ANTHONY ARIKPO EKOH

Biography

LATE ANTHONY ARIKPO EKOH

(Dread Tony Ekoh)

BIRTH AND PARENTAGE

Late Anthony Arikpo Ekoh, née Eno Okobi, was born on 18 October 1966 at Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Afikpo, in present-day Ebonyi State. He was born into the family of the late Knight Patrick Ekoh and the late Lady Magdalene U. Ekoh, both of Kekonkolo Ijom, Ugep.

Anthony was the eldest of six children. From an early age, he displayed remarkable intelligence, creativity and an eagerness to learn—qualities that would continue to define his life.

EDUCATION

Anthony Arikpo Ekoh began his formal education at St. Mary's Primary School, Ugep, in 1971 and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1977.

He proceeded to Community Secondary School, Ugep, in 1977 and obtained his West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate in 1982. Determined to pursue higher education, he attended the Cross River State School of Basic Studies in 1982 and obtained his IJMB certificate in 1984.

In his pursuit of knowledge and his passion for the performing arts, Tony attended the University of Jos from 1988 to 1992, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts.

His passion for theatre and learning did not end there. In 2001, he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan. Ever curious and eager to keep pace with a changing world, he further obtained a Diploma in Computer Studies in 2005.

Shortly before his death, Tony was shortlisted as a PhD candidate at the University of Ibadan and the University of Legon in Ghana, reflecting his continued commitment to intellectual development.

CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Tony Ekoh began his professional journey during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in 1993, when he served at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Kano.

Between 1994 and 1995, he worked as a Studio Manager at Africanize Studio, Kwakwaba, Abuja. He subsequently worked with the Cross River State Ministry of Education as a teacher from 1996 to 1998.

His deep passion for theatre saw him serve as a trainer and actor with the University of Ibadan Holiday Players from 1992 to 2002. He was also a premier cast actor in All for Oil, a play by the renowned Nigerian playwright Professor J. P. Clark.

Tony was a member of the Nigerian Travelling Theatre Troupe, Ibadan, and also promoted Rootzman Coconut Groove at Lekki Beach, Lagos.

LEADERSHIP, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

Fondly known as Dread Tony Ekoh, Tony was a man who loved having people around him and possessed a strong personality that made him memorable to those who encountered him.

He was variously described by friends, family members, colleagues and kinsmen as a disciplinarian, a loving and caring person, a development-minded individual, a patriot, an inspiring leader and a man of truth and honour.

He was also regarded as a quintessential administrator, a calm and cultured mediator, a courageous reformist, a pillar of strength and a man of uncommon confidence.

Tony was a powerful speaker and a gifted wordsmith who was deeply committed to truth, justice and the rule of law. His strong convictions and willingness to speak his mind earned him the respect of many.

He served as President of the Ethiopian World Federation (EWF), Nigeria; President of the African Heritage Repatriation and Resettlement Organization, Nigeria; and President of Rootzman Production and Promotion, Nigeria.

CONTRIBUTION TO UGEP'S CULTURE

Tony Ekoh made significant contributions to the cultural life of Ugep. He was the first initiator of the widely celebrated Mr. and Miss Leboku pageant, helping to connect the community's cultural heritage with entertainment and youth participation.

He was a versatile creative artist, excelling as a drummer, trumpeter, singer and performer. Through his creativity and unconventional lifestyle, he influenced many young people in Ugep and encouraged them to look beyond material wealth as the ultimate measure of success.

One of his notable cultural contributions was the composition and popularisation of the song “Funky Funky Umor Otutu,” in which he celebrated the history, identity and historical exploits of Ugep.

Tony was a man of his generation who stood firmly for what he believed to be the truth. His commitment to culture, education, creativity and self-expression made him a distinctive voice in Ugep.

His passing came at a time when his experience, knowledge and passion were still greatly needed in the preservation and development of Ugep's educational and cultural heritage.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

Ras Tony Ekoh was baptised in the Roman Catholic Church as an infant and remained a devoted Catholic for many years.

Later in life, he embraced Rastafarianism and became an exponent of the Rastafarian faith, a spiritual and cultural movement with roots in Jamaica and a strong historical association with Ethiopia and Emperor Haile Selassie I. He remained committed to this belief until his death.

DEATH

Dread Tony Ekoh passed away on 28 October 2010 at approximately 8:00 a.m. after a brief illness.

His death was a profound loss to his family, friends, colleagues and the wider Ugep community. He left behind a legacy shaped by education, theatre, music, cultural activism, leadership and an unwavering commitment to truth.

Tony Ekoh lived as an original—a man who challenged conventions, embraced knowledge and used his creativity to celebrate his people. His voice may have fallen silent, but the cultural footprints he left behind continue to form part of Ugep's story.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.