By CrossRiverWatch admin
Hon. Kelvin Akonjom, “The Original Honorable”, as he was fondly called, bestrided Cross River Central politics in the late 70s to early 80s like a colossus. He was Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, served as Chair of several committees of the House and was reelected by his Ikom II constituency before the military struck and truncated the Shagari administration.
He took the final bow after a protracted illness and this is a tribute to a man who lived a modest life of service and dedication to his people.
HIS BIRTH:
Hon Kelvin Ayip Nsed Akonjom was born into the family of Nta Nsed Akonjom Ntonoba Anankok and Nna Ntogon Eyong Ebaji all of Nde Clan of Ikom Cross River State, Nigeria, West Africa.
Born in the year 1943 in his country home Nkunanton in Nde Clan, he is the last of his nine siblings.
EDUCATION:
Hon K.A.N Akonjom attended the following schools: (a) The ( CMS) Church Missionary Society primary school later changed to (CSM) church of Scotland mission primary school Nde Ekamtonofo and obtained his first school leaving certificate(FSLC) in 1962.
(b) The Prestigious Presbyterian Secondary School( PRESCO) Abakaliki and later due to the Nigerian Civil War, moved to another Prestigious Secondary School, Mary Knoll Secondary School Okuku Yala L.G.A of Cross River State where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) IN 1967.
(c) For his Higher Education: He attended Cooperative College Ibadan where he obtained a Diploma in Cooperative studies in 1970 with flying colors. In all he was an outstanding student and was loved by his teachers and lecturers.
HIS WORKLIFE:
Hon K.A.N Akonjom was employed into the South Eastern State workforce in 1970 as a Cooperative Inspector and rose to the rank of Assistant Cooperative Officer.
By the year 1979 he look his leave of absence to serve his people as a political leader, a process that showcased him as an astute politician and a man of charisma, a motivator, a mentor, a counselor, a political heavy weight.
Described by other leaders as a big fish, he was a man of the people and they believed in him. A man of truth whose ideas were dependable and reliable. He was a faithful servant to his people both at home and away from home. He was a true BAKOR son and saw to the unification of the BAKOR nation.
(4) POLITICAL/SOCIAL LIFE: Hon K.A.N Akonjom was called by his people to serve them in a higher capacity. He joined politics in 1979 under the platform of the defunct N.P.N. and contested to represent Ikom State Constituency II in the State House of Assembly.
Knowing his ability in quality deliverance, the people voted him whole heartedly and he emerged the winner at the polls.
While at the Assembly, he displayed sterling qualities and this earned him the name ‘ORIGINAL HONORABLE’’ and he was nominated to serve in the following committees.
(a) Chairman, Rural Development and Cooperative Committee
(b) Chairman, Local Government Creation Committee and Capacities
(c) Chief Whip of the House.
It may please you to know that Hon. K.A.N Akonjom was re-elected to serve his people in 1983 where he won again with landslide victory under the platform of the NPN. This second tenure however was short lived as the military interrupted their service and took over governance.
The Hon. K.A.N Akonjom also served the nation as a member of the Board of Governors, Nigeria Institute for Horticulture (NIHORT) Ibandan from 2001-2004.
The Hon. was a socialist whose friendship cut across all races, gender and ages. Today he is being remembered for how impactful his life was. Everybody who ever had an opportunity to meet with him in life has one or two things to remember about his generosity, respect for humanity and his humor.
He was a very friendly person, even foreigners’ picked interest in him, and he went further to teach his language and our culture, which made them feel so at home with him.
CHRISTIANITY:
A Jerusalem Pilgrim, Hon. Akonjom had tremendous zeal for the work of God. Born, baptized and confirmed into the Presbyterian faith, his early life was characterized with Christian activities. He was a member of the Scripture Union Nigeria (SU) and was part of the 1964 campers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
As member of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Afi Parish, he contributed his resources, ideas and energy to the growth of the Parish. He was the motivating force behind all the church projects until his health failed.
MARITAL LIFE:
Hon. Akonjom is married to Rev. Dr. Mary V. Akonjom and the marriage is blessed with children.
DEPARTURE:
Hon. Akonjom bowed out on the 15th July 2015 at 2.20pm leaving behind the entire Nde, Bakor, Ikom, Cross River, Nigeria, to mourn him.
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