Obituary For “Black Daddy”

By Ekpenyong Ekpenyong

Ete Okon Ekpenyong Okon was born on April 28, 1950, in Akpap Okoyong to late teacher Okokon Ekpenyong Eyo Ekpo Akiba Akak of Oboroko Okoyong, and late Bassey Esua of Osok Okoyong. He passed away on January 2, 2022, at 71 in Ohio.

Ete Okon Ekpenyong Okon attended Primary School, Ifako Okoyong, and Secondary School, Mbiakong. After Secondary school education, he worked with Cross River State Ministry of Justice until he traveled to the United States in 1977 to study at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling.

He also attended Pittsburg State University-Kansas and obtained his second master’s degree in public administration. Ete Okon worked for Minneapolis Public School and retired in 2012. He was a counselor at Hati House for almost 20 years. Ete Okon held other jobs. Ete Okon was an educator who always encouraged everyone to pursue their educational goals.

He was a hard worker and an excellent team player. Above all, Ete Okon was the best father to all his children and grandchildren. His love for his children earned him a page in the Minneapolis Star Tribune when he spent 13 years trying to bring his children from Nigeria and was being tormented by the then INS.

His never-quit attitude led to a successful migration of five of his children from Nigeria in 2000. He left behind a wife, 13 children, 24 grandchildren, brothers, sisters, cousins, in-laws, and friends to mourn his death.

Ete Okon will be buried on February 19, 2022, at Sunset Cemetery, 2250 St. Anthony Blvd NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. Okon’s family requests donations to The Efik National Association USA, A 501 (C)(3) Nonprofit organization instead of flowers or gifts. www.efikusa.org 214-952-7276. Zelle to info@efikusa.org. (Okon Ekpeyong is Bureau Chief for the New Americans magazine)