LIFE AND TIMES OF ESSIEN AKPABIO

Renown Music Legend, Essien Akpabio, was born on July 14, 1948 to the late Chief (Dr.) Ibanga Udo Akpabio of the great Akpabio family of Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Govt Area ofAkwa Ibom State of Nigeria. 

His father Chief Ibanga Udo Akpabio was a renowned educationist & Politician who made tremendous impact on the National Political scene of his time. He was Minister of Education & later became Minister of Internal Affairs & acting Premier of the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria during the reign of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik of Africa) as President of Nigeria.
Essien's father was one of those who established the Ibibio State College now called the State College at Ukana near Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state. Infact, Chief Akpabio was one of the fore-front forebears who pioneered the agitation for states creation in Nigeria & today Nigeria has 36 States to its credit all through the great effort or this statesman of repute.

His early exposure to Radio, Television and social magazine publications, sparked Essien's interest in Music.  

He became attached to Rock n Roll as displayed by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley & Jimi Hendrix. On the local scene his heart went out to Inyang Henshaw, Rex Jim Lawson, The Ramblers Band of Ghana, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Erasmus Genewari, Victor Olaiya etc., in the course of his musical exploits, Essien got attached to The Ukonu's Club of N.T.A Channel 6 ABA. The end of the Nigerian Civil War gave birth to many Pop Bands such as The Funkees, The Wings, The Apostles etc. all of whom were owned by the Military.

The Aktions, which was one of such musical Bands, was based in Ikot Ekpene & had the likes of Renny Pearl Nwosa on Bass guitar, Feladey on lead guitar, Ben Alaka on drums, Lemmy Faith & Essien Akpabio on vocals. 

The Band's name later changed to The Aktion Funk Ensemble with a new addition in the person of the red hot guitarist, Jimmy Lee. The Band made so much waves across Nigeria that it became the darling of the nation & neighbouring countries.

They were one of the longest lasting Bands having been intact for over ten years. Essien Akpabio later became lead singer & leader of the musical band. 

They moved base to Warri, where they launched their "offensive" across Nigeria having earlier gotten their freedom from Military ownership. Unfortunately some of the able hands of the musical group have passed on including Ben Alaka, Lemmy Faith & Essien Akpabio himself who died in 2008. His cousin is, former Senator and Ex-Governor of Akwa IBOM state, Nigeria, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

Essien retired into music artistes' management & promotions; managing the likes of Geraldo Pino (late), Chris Okotie ( now a Pastor), Victor Essiet and The Mandators, Adu Deme, Alex O, Christy Essien Igbokwe etc. 

He got involved in product advertising & promotions (in partnership with CUNO FOUNDATION, Enugu) he handled massive campaigns for companies like The Nigerian Bottling Company, Coca Cola & Cadbury Nigeria etc.

Essien Akpabio was greatly loved by everyone in the Entertainment industry and he was fondly described in many quarters as a Showbiz Empressario who had a large heart. He will perhaps be missed for his show of kindness & generousity more than his towering contribution to the growth & sustainance of the industry. Essien Akpabio passsed on after a brief illness in 2008.