26/07/2026
THE HUMBLE APOSTLE WHO PUT GOD FIRST IN EVERYTHING
MEET A TRUE APOSTOLIC LEADER WITH THE FEAR OF GOD: PASTOR E. E. OKON (1914 – 2010)
Eyo Edet Okon was the first indigenous president of The Apostolic Church Nigeria. He joined the church in 1932 and rose through the ranks to become its national president in 1981, a position he held faithfully until his passing in 2010.
BIRTH AND FAMILY BACKGROUND
Okon was born on June 10, 1914, to Chief Edet Okon Itam, also known as Edet Hogan Ambo of Atimgba Essien family, Ekpe Oku Royal House in Mbarakom, Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. His mother was Madam Aya Uda Okon Itam of Effiat Inua Abasi, near James Town in the same Cross River State of Nigeria. He was the fifth male and ninth child among his father’s fourteen children.
Calabar was one of the gateways of Christianity in what is today known as Nigeria. Creek Town, where Edet Okon was born, is on the coastal inlet of the Cross River, about three nautical miles from old Calabar. It had the prominence of being the contact point of the early European missionaries to that part of southeastern Nigeria. Today, Creek Town still bears monuments to notable explorers and missionaries such as Richard Lander and Mary Slessor, the legendary woman who fought against the killing of twins in old Calabar. Many relics of that rich history remain, including the tomb of Mary Slessor at Okoyong.
EDUCATION
Chief Okon, Eyo’s father, recognized the value of education and was determined to provide his son with the best opportunities available. In 1919, at age five, Eyo was enrolled at the Church of Scotland Mission School, Creek Town, where he obtained his Standard Six Certificate in 1929.
Following the footsteps of his elder brother, Essien Edet Okon, a renowned mathematics teacher popularly called “Okon Geometry,” he trained for the teaching profession and qualified in 1930. He subsequently taught at the same school from 1930 to 1931.
His hunger for spiritual knowledge later led him to study theology at The Apostolic Church Bible College, Penygroes, Great Britain, in the 1950s. In 1962, he obtained a Diploma in Theology from The Apostolic Bible College, Obot Idim, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He further attended several international biblical training institutions in the United States, Denmark, and Britain.
MINISTRY
Born into the Presbyterian faith, Eyo Okon later joined The Apostolic Church following divine conviction through the ministry of missionaries such as Pastors Rhodes and Evans. Witnessing the mighty power of God through signs, wonders, and healing, he embraced the Apostolic faith and became fully committed to the work of God.
Though he had a promising career as a teacher, his passion for the Kingdom surpassed every earthly ambition. Like the disciples who left their nets to follow Christ (Mark 1:19), he resigned from teaching and dedicated his life entirely to God’s service.
From 1933 onward, he laboured tirelessly alongside European missionaries in evangelism and church planting, serving as an evangelist, interpreter, and guide. He travelled through creeks and remote communities to spread the Gospel, often enduring hardship for the sake of Christ.
His unwavering commitment led to his appointment into various ministerial responsibilities. He played a key role in the expansion of The Apostolic Church across Eastern Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon. He served in several capacities, including Superintendent of Calabar Area, and was instrumental in establishing Bible training institutions, schools, and mission fields.
Ordained as an Apostle on August 22, 1952, he remained steadfast in doctrine, discipline, and spiritual leadership. In 1981, following the autonomy granted to The Apostolic Church Nigeria, he was unanimously elected as the first indigenous National President of the Church, a position he occupied with wisdom, humility, and great spiritual depth until his death.
MIRACLES
God confirmed Pastor E. E. Okon’s ministry with numerous testimonies of healing, deliverance, and divine intervention. Many individuals testified to receiving miraculous healings through prayer, faith, and the grace of God upon his ministry.
These testimonies served not to glorify the man, but to point people to the power, mercy, and faithfulness of God, whom Pastor Okon consistently exalted throughout his life and ministry.
HIS DEATH
Affectionately called Akamba Ete (Great Papa) and “The Humble Pastor,” Pastor E. E. Okon remained spiritually conscious even in his final days. He reportedly informed members of his family of five significant meetings he was preparing to attend, not realizing that these were divine appointments beyond earthly understanding.
After a brief period of weakness, he peacefully departed to glory on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at about 7:30 p.m., at the age of ninety-six.
Pastor Okon lived an exemplary life characterized by humility, peace, love, patience, kindness, integrity, discipline, servanthood, wisdom, compassion, and unwavering devotion to God.
CONCLUSION
The life of Pastor E. E. Okon stands as a timeless reminder that true greatness in God's Kingdom is measured not by titles, influence, or possessions, but by obedience, humility, faithfulness, and an unwavering commitment to Christ. In an age where many pursue prominence over purpose, his life challenges this generation to return to the old paths of consecration, holiness, sound doctrine, and sacrificial service.
May today's ministers, church leaders, and believers learn from his exemplary lifestyle putting God first above personal ambition, remaining steadfast in truth, serving with humility, and leaving a legacy that glorifies Christ rather than self. The Church of today does not merely need gifted men and women; it needs men and women of godly character like Pastor E. E. Okon, whose greatest desire was that God alone be exalted.
Relive one of his favorite choruses, thus:
"I know that my Saviour will come*
A...lle...lu....ia, AMEN (2x)
*A...lle...lu...ia..., AMEN (2x)*
I know that my Saviour will come
A...lle...lu....ia, AMEN...!"
May his life continue to inspire generations yet unborn to faithfully contend for the faith, finish their race with integrity, and hear the Master's commendation:
"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23
