Elder Eseme Benjamin Essien is a highly respected veteran Nigerian journalist, public servant, and former diplomat from Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He has built a long-standing legacy as an administrator in the civil service of both the old Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State.
Profile Overview
- Full Name: Elder Eseme Benjamin Essien.
- Date of Birth: 10 June 1948.
- Hometown & LGA: Etinan LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
- Spouse: Mrs. Ime Eseme Essien, a prominent political figure currently serving as the Honorary Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Humanitarian Affairs in Akwa Ibom State.
- Education: He attended the Salvation Army Secondary School in Akai (1962–1965) and earned his B.A. (Hons) in Journalism from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1973. He later obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Information in 1981.
Public Service & Diplomatic Career
Elder Eseme Essien’s multi-decade career spanned journalism, the state executive structure, and international diplomacy:
- Information Officer: He rose from Information Officer II to Principal Information Officer within the Ministry of Information of the South Eastern/Cross River State between 1974 and 1982.
- Diplomatic Missions: From 1982 to 1985, he served as the Head of Information Services at the Embassies of Nigeria in Japan and Ethiopia.
- Aviation Sector: He served as the Chief Press Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transport and Aviation, as well as the Head of the Public Relations Department for the ministry from 1987 to 1993.
- Director General Positions: Following the creation of Akwa Ibom State, he transitioned into top administrative roles, serving as Director General across crucial agencies, including the Office of the Governor (1993–1994), the Bureau of Lands, Surveys, and Urban Development (1994–1996), and the Ministry of Information and Culture (1996–1997).
- Urban Transport & Infrastructure: He was the pioneer Chairman and Chief Executive of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) and the Uyo Capital City Transport Service in 1994.
Enduring Legacy in Uyo
For event organizers and residents of Akwa Ibom State, his name is widely recognized through the Eseme Essien Events Centre, a premier multi-purpose commercial venue located in the capital city of Uyo.