Let not your heart be troubled Jesus said, Believe in God, also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  (John 14: verses  1-3)

Biography of Late Mr. George Esien Ukpabio

George Esien Ukpabio, popularly known as Etubom, was born in Creek Town, Odukpani L.G.A. in Cross River State on April 5th, 1949. George was the first born to the later Elder Ukpabio Esien Ita Ukpabio (Efiong Udo) and Mrs. Ekong Eyoma Ukpabio. His father  late Chief Ukpabio Esien Ita Ukpabio (Efiong Udo) was the last born of Rev. William Esien Ukpabio and Mary George William Ukpabio of Creek Town. His mother the late Mrs. Ekong Esien Eyoma Ukpabio was the first child of late Chief Esien Eyoma of Eyoma family and Amaeyen Ekpeyong Efiok of Eyo Honesty of Creek Town.

Education

George started his early education at Creek Town primary school.  In between primary school education he had to move with his father to a new station when his father  was transferred to be the head master of Duke Town primary school. He completed his primary school education at Duke Town Primary school.   He then attended Hope Waddel Training Institute for his Secondary School and Higher School.  At Hope Waddel Training Institute he served as the Senior School Prefect.  After Higher School graduation, he taught at Hope Waddle Training Institute while preparing to get into a university.

George attended University of Nigeria, Nsukka graduated in 1975 with Bachelor’s degree Botany.  He served the National Youth Service program in Sokoto.  He further continued at the University of Ibadan and received his Master’s degree in Agronomy.

Career and Work Life
 

Upon his returned to Calabar in 1976 after his Youth service, he worked briefly with the Forestry department in Calabar, but later got employment at National Oil Company of Nigeria as an Agro Chemical Officer, serving in places such as Lagos, Port Harcourt and Makurdi.  He had an early retirement.

After his retirement, he worked as the Manager at Blue Island – recreational and health resort in Lekki, Lagos. 

 Family (Marriage) Life

Later he met and married Obo Ekpenyong Nkanga, there was no offspring in this union.

George later married the love of his life Basoene (Ene/ Bas) Pedro Ukpabio of Obonema of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The marriage produced George last two children, Ekong Owanate Ukpabio and Mary Damiete Ukpabio.

George was also father to his sister’s daughter – Mrs. Nsa Otono (Mmama) – after the tragic death of his sister: Mary Esien Ukpabio (Nne-Eka) in a boat accident between Creek Town and Calabar. 

When Mary Esien Ukpabio (Nne-Eka) George younger sister lost her life in a boat accident between Creek Town and Calabar; George stepped in nurtured and raised her only daughter she left behind, Mrs. Nsa Otono (Mmama) who only knew him as her father.

Christian Life

Born to a Christian family, Eteakamba was baptized early in his life and confirmed in Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Creek Town.  He devoted his life to God and service to humanity. He was a member of Ajah Parish Presbyterian Church in Lagos. He was very much involved in the fellowship and evangelism in Ajah Presbyterian Church.  When he was in Calabar, he worshiped at Presbyterian Church,  Creek Town Parish or Hope Waddel Parish; and while in Port Harcourt he worshiped at the Mary Slessor Memorial Congregational  Parish . 

Social Life

As a person who committed himself to service and others, George was a member of the African Club Calabar for many years and also a member of the Shell Club.   George loved spending time with his family and devoted himself to them. He was always involved in family affairs both on his maternal and paternal side.  Eteakamba was a peaceful loving Brother/ Husband/ Father/ Uncle, a caring friend and a wonderful cousin.  He gave his unconditional love selflessly to all who crossed his path. He always opened his doors to friends and family. His kindness was outstanding. He enjoys entertaining; his friends and always talked about his cooking as they enjoyed spending time with him.