In eulogy of a quintessential philanthropist, Patrick Akpan

BY PROMISE ETIM 

A popular philosopher, Leo Loki, once wrote that “life is fleeting, but death  is eternal”. Even the holy book records in Ecc. 3:1, that to everything within the surface of the earth, there is a time and a season for existence and extinction. These lines fell on the path of a great philanthropist and social change agent, Mr. Patrick Akpan, who left the shores of the world a couple of weeks ago. There would have been no better way to celebrate a man who touched many lives, than a brief eulogy to reflect on his life and times on earth. 

Born on the 24th of January, 1954 into the family of Mr. Dermott Etim Akpan, he grew up nurtured in the best possible manner to become a source of inspiration to many. From the native rocky village of Ikot Uyo Nsit, in Nsit Atai Local Government area, Mr. Akpan did not localize his educational training to the confines of his root alone, but further stretched to other cities within and outside the state. 

He had his Primary education at the Urban City Council School, Ikot Ekpene between 1959 and 1964, and later proceeded to the St. Vincent’s Secondary School Oti-Oron, Oron in 1965, and later obtained Senior School Certificate in 1970. Like initially mentioned, Patrick understood the essence of getting acquainted with the cultural diversities of other tribes and people, this was the basis on which he opted to further his education at the University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, with the department of history and international studies, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982.

His academic stint, did not just add to his knowledge, but also prepared him to assume various leadership roles within and outside the country. As a dynamic individual with eye for social development and grassroots mobilization, he immediately joined the Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service Commission in 1983, where he grew to the rank of Head of Service, a position he held till his demise. 

As a development oriented person, Patrick attended several workshops, conferences, seminars, symposiums and courses in administration, social development, grassroots mobilization programs both locally and internationally. These programs were platforms which provided him the basic skills and technical know-how to lead in several capacities within the public and private sector. 

Mr. Patrick was the president of Historical Society of Nigeria, University of Calabar Chapter between 1981 and 1982. This feat clearly portrayed the departed as one with impeccable character, whose political antecedent was beyond this world. 

His leadership thrust propelled him to be nominated vice-chairman, conference of heads of personnel and treasurers, Akwa Ibom State chapter in 2002. Following his ability to distinguish himself in the ranks, he was later elevated to the position of Chairman of the association in 2004. 

Having being identified as a gold fish, which hid beneath, but activated the water source, Patrick was spotted out and handed the position of National Vice president, South South, National Association of Heads of Personnel Management of Nigeria in 2005. Until his departure, he was the Chairman, Conference of Heads of Local Government Service, Akwa Ibom State.

The Late Mr. Patrick, a devoted Christian and staunch member of the Catholic Church was married and blessed with four children. His immediately family was very key to his success in the public service as they provided the necessary indices for peace and harmony to be domiciled with him throughout his stay on earth. During his lifespan, he constantly referred to his family as source of his strength, happiness and well being, but this according to him was through God Almighty. 

He was an ardent lover of Sports, with particularly reference to table tennis and lawn tennis. Is love for the game endeared him to the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Pete Samprass and other big names in the game. He would stop at nothing to see an inspiring tennis match, irrespective of busy schedules. This clearly reflects why he was absolutely fit, healthy and mentally sound at all times. 

The departed Head of Service served in many Local Government Areas of the State. His track record will not easily be deemed, despite the fact that he’s gone to be with the Lord. In all the Council areas he had been to, staff welfare were key priorities, as he ensured persons due certain entitlements, were not cheated, but were handed their benefits, and on time. 

His Philanthropic gesture did cut across many facets; widows, motherless children, students, the aged and less privilege in the society all benefited in one way or the other from his numerous empowerment schemes. This was achieved through various interventions, individually and collectively. He lived an exemplary lifestyle, of which many persons in public service and even those in the private sector should emulate. 

Having laid impeccable footprints while on earth, Mr. Patrick Akpan’s demise as a matter of fact should give every living being, a good reason to ponder upon with a clear sense of reasoning, if his or her life is worthy of emulation and perhaps what he or she will be remembered for at the expiration of life. Death is a journey which all will have to embark someday.  In HIS time he makes everything beautiful (Ecc. 3:11). We pray the soul of the departed rest in the Lord, Amen.