hon. Efefiong Etoh Antigha’s innate attribute of sound character, kind-hearted disposition, passion for service, social justice and truth reflect the picture of a man that has risen above the narrow confines of individualistic concern to a broader concern of humanity. His meaningful contributions to the development of Okobo Local Government Area in particular and Akwa Ibom State in general have showcased him as one of the few performing legislators Akwa Ibom State has ever produced. Born on January 7, 1962, in Ekeya in what is today known as Okobo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
He was raised in a strict Christian environment where love, humility, and the fear of God radiate, it was there that he imbibed the basic principles of life as well as the Biblical injunction: love thy neighbor as thyself.
He attended Government Primary School, Ekeya in Okobo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Government Secondary School, Akampa, Cross River State and proceeded to University of Nigeria, Enugu campus to study Surveying.
Young Efefiong Etoh Antigha demonstrated remarkable signs of what he was to become in life, as a fairly known individual from a far less known community, Ekeya. He dedicated his life as a change agent that will transform his long neglected village (Ekeya) and his local government area (Okobo) to national lime-light. Today, that dream has become a reality, with the unprecedented human and capital development he has attracted to Okobo Local Government Area.
Like the Biblical shepherd boy, David who turned from the field only to be anointed King in a house that paraded giants, so was Hon. Efefiong Etoh Antigha, when he was elected to represent Okobo State Constituency in the House of Assembly. However, in just two and half years of representation, his contributions has tick out as an imposing sign post of inspiration of millions of people.
Within a space of time, he has restructured the psyche and political consciousness of his people towards supporting governance of Governor Godswill Akpabio, demystified the art of representation and has equally left footprint that has become a point of interest for students of leadership development.
Only the mature mind will understand that to achieve sustainable success and stability in politics requires a combination of vision, passion, courage, sagacity and perseverance. It is the consistent application of the above set of variables that incubate grace. As the committee chairman on youth, sport and security, he has touched virtually every aspect of human endeavors, even to the admiration of his ardent critics. In the area of youth empowerment, he has facilitated the training of over 10 youths in oil and gas related areas, offered free computer training programme for youths of Okobo, recommended hundreds of youths for employment, encouraged the formation of an umbrella organization for the entire youth presidents in Akwa Ibom State to serve as a platform through which youths can air their opinions and contribute meaningfully to the development of the State. He has equally encouraged youths to be meaningful citizens, shun violence and resist being used as political thugs in elections.
In the area of community development, he has facilitated electrification of over 23 villages, attracted the ongoing inter-ministerial projects to 17 villages, advocated for re-habilitation of Bakassi returnees, constructed 4 classroom blocks at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ekeya, 3 classroom block at Primary School, Ori-Oro, rehabilitated 6 classroom block at Eastern Okobo High School, Obufi, constructed a world class civic centre at Ekeya, sponsored many sports competitions, including Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), during Governor Akpabio’s 51st Birthday Celebration.
More so, he has contributed in no small measure in his legislative duty, by sponsoring an ongoing bill on vocational training for young school leavers and another one on war against indiscipline. He is a vibrant member of the fifth Assembly that has contributed to the passage of many bills.
Excellence is not granted to a man but as a reward for labour, Hon Antigha’s integrity and genuine intention for the total well-being of Okobo Local Government Area and the State has earned him a lot of prizes and Awards, including an Award of Excellence by National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Product Workers, Akwa Ibom State Council, Award of Excellence by Nigerian Union of Journalists, Pioneer Chapel, Justice of Peace by World Peace Prayer Society Nigeria, Award of Excellence by Lions’ Club International Uyo, Honorary Chieftaincy titles; Nkpo Uto Okobo by Okobo Women Association, Uyo Branch, Nkpo Uto Okobo by Okobo Traditional Rulers Council & Okete Okete Oro by Oron Union.
During 2013 Christmas celebration, he splashed gift items including cash to ward and chapter executives of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Okobo Local Government Area and Seven Stars Vanguard and Councilors, Youths & Women Groups, while promising to re-double his effort.
His wife, Mrs. Lucy Antigha in order to make the widows and other women to join in the euphoria of the celebration on her part, also splashes cash, wrappers, etc. to widows of St. Peters Catholic Church, Ekeya and The Lutheran Church, Itiam Ikot Ebia among other women of Ekeya who stood by them especially during their elections.
Therefore, as we move steadily towards 2015, I urge the good people of Okobo Local Government Area to take a critical look at Hon. Antigha’s achievements in just two and a half years and encourage him even beyond 2015.
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