Written By: CHUKWUEBUKA EKPE

Honourable Frank Fredrick Okechukwu Ekpe was born on October 10, 1955 to the family of late Micah Okoye Ndibe Ekpe (Ezenwa), and late Mrs. Joy Onyemaechi Ekpe (Anuli). He lost his father in 1963, and was saddled with the responsibility of catering for his younger siblings.

Frank attended Orabuike Primary School, Enugwu-Ukwu, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1970. Later, he proceeded to Saint Michael’s Secondary School, Nimo and graduated in 1976. Frank Ekpe was appointed Labour Prefect there. Due to his insistence that things must be done properly, he was nicknamed Stone Face Ekpe.

He further attended Saint Charles’ Teachers’ Training College, Onitsha for his Teachers Grade Two Certificate, and later Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri for his National Certificate in Education. Frank Ekpe later enrolled in the then Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH) Awka, now Nnamdi Azikiwe University where he got his B.Sc Education in 1991.

 Okechukwu was employed as a teacher for several years at Central School, Nimo. He met the love of his life, Edith Enenmoh, within this period and they got married. Their marriage was blessed with 5 children (3 girls and 2 boys).

In 1984, Frank Okey Ekpe was elected Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (Njikoka Local Area) and left office in 1990. During this period, he was Headmaster (School Administrator). In 1990, he was made the Supervisor of Schools, Njikoka Local Government Area and served in this capacity, until 1996.

Frank Ekpe was elected the State Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers (N.U.T), for Anambra State Council in 1996 and served until 1999 when he contested and won election into the Anambra State House of Assembly. He served as Chairman, Education Committee of the House until the end of his tenure in 2003. His committee recommended the establishment of the Anambra State University, now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

Honourable Frank Okey Ekpe was a member of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Enugwu Ukwu Sports Club and Awka Recreation Club. After his tenure as a law maker, Okechukwu went into transport business. Within the period he served as an honorable member, he lost his beloved wife, Edith Nwakaego Ekpe. In 2005, he was re-married to Mrs Tochokwu Ekpe (Nee lbegbunam) who took the children as her own and groomed them together with him. She became a strong supporter and help to Okechukwu and the entire family.

Hon. Okechukwu Ekpe, besides his love for politics and sports, passionately loved the things of God. He engaged himself with several Christian activities and was a mentor to many families and individuals. He was a member of the All Christians Practical Praying Band. He was a very active member of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Enugwu Ukwu, holding Sunday school classes sometimes and also preaching sermons during services on Sundays. As one of the pillars of the church, he roofed the entire church building.

On July, 2020, Hon. Okechukwu departed this life to meet his maker after 65 years sojourn on earth. Left to cherish his evergreen memories are his Wife, Cordelia Tochukwu Ekpe; his children: Mrs. Blessing Joemario Achanya, Mrs. Joy Albert Emenike, Mr. Ekpe Israel Chukwuebuka, Mrs. Uche John Anyaba and Mr. Ekpe Miracle Okechukwu. Others are Sam Ekpe (Ozonkpu), for brothers; Dr Mrs. Edith Onyeanu, for sisters; Mrs Nwakaego Duke (Aunt), three grandchildren and many other relations.

Our solace is that Honourable Frank Okechukwu Ekpe lived a responsible and caring life. Indeed, his love for God and life on earth will continue to linger in our heart, and would always be a source of inspiration to all that knew him. Service of Songs holds today at his residence, along Ezi Okpala Nri, Enugwu-Ukwu. There will be Funeral Service by 10am tomorrow at Saint Andrew’s Church, Uruekwo Enugwu-Ukwu, followed by interment and condolence visits. Outing Service will take place in the same Church on Sunday, September 20, by 8am. All COVID-19 protocols must be strictly observed. Adieu, great Dad. 

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