***His pioneering role in ICT historic, legendary – General Obot
FORMER Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Atuekong Don Etiebet, is a trailblazer that deserves national celebration and appreciation, the National President of Holy Family College (HOFACO) Old Boys Association, Abak, Akwa Ibom State, Professor Joseph Essien, has declared.
Prof Essien made the declaration at the Third Quarter Dinner in celebration of Atuekong Etiebet’s 80th birthday organised by the Petroleum Club Lagos, at the Metropolitan Club, in Lagos during the week.
The Dinner which featured a paper presentation on “The Future of Gas and the Nigerian Economy”, by a former Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, (NLNG) Limited, by Engr Tony Attah, also had the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obong Emem Ekperikpe Ekpo, who was represented by his Technical Assistant, Engr. Abel Nsa. The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, was the Special Guest of Honour. He paid glorying tribute to Atuekong Etiebet for his innumerable contributions to human and societal development. Dr. Imo Itsueli chaired the occasion.
In his message, the HOFACO Old Boys Association President, Prof Essien commended the Petroleum Club for putting together the dinner to honour Atuekong Etiebet whom he described as a worthy Old Boy of the Holy Family College, Oku Abak, an idol of the association and a trailblazer.
He noted that the former Petroleum Minister is one who has done so much for his Alma Mater and still doing more; stating that he is a worthy ambassador of the school from where he proceeded to Imperial College, London, and later pioneered ICT development in Nigeria. He established the first indigenous computer company, Data Sciences Nigeria Limited, which he ran until his appointment as Petroleum Minister, an engagement he distinguished himself by bringing his training as a Petroleum Engineer to bear.
“On behalf of all the Old boys of HOFACO, I say a big congratulations to you on your new age and achievements. I pray that the good God preserve you for us and continue to bless you”, Prof. Essien said.
In his goodwill message, a worthy member HOFACO, General Ifiok Martin Obot, noted the many achievements of Chief Etiebet at 80, and submitted that the revered elder statesman deserves to be celebrated by his Old Boys Association and friends.
He corroborated Etiebet’s contributions in nation building and particularly pointed to his pioneering role in ICT development, which he described as very innovative and pivotal. His contribution during his tenure as Minister in the area of gas development became a major pillar in Nigeria’s economy and energy sector development, a feat that cannot be easily wished away.
Gen Obot said Etiebet carved a niche for himself when he became the only Nigerian who personally founded and financed a national political party: the National Centre Party of Nigeria (NCPN) which won elections across the country. He prayed for good health and long life for the elder statesman.
Other Old Boys present at the event included celebrated journalist, Mr Ray Ekpu, Ambassador George Umoh, Barr. Emmanuel Umoren, Engr Iboro Etiebet and Barr. Aniekan Etiebet and the celebrant.
Holy Family College, Oku Abak, was established by the Catholic Church in 1942. Since inception, the school has churned out thousands of students, who have excelled in various careers, and have made history within and outside the country. The school has also produced prominent clergymen, a Deputy Governor, Judges of the Court of Appeal, professors in different professions, ranking military officers and authors who have made impressive strides in the academia.
