BIOGRAPHY

Pastor (Mrs.) Esther Okon Willie Effiong (née Monday Udoh) of Nung Udo, Udo Ekwere of Ekpuk Ubuim Awa Iman, Onna LGA, Akwa Ibom State, was born in Oku Iboku on April 24, 1962.

EDUCATION

Esther Effiong began her early education at St. Michael’s Primary School, Four Towns, Abak Road, Uyo, where her father, Late Elder M. U. Udoh, served as Headmaster, and her mother, Deaconess (Mrs.) Ekanem M. U. Udoh, was a teacher. She obtained her First School Leaving Certificate from the same school in June 1974.

In September 1974, she proceeded to Lutheran High School, Obot Idim, Uyo, for her secondary education, where she obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC) in June 1979, with credit passes in Science and other subjects. Inspired by admiration for the neatness and compassion of nurses in their immaculate white uniforms, she chose Nursing as her profession.

In March 1980, she gained admission into the School of Midwifery, Q.I.C. Hospital, Etinan, where she completed her program in September 1982. Upon completion, she was posted to General Hospital, Ikot Abasi, where she commenced her nursing career and met her future husband, Late (Pastor) Okon Willie Effiong, through his niece, Mrs. Rose Ekpe (née Rose Hillary Udoh).

In November 1984, Esther was admitted into the School of Nursing, St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, Uyo, for general nursing training. She completed the program in May 1986 and was deployed to General Hospital, Iquita, Oron, for full nursing practice. She qualified as both a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Registered Midwife (RM).

A woman of focus and determination, Esther furthered her education while in full-time employment. In 1996, she gained admission into the University of Lagos, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Business Administration, graduating with Second Class Upper Division (2:1). She later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Abuja (2004–2006) and an M.Sc. in Business Administration from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), where she graduated with distinction.

MARRIED LIFE

On April 2nd and April 26^th 1988, she got married by traditional & court marriage respectively to a promising young man, Mr. Okon Willie Effiong of Central Bank of Nigeria after four years of courtship.

After her wedding the affection for her husband was flaming, she couldn’t afford to stay apart, she decided to join her husband in Lagos on 1^st May, 1988, on Leave of Absence approved by Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health. The Leave of Absence was short-lived as Mrs. Effiong secured a more lucrative employment at Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company in Lagos where she worked for thirty-two years until her retirement in 2020.

The marriage is blessed with three children - Barr. Ikemesit O.W. Effiong, married to Ekeminiobong Effiong nee Akpan, Unyime Hamilton nee Effiong, married to Gabriel Hamilton and Kuyikabasi - and two grandchildren - Noah Tamunosa Hamilton, and Hadassah Boma Hamilton.

WALK WITH GOD

Pastor (Mrs.) Esther O. W. Effiong lived a life deeply rooted in Christ; a long, fruitful walk with the Lord that reflected unshakeable faith, steadfast conviction, and a burning passion for the Gospel. Her unwavering commitment made her a spiritual pillar in every church she served, especially within the Assemblies of God Church across Nigeria.

Born and raised in The African Church, she nurtured her Christian faith from childhood and remained steadfast throughout her single years. Upon marriage, her personal relationship with God grew even deeper. Together with her beloved husband, she joined the Assemblies of God Church, 111 Clegg Street, Lagos, in late 1990, drawn by the exemplary conduct and vibrant faith of its members.

She was baptized in early 1991, became a full member six months later, and raised a strong, Bible-believing family in that church. She served faithfully as Sunday School teacher and dedicated worker in God’s vineyard until her relocation to Abuja in 2003.

In Abuja, they worshipped at the Assemblies of God National Worship Centre, Area 11, Garki, where she continued to serve as a Sunday School teacher, executive in the Women’s Ministry, and mentor in the Young Singles Ministry. Her love for the Word and her nurturing spirit touched many lives.

After ten years of fruitful service, the family transferred to the Assemblies of God International Gospel Centre, Wuse Zone 5, where she remained active as a Marriage Advisory Committee member and a Sunday School teacher highly esteemed by all.

Her passion for kingdom work extended beyond her immediate environment. She supported churches in her hometown, especially St. Stephen’s African Church, faithfully supplying Sunday School manuals for over two decades. Alongside her husband, she played a key role in the growth of the Assemblies of God Church, Nung Ikono Ufok Section, Uyo East District, contributing to the planting of five new churches and the construction of several church buildings.

In recognition of her selfless service, she was ordained as a deaconess. Ever eager to deepen her understanding of God’s Word, she enrolled at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Aka Itiam Road, Uyo, where she obtained a Diploma in Theology, graduating as the Best Student of the Class of 2019.

Pastor (Mrs.) Esther O. W. Effiong’s legacy of faith, humility, and service remains an enduring testimony; a shining example of a virtuous woman whose price is far above rubies (Proverbs 31:10).

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL LIFE

Mrs. Esther O. W. Effiong was a warm, approachable, and natural leader whose life reflected integrity, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to service.

At the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc, she distinguished herself in leadership, serving as Vice President of the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) from September 1999 to May 2002, and later making history as the first female JCC President from May 2002 to January 2006, leading over 1,800 staff with wisdom and excellence.

Together with her beloved husband, she contributed immensely to community development, notably facilitating the restoration of electricity to Nung Ikono Ufok, securing employment opportunities for numerous Akwa Ibom indigenes, and spearheading various infrastructural projects within their community.

In recognition of their tireless service, she alongside her husband were conferred honorary chieftaincy titles by the 51 villages of Uruan Local Government Area during the coronation of HRM Edidem (Engr./Dr.) E. B. A. Ekanem, the Paramount Ruler of Uruan LGA, on December 18, 2004.

Further acknowledging her community impact alongside her husband, they were again honoured on June 12, 2011, with the chieftaincy title “Obong Uwana Nung Onkwo” by Ekpuk Nung Onkwo.

PROFILE

• Loves God Almighty – Life experience with God for 35 years.

• Very fluent in Ibibio, Efik and English language.

• Avid reader and lover of motivation and travel

• Member Federal Medical Team of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission.

• Three Times Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP).

• JCC Vice-President NSPMC Plc (1999 – 2002) and President NSPMC Plc (2002 – 2006).

• Women Ministry Assistant Secretary, National Worship Centre, Assemblies of God, Garki, Abuja (2005 – 2007).

• Experienced Sunday School Teacher for 30 years.

• Member of prevailing Sisters’ Interdenominational Prayer Ministries.

• Christian motivational speaker, health advisor, and mentor to young single women

TITLES/AWARDS

• Best Graduating Student, September 1982/School of Midwifery, Etinam.

• Conferment of a First Class Chieftaincy title by Nsomm of Uruan Kingdom – 18^th December, 2004 with the title of Obong Anwan Iboku Uruan.

• Conferment of a Chieftaincy title by Ekpuk Nung Onkwo of Nung Ikono Ufok on June 12th, 2011 with the title of Obong Awnan Uwana Nung Onkwo.

• Conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree by GOFA on 18^th September, 2011.

• Conferment of a Role Model Award on 18^th September, 2011 by GOFA.

• Ordained as Deaconess by the Assemblies of God Church, Nung Ikono Ufok, Uruan, Akwa Ibom on 18^th December, 2011.

• Governor of the Governors of the Redeemed Christian Bible College, Abuja Region 2, 2011/2012 set.

• Best Graduating Student, Redeemed Christian Bible College, Abuja Region 2, (Desire of Nations Campus) on August, 2012.

• Class Governor of M.Sc, Business Administration, National Open University of Nigeria, 2012/2013.

• Diploma in Theology from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Aka Itiam Road, Uyo on 10th May, 2019

• Best Graduating Student, Class of 2019, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Aka Itiam Road, Uyo

CONCLUSION

Pastor (Mrs.) Esther Okon Willie Effiong was a rare embodiment of true womanhood - a graceful blend of faith, intellect, compassion, generosity, and virtue.

She lived a life wholly dedicated to God, her family, her church, and her community. Her impact reached far beyond her home, touching countless lives through her ministry, mentorship, and acts of kindness.

She was a mother to many, a mentor to the younger generation, a friend to the needy, and a light in her generation.