MARTIN UDO AKPAN
MB;BS [Nig], M.MSc Family Med. [Guyana], MRIPHH [UK], DMP, FCAI
M
artin Akpan is a medical graduate of the University of Nigeria. A prolific writer, public speaker, Anti-AIDS campaigner and community organizer, he holds a post graduate degree in Family Medicine from University of Central Nicaragua/Texila American University, Georgetown, Guyana. He also has certificates in Fiduciary Management (World Bank-sponsored) and Creative Writing from Pan-African University and Fortham respectively. Akpan speaks and writes with a crusader’s undying candour and passion. His published works include: Brainwaves At Dawn (1992), Mixed Strokes (1998), Good Night Africa (2009), Awakening The Giant (2009), Climate of Health and Wellbeing (2010) and Ripples of Rebirth (2019). His political thriller, The Crumb Eaters, published in 1999, has been adjudged his magnum opus. He is also a co-author of the celebrated book, Ikono: The Cradle of Ibibio Nation (2001), which traces the historical origin and cultural heritage of Ibibio, Nigeria’s fourth largest ethnic group. Besides, he is a co-editor and contributor to the publication, The Beauty of Justice (2007) and Lutheran High School, Obot Idim: Essays in Celebration of 60 years of Excellence in Academic Development and Leadership (2010).
Dr. Martin, as fondly called by professional colleagues and friends, is a member of many professional and philanthropic organizations including the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene (London), International AIDS Society, African Network for the Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse and Neglect, ANPPCAN; Society for AIDS in Africa, Toastmasters International, International Association of Lions Clubs and Association of Nigerian Authors where he had served as a State Chairman (1999-2003) and a National Judge 2006/7). He has also held many public offices and positions of responsibility including Medical Director, Gateway Clinic, Uyo (since 1987), pioneer Editor-in-Chief of the State branch of Nigerian Medical Association (1989-91), Medical Columnist (Pioneer Doctor), Weekend Pioneer (1996-2000), Member, Board of Governors, Lutheran High School, Obot Idim (1998), Member, pioneer Governing Council, AKS School of Remedial Studies now College of Science and Technology, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Action Committee on AIDS, AKSACA (2003-2013), Associate Editor, Ibom Medical Journal (since 2015), Member, Uyo Cancer Registry Advisory Committee (2016-2018), Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Uyo and State Chairman, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (2016-2018). He is currently the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Board and Member, Board of Management of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
Martin Akpan has been listed in many prestigious biographical publications. These include: New Nigeria WHO’S WHO, Directory of Nigerian Book Development and International Directory of Distinguished Leadership, Raleigh, USA. He and his family live in Uyo, Nigeria where he runs a busy schedule as a practising medic, public officer, writer, Member, Society of International Poets and Chancellor of the Nigerian Chancery of the elite doctor-writers’ body, International Society of Doctors in Literature. Overall, Dr. Akpan has to his credit more than thirty years of dynamic medical practice, healthcare administration, promotion of medical literature and ethics, public affairs and leadership, HIV governance and mainstreaming, youth mentoring and community work, delivered on a template of integrity, humanity, passion and professionalism. Akpan, who holds the Honorary Chieftaincy titles of Obong Ifiok Ikono (2010), Obong Unwana Ini (2004) and Obong Unwam Nung Ukim (2004), also enjoys the revered appellation, Excellent Leader, conferred on him by the Chairman, State Council of Chiefs (2018). He reads voraciously and writes prolifically. Besides, he travels wide and is an avid table tennis player and a nerd in scrabble. A ‘cradle icon’ of the royal family of Chief/Leader Udo Akpan Udofia of Mbioku Ikot Abasi in Ikono LGA of Akwa Ibom State and an ordained Pastor of Power City International, he is happily married to his beautiful wife, Inimfon and together they have birthed the D-clan (Dara, Daye, Dati and Dano).