Akaiso Eyo-Akaiso, Uyo
A Port Harcourt based Oil & Gas / Real Estate Consultant and a guru of industry, Dr.Kenneth Utibe Ebong was among the high calibre personalities who were recipients of Champion newspapers’ Annual Awards for the year 2024.
The event held at the Convention Center of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island had among the throngs some State Governors, Banks CEOs, oil and gas magnates, gurus of industry and others.
Notable names that gave the night the thick paste that will remain evergreen in the memories of all attendees were the Governor of Lagos State, HE Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor of Lagos, HE Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Chairman of ZINOX Group Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, and others Award Recipients.
It was a long list that space constraint could not allow for full listing, but no matter how tight the space one name that could not miss out was Dr Kenneth Ebong, a distinguished son of Akwa Ibom State, a real estate consultant and a guru of industry based in the garden city of Rivers State.
Dr Ebong is a man of many parts or layers, an academic, pastor with Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, a church planter and a philanthropist per excellence. Little wonder his category of award is Champion Newspapers’ Philanthropist of the year 2024.
He has ventured into so many philanthropic activities for the love of humanity, like organizing medical outreach in his village, Ekput in Ibiono Ibom local government area of Akwa Ibom State, using the medical wing of Living Faith Church known as the Gilead Medical Team at least twice a year where hundreds of thousands of people have been treated free of charge about 3 years ago without borrowing money from anywhere to sponsor it.
He has become instrumental to supporting many young people abroad for post graduate programs, sponsored skills Acquisition programme for those who are good in making use of their hands to learn trade and scholarship for the brilliant but indigent children of Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
When management team of Champion Newspapers were privileged to look into the catalogue of his achievements and many more philanthropic works of his not even documented, they were left with no option but to pen him down for this well deserved award which he reluctantly obliged to receive.
He was reluctant because he believes any good deed done by man to man doesn’t call for trumpet blowing as God is the ultimate rewarder of every good deed. But Keying into the word of an American President, George Washington, who said better to deserve an award and not awarded than to be awarded when not deserved, he decided to set his foot on the cobweb.
Dr. Kenneth Ebong is also the MD/CEO of an indigenous Oil & Gas Servicing Company, POTENT World Global Company Limited, the mother of the conglomerate called “Potent Group of Companies.”
Only recently the Managing Director/CEO of POTENT GROUP/AC Centrum (Zenit AutoGas System), Dr Kenneth Ebong briefed the media and general public that their pilot conversion/installation and Training would be done very soon in Nigeria which would mark a milestone and a major boost to the FGN and President Bola Tinubu’s CNG & LPG Initiative and the global vision of “Net Zero” Carbon Emissions by 2050.
The Company also confirmed that their short/medium/long term marketing and penetration strategies include partnering with Workshop Owners and Installers across the Country, Training of Mechanical & Electrical Technicians and setting up of Conversion & Training Centers across major Cities in Nigeria starting from the South – South Region to other part of Nigeria.
The MD/CEO of POTENT GROUP further confirmed that the company is currently discussing with manufacturers of CNG and LPG Stations in Europe and South Korea to deploy some CNG/LPG Filling Stations into the Country to enable Nigerians have access to both CNG and LPG to fuel their Cars, Trucks and Generators.
Furthermore, the MD/CEO of POTENT GROUP, Dr Kenneth Ebong confirmed that the company is willing and ready to partner with the Federal Government of Nigeria, State Governments, and Private Companies to actualize the vision and support the global vision of “Net Zero” Carbon Emissions by 2050.
Aside from the above, the group has also branched into Real Estate Development and Management company known as POTENT DEVELOPERS Limited committed to delivering exceptional services in acquisition of lands, property development, Management and real estate consultancy among others.
This particular division of the company has a branch office in Akwa Ibom State, in addition to its headquarters office in Port Harcourt providing exquisite services to the former Cross River State of which Akwa Ibom was under, and other South South states as well.
In his acceptance speech which also had a video footage, Kenneth said he was “truly humbled by this incredible honor as Philanthropist of the Year 2024.”
” I want to express my deepest gratitude to God all mighty for the gift of life , the Champion Newspaper, the organizers and judges for recognizing my efforts. “This award is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the collective impact we can make when we come together to support a common cause, he added.
Speaking further, he said “I’d like to thank my team, family, and friends especially my beautiful Wife, Kids and My Mother for their unwavering support and encouragement. Your dedication and passion have been instrumental in driving our mission forward.”
” Most importantly, I’d like to acknowledge the individuals and communities we’ve had the privilege of serving. Your resilience, courage, and determination inspire me every day to do more.
“This award is a reminder that philanthropy is not just about giving; it’s about empowering, uplifting, and creating lasting change. I’m committed to continuing our work, pushing boundaries, and exploring new ways to make a meaningful difference.”
Thank you again for this honor. Let’s continue to inspire, motivate, and support one another in our pursuit of our mission to inspire and make the world a better place for all.”
Asked by an inquisitive reporter who sought to know why he decided to stick out his modest resources to provide welfare to the poor and less privileged, his reply almost drew rivulet of tears down his cheeks as he remembered how his own father refused to buy even a Text Book of 5.00 Naira to see him through school.
But thanks to God and his mother who took up the challenge even though it wasn’t easy which made him to vow to assist the down trodden in whatever capacity he will latter find himself in life. In the conferment letter dated May 22, 2025 signed by the Group Managing Director/ Editor In Chief, (Dr.) Mrs Nwadiuto Aheakwanwa said in parts, “The award which is a product of painstaking selection of our board of editors, is our modest way of recognizing organizations and leaders in both public and private …… as promoting humanitarian services”
