Idiongo Akpanukoh – Dead but Alive

“When good men die, their goodness does not perish, but lives though they are gone. As for the bad, all that was theirs dies and is buried with them.” These were the words of Euripides Temenidae. According to a proverb, “Good men must die, but death can not kill their names.” Let’s reflect on Idiongo Akpanukoh, a dead but alive journalist and patriot.

Do you know that some people are dead but alive? That is the consciousness I have about Idiongo Akpanukoh, an amazing human being that our paths crossed barely six months ago. I had known him at a distance as the brother of Dr. Akpanukoh, one of the most impactful teachers I’ve had the privilege to learn under. I didn’t know Idiongo knew me until 19th February when I got this whatsapp chat: “A very good morning to you, Doctor. The first time I saw you in action was when I witnessed the commissioning of Adat Ifang Police Station, which I attended in the company of the Chairman, Transition Committee, Ukanafun Local Government council. During the unveiling of Alexander Udounwaekpo Foundation, I saw a teacher in you, I saw eloquence in you, I saw excellence, and I saw passion for community development in you. Equally, when I heard of the work at your village Primary School, I could from my desk read your mind: the desire to turn things around for a better society…” When I connected with Idiongo, it was obvious our society needed more of him. Against my preference for a quiet lifestyle within my small corner, Idiongo was determined to share my intellectual possessions for society’s benefit. He got me as guest on radio programs, secured columns for me in two different newspapers, introduced me to NUJ for award, and would proudly remind me, “Ukanafun cannot have you and the world does not know.” In all we discussed, Idiongo focused on promoting others, championing what added value and growing what brought mankind common good.

So, how do I explain my feelings on hearing of the transition of such a person at his prime age? While the pain is much, I gain consolation in the words of William Saroyan: “But try to remember that a good man can never die. You will see your brother many times again – in the streets, at home, in all the places of the town. The person of a man may go, but the best part of him stays. It stays forever.” Idiongo might not have occupied an enviable societal position, but he had enviable possession. Or what possessions can be greater than human kindness, sacrificial living, commitment to the growth of others, a heart that celebrates other people’s success, and an amazing determination to add value to the society? If the dead were to hear, I would have told Idongo, thanks for being an example in simplicity of lifestyle but complexity in love for fellow humans. If the prayers of the living were to affect the destiny of the dead, I would have asked the Controller of the universe to give Idiongo a special place in His paradise. And for the living who care to learn, I recommend Idiongo as a research case study on love in a world of hate, selflessness in a society dressed in selfishness and commitment to humanity in a community where most humans are inhumane.

As you step out, be an Idiongo anywhere you are. You may not be a saint but like Idiongo, be outstanding in saintly virtues. In all you do, live in such a way that when you’re no more, you’re still alive. May Nature raise in us and the society more Idiongos.
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, a public affairs analyst, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He works for an international oil company and can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only