A Brief History and Biography of Air Commodore Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga ( 27 January 1952 – 24 December 2020)
Early Life
Idongesit Nkanga was a Nigerian Air Force officer and politician who served as the first indigenous military governor of Akwa Ibom State from September 1990 to January 1992. He was born on July 27, 1954, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. He attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, he joined the Nigerian Air Force, where he rose to the rank of Air Commodore.
A Brief History and Biography of Air Commodore Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga ( 27 January 1952 – 24 December 2020)
Carrier and Offices Held
In 1990, Nkanga was appointed military governor of Akwa Ibom State. During his tenure, he oversaw the creation of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation and the Akwa Ibom State Secretariat complex. He also initiated several development projects, including the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals.
However, After leaving office in 1992, Nkanga retired from the Nigerian Air Force and entered politics. He was elected to the Senate in 1999 and served until 2007. He was also the chairman of the Akwa Ibom Airport Implementation Committee from 2007 to 2009.
Nkanga was a strong advocate for the restructuring of Nigeria and the development of the Niger Delta region. He was also a member of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), a coalition of Niger Delta leaders.
Marital Life
However, He was happily married to Mrs. Udy Idongesit Nkanga and his marriage was blessed with 4 children
Death
Nkanga died on December 26, 2021, at the age of 67. He was survived by his wife, Udy, and their four children.
Notable Contribution and Achievements
However, Here are some of his notable achievements as the first indigenous military governor of Akwa Ibom State:
- Established the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation
- Commissioned the Akwa Ibom State Secretariat complex
- Initiated several development projects, including the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals
- Led the state through a period of peace and stability
- Establishment of the then Teachers training Institute now Akwa Ibom State College of Education
- In 2007, Nkanga was appointed Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Airport Implementation Committee. The International airport was opened on November 26, 2009 Although the primary focus was on cargo traffic and airplane maintenance repair and overhaul, the airport started by serving commercial local passenger flights
- Campaign chairman of the Only God to Former Governor Udom Emanuel of Akwa Ibom state
Conclusion
In summary, Nkanga was a respected leader who made significant contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State. He will be remembered for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of his people.