Ninety years ago, the world saw the birth of a man whose quiet strength sparked evangelism in the Methodist Church Nigeria. I give God the glory for every sunrise we’ve shared, every silent lesson in resilience, and every moment. Very Rev Okon Antia Ekerendu’s steady presence taught me and many others how to love deeply and stand with courage for the spread of the Gospel. Over nine decades, his life set an example for the present and future generations as a “living sermon” of God’s grace.

Very Rev Okon’s laughter fills rooms. His wisdom guides many of us daily. His open-hearted approach—generous and kind—remains a model. You remind us that being poor in Spirit means honest humility before God, admitting our need for a Saviour, without using position for personal gain.

To this beloved father in the Evangelical faith and spiritual patriarch, Very Rev Okon: On your 90th birthday, Scripture reminds us, “Though you have ten thousand teachers in Christ, you do not have many fathers” (1 Cor. 4:15). Thank you for being among the few “fathers” in the Methodist Evangelical faith who have guided so many. Your ministry is a testament to decades of faithful service (Matt. 25:23). You have been a steadfast anchor, a beacon of light, a rock, and a pillar providing spiritual stability through countless ministry storms. You continue as a mentor and leader in the Methodist Church Nigeria’s revival. Your guidance has shaped and nurtured younger generations.

Praise for the 2000 Methodist Evangelical Convention, Orimerunmu, is directed to God, the visionary leadership of His Eminence Sunday Mbang, Mama, Deaconess Bella Ademola, Sir Remi Omotoso, and Very Rev Okon for their ability to discern and deploy leaders—a gift seen as apostolic. With the approval of the Methodist Evangelical Movement Executive Council, Very Rev. Okon appointed me as the Planning Chairman for the 2000 Convention at Methodist Village, Orimerunmu. He championed and encouraged young ministers. His 90th birthday marks a significant celebration of faithful service, stewardship, and mentorship. His legacy of faith, role as shepherd, and dedication to the Gospel remain inspiring.

Very Revd Okon Antai Ekerendu was born on 7th April 1936 in UrueOffong/Oruko, Akwa Ibom State, to a Christian family led by his father, a pioneering teacher and early Methodist convert.

Very Rev Okon started school at age eight in 1944 and progressed through the lower grades, passing the Standard Six Examination (Smith Exam, F51C) with Merit in 1951. In 1952, he was admitted to Duke Town Secondary School, Calabar, but withdrew in 1954 due to poor eyesight, beginning his early career as a Primary School Teacher.

Okon began teaching in 1955 at Etebi Methodist School, earning praise for his work and excelling as a teacher, mentoring many students who later distinguished themselves.

Very Rev. Okon was, and still is, a talented Artist. He knew all the necessary items for classroom design, in readiness for inspection. He also earned additional cash beyond his normal monthly salary from signwriting on Notice Boards, Women’s Fellowship Banners, etc. He was also good at sports such as football, long and high jumps, triple jump, javelin throwing, netball, basketball, lawn tennis, and cricket, achievements that garnered school and community recognition. All these endeared him to many admirers. From 1959 to 1960, he was admitted to the then Oniong Nnung Ndem Awa County T.T.C., Ndon Eyo. He obtained his Teachers’ Grade 3 Certificate in 1960. Having taught at Ovubia Central School (his Alma Mater) from 1961 to 1962, he got admission to the then Government T.T.C, Uyo [now University of Uyo) Uyo, earning his Teachers Grade 2 Certificate in 1964. After graduating as a teacher in Grade 2, Okon taught at Methodist School, Oruko, 1965 – 1972, where he was recognised for his innovative teaching and sports leadership by Headmasters: Late Mr Okon Isaac Udovo, 1965-1968; Late Mr.Efiong Sangese Ebiekpe, 1968-1969; Late Offong Etiese Otu Etiese,1961-1971; Late Offong Okung Ntofon Okung, 1971-1972.

It was at Oruko Methodist School that Teacher Okon got married to the late Mrs Benedicta Okon Ekerendu. The marriage was blessed by the late Most Revd. James Akpan Ekanem, who was then at Ovubia Methodist Manse.

At Methodist School, Ikang Akpabuyo, Very Rev. Okon featured as both Teacher and Preacher. He was Deputy Headmaster II, while the late Mr Asukwo Esu Onwineng was Deputy Headmaster I during the time of the late Okung Ntofon Okung. His colleagues at Oruko Methodist School included Elder Uwe J. Ukpong, Elder Basssey Isong, and the late Efiong R. Ndiku. At Methodsit School, Oruko (Okon’s Village School), he was appointed as the School Sports Organiser for the Oyubia Zone. He added to his feather as Grade Il Referee whose performances became outstanding throughout Oro Nation. Some of his pupils, then Akon John Ebek at Oruko Methodist School, Oron, are now Prof. (Mrs) Akon Esu of the University of Calabar, as well as Engr.Utin Ntofon.

The turning point in Very Rev Okon’s life was in June 1971, when he yielded to his divine call and submitted his candidature for ordination in the Methodist Church of Nigeria. Before Okon was accepted for training as a Methodist Minister, he was already an Accredited Lay Preacher. His candidature was approved by his Local Church, Oruko, and the Quarterly Meeting of the Oyubia Circuit, since Oruko Group of Churches was then under the Oyubia Circuit in September 1971. The Annual Synod of the then Diocese of Calabar, of which Oyubia Circuit was an integral part, screened Okon and recommended him to sit for an Entrance Examination, the Selection Conference, at Immanuel College of Theology and Christian Education, Ibadan.

He started his three-year Ordination Course in September 1972 and graduated with a Diploma in Theology in June 1975. After his graduation, he was stationed at the Methodist Church Nigeria, the then Iman Ikono Ibom Section with headquarters at Etinan. Okon happened to be the First Resident Minister. The then Section came into being because of many souls won from Qua Iboe Church, Etinan Superintendency, by the late Pastor Nelson Akpan Nta of Mbioto II. He was transferred to the former Etoi Circuit, Itiam Etol, Uyo in October 1976. Very Rev. Okon was ordained in 1979 at the Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu, Lagos, and was appointed a Presbyter in 1988. In September 1979, Okon left for Birmingham, United Kingdom, to study and obtained his Advanced Diploma in Community Work (September 1979- June 1980).

The records of his ministerial journey are as follows: Methodist Church Nigeria, Etinan, Eket as Deacon from 1975-1976, where he was instrumental in growing church membership; Methodist Church Nigeria, Itiam Etol, Uyo as Deacon from 1976-1979, overseeing new outreach programs; Methodist Theological Institutes, Umuahia as Lecturer/Registrar from 1980-1988, where he developed curriculum and trained many future church leaders; MCN, Wesley Cathedral, Calabar as Presbyter from 1988-1990; Methodist Church Nigeria, Ebughu Circuit, Oron from 1990-1992; Methodist Church Nigeria, Etoi Circuit, from 1992-1994 (Second Missionary Journey); MCN, Cathedral of the Cross, Oron from 1994-1996; Full Time Conference Director of Evangelism, Headquarters from 1997-2002, leading nationwide evangelism campaigns; Full Time Conference Education/Health & Medical Secretary, Headquarters from 2003-2008, introducing several church educational initiatives; and National Coordinator of Cliff College International Learner Centre, United Kingdom from 2006 till Superannuation in September, 2008, expanding international partnerships for theological training.

Sir J. K. Udeze, a leader of the Methodist Evangelical Movement who worked and walked very closely with Very Rev Okon, aptly describe him as a ‘humble servant of God. According to Sir Udeze, Very Rev. Okon’s commitment to life in the spirit despite human government errors sets you apart as a true leader. We strived together, making disciples and encouraging believers at the length and breadth of the Methodist Church Nigeria Dioceses.’ Most Rev Adegbemi Adewale described Very Rev Okon as ‘one of the few Evangelicals who drove the train of Evangelism in our church. At a point in his ministry, he served as the Director of Evangelism at the Methodist Church of Nigeria, a position he held with all his might. A very contented man, and astute builder of men/women, easy going and very respectful and accommodating.’ Sir Folorunso Ogunjuyigbe explained that ‘ at a time in the history of our Church, he was nominated by the Conference to head the Methodist Church, Gambia … In his days in active ministry, Pa Okon was handsome, humble, and always impeccably neat both in clerical and other clothes.’

His Eminence Sunday Makinde, prelate emeritus, Methodist Church Nigeria, said, “Ekerendu Kehinde, that is the Name I use to call you during our Theological training at Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan, in the early seventies. I say a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to you. This is the LORD’S doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes that you are celebrating your 90th birthday in good health despite all the odds. GOD will accept all your services to Him and humanity.” Bro Sumbo Adejumo, a leader of the Methodist Evangelical Movement (MEM), aptly described Very Rev Okon as a very accommodating, servant leader. According to him, I have never seen or heard about him anytime anyone offended him.’

Celebrating Very Rev Okon at 90 is about celebrating spiritual mentorship and honouring the long-term commitment, “unshaken faith,” and “enduring character” of a leader who has lasted decades, perhaps under intense scrutiny.

Baba, Very Rev Okon, thank you for answering the call of God. Thank you for your unwavering love for the Lord and for not giving up when the storms of life and ministry came crashing in. The devil was telling you that you were finished and you should throw in the towel, give up and quit!! Thank you for staying the course in the face of adversity and for putting the devil back under your feet, where he belongs!! Your ministry has been a blessing to many, including myself. Just as the Bible says, and you have said…Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. Papa, I wish you a Happy renewing 90th birthday, and may God give you many more years. There is still much land to be possessed. So many souls that need to be saved.

God Bless You Papa!