Nsobom John Dickson Ekwere was the late Paramount Ruler of Etinan in Nigeria. He served as the pioneer Director-General of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation and began his career in the Television Service under his leadership. He is recognized for his significant contributions to media and traditional leadership.
Nsobom John Dickson Ekwere (OFR) was a highly distinguished Nigerian broadcaster, journalist, legal practitioner, and first-class traditional ruler from Etinan, Akwa Ibom State. He was an influential figure in both the public administration and the traditional governance of the state.
- Coining the Name “Akwa Ibom”
Nsobom Ekwere holds a monumental place in regional history for hosting a critical meeting at his home in Etinan in 1978. Attended by paramount rulers from the ten local government areas making up the mainland of the old Cross River State, this gathering is widely credited as the historic event where the name “Akwa Ibom” was officially coined and proposed for the future state.
- Traditional Leadership
- Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs: Appointed by Governor Victor Attah, he served as the head of the state’s apex traditional council, sworn into office in January 2002.
- Paramount Ruler of Etinan: He ascended to become the Paramount Ruler (Nsobom) of Etinan Local Government Area, serving as a primary custodian of Iman Ibom and Ibibio cultural heritage.
- Pioneer Executive Status
He served as the first Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area. His administration is highly regarded in local history for establishing fundamental infrastructure, including:
- Building the Etinan Sports Stadium Complex.
- Initiating the first Etinan township water supply system.
- Constructing the NIPOST office, local customary courts, and critical access roads.
- Establishing early maternal health centers and dispensaries across the LGA.
- Broadcasting & Media Career
Before his full-time immersion into traditional leadership, Ekwere was an elite media administrator in Nigeria’s post-independence era. Born on October 26, 1933, and educated at the University of Ibadan and Rose Bruford College in England, his career highlights included:
- Director of Programmes for the Eastern Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (ENBC) in Enugu.
- Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Cultural Affairs in Calabar (South Eastern State).
- Pioneer Director-General of the Akwa Ibom Television Service (AKTV).
- Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) from 1987 to 1989.
For his immense national contributions to media and public service, he was honored as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).