A new hospital in Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area built by Akwa Ibom Government is named Dr. Edward Udo Akpabio Hospital.

Until his death, Dr. Edward Akpabio who was a holder of an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) conferred on him by the Federal Government and the President of Medical Elders Group, Akwa Ibom State was immortalized by the government in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the medical field, his community and the country at large.

In his tribute, the State Governor, Chief Godswill O.Akpabio said the government decided to honour him because when he graduated as medical doctor in 1957 he was not swept away by the brain drain syndrome but chose to settle in his community and started Ukana Clinic.

Governor Akpabio who noted that such was the strength of his bond with his community and his unremitting commitment to his people announced government’s intention to annex Ukana Clinic to the general hospital.

“He was trained in the United Kingdom and he had a stint in Jamaica before responding to the inner pull to come and serve his people. And after working in several General Hospitals in Aba, Ogoja, and Umuahia, he came back and decided to dwell with his people and let them have the benefit of his skill and training.

“As the patriarch of our family, we are proud of him and his accomplishments. He was kind-hearted and lived a life of service. He was also very disciplined and expected a high sense of discipline from everyone around him. He was a tower of strength and everyone around him drew from his strength”, he remarked.

Earlier, Evangelist Eyibio Akpan of Church of Christ, Ukana Ikot Ntuen who preached on eternal life told people to live a life worthy of emulation to make Heaven a permanent abode, saying “There is a better place than where we are. The Holy Spirit is saying no matter how long we live on this earth, the end will come one day”.

According to him, “As long as we live on this earth, we must continue to expect the unexpected - death. Among us, no one knows when he will depart. However, there is a place for the righteous to live where sorrow and pain are not there”.       

The late Dr. Akpabio was 83 years.