By Edet Okpo
As the world stands still in celebration of the purposeful and impactful life of Mkpisong Frank Archibong on his Golden Jubilee, what comes to mind are the timeless words of Douglas Adams: "To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity, humillity and integrity".
These words adequately capture the personality, character, public service philosophy and impeccable track record of Rt. Hon. Mkpisong Frank Archibong, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Akwa Ibom State. Born fifty (50)years ago, one conveniently say that the proud of Eket and Akwa Ibom State, so far, has lived more than half of his life in service to public good, impacting individuals and organizations with his strong attachment to philanthropy and using public office not for self-aggrandizement but for the sake of others.
Nọ wonder that God and men have seen his heart and therefore have always inspired to entrust big responsibilities of public service in absolute trust that he will not disappoint God and Humanity. Mkpisong Frank Archibong has diligently served as a two-term chairman of Eket Local Government Area, a period marked by trailblazing record that consequentially bequeathed tall landmarks that till today have not been matched by anybody.
Thereafter, for his outstanding and dedicated service in that position, he was entrusted with more and bigger responsibilities in State-building when, again, he has been opportuned to serve in his present office as a Member of Akwa Ibom State Executive Council for two Governors. It is safe to say that Hon Frank Archibong has been a critical and utility player in the growth and development of Akwa Ibom State, using his offices to change people's stories, impact communities, and attract testimonies to the gory of God. He has made it truer the assertion by Booker T. Washington , that "Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others".
The question now would be: What does 50 mean to Frank Archibong?
At 50, some count years. Others count achievements. But for Frank Archibong what matters most is not his personal satisfaction but the life's he has touched, people he has lifted from nobody to somebody across demography; his footprints across communities, and the ripple-like benefits that have come as a result.
From every streets in Akwa Ibom State to the quiet compounds of Eket Federal Constituency, his name doesn’t just carry political weight; it carries succour, benevolence, empathy and hope.
In expression of his philanthropy, he has built houses for people, bought cars for many, facilitated employment and appointments for many, pay school fees for indigent and non indigent students , sponsor hundreds of students on special academic programmes like the Law School and medical students on housemanship and other special courses, train many in vocations and offer quality cash donations to boost entrepreneurship and self-independence.
Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong's goodwill has also inspired many initiatives in individuals and groups. It is on record that there is no idea of altruistic purposes or concern that is worth his attention that Frank Archibong would hesitate to spend even his last kobo to support to become a success.
For communities, Mkpisong Archibong has singlehandedly provided social amenities or public utilities to improve lives, including provision of 20,000ltr solar-powered water treatment facility, provision of public toilets to promote public hygiene and health, hosting of health outreaches where over 2000 individuals have been treated free, graded roads, etc.
Talk of youthful vibrancy, integrity, leadership, competence and capacity, you are simply defining the man, Rt. Hon. Mkpisong Frank Archibong. His story is a paragonic representation of the Bible Book of Proverbs 22:29: "Do you see someone skilled and diligent in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before officials of low rank". Two times the local government chairman of Eket; three times a Commissioner and still counting,
MKPISONG FRANK ARCHIBONG remains an outstanding brand and model for the Akwa Ibom youth. As such, his spectacular strides in public service and selfless contributions in service to humanity have not gone unnoticed. He has been inundated with with awards from high profile institutions and the corporate world. Just in June 2025, the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, a media Advocacy Group with the mandate to promote transparency, accountability and impact in governance honoured him with the "Outstanding Service to Humanity Award" for his legacies on humanity as his first domain of impact.
Today, I personally celebrate Mkpisong Frank Archibong as a trailblazer, pragmatist, a man with unblemished record Of dedicated public service, astute administrator, benefactor with unquestionbable democratic credentials and a big brother who does not allow position and tribe separate him from the rest of mankind. You are a worthy example to emulate in everything positive.
In the words of Margareth Smith, "Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete devotion to the people and the nation" Mkpisong Frank Archibong has proven this in all ways.
Sir, may the Lord grant you sound Health and many more years, for humanity would have died without great minds like you.
Edet Okpo is the Editor- in- Chief Of the Scorecard Magazine and Chairman, Association Of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals.
Comments
Post a Comment