NNPC Limited HSE Anchor, Chief Akpabio Esien Honoured at Home by Kinsmen

Ukei Mbom Community in Akani Obio Eniong Abatim, Obio Usiere Clan in Itu Local Government Area of Cross River State came alive at the weekend as it honoured one of its illustrious sons, Chief Akpabio Ndarake Esien with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Otuekong Ukei Mbom.

The conferment, which took place Friday, December 26, 2025 at the Ukei Mbom Community Square, was performed by the Clan Head of Ukei Mbom Ancestral Clan, His Royal Highness, Etinyin Okon Edet Ekpenyong Iba III.

Speaking, the revered traditional ruler, who stated that the conferment was done sequel to the counsel and ratification of the Traditional Rulers Council of Ukei Mbom Community, added that it was an honour well deserved by the recipient.

Chief Esien is currently the General Manager (Head) Safety at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), after a stint at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) as Corporate Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager.

He has had a distinguished career in Environmental Management, Earth Safety, Safety Processes, and influencing corporate decision-making processes that have ensured that organizations he has worked with maintain exemplary records in Health, Safety and Environmental Management.

As President of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON), Chief Esien has led the vanguard for the reimagination of waste management procedures in the country, as well as its impact on the life of ordinary Nigerians.

A United Nations Ambassador of Goodwill, Fellow of the Nigeria Environmental Society (FNES), Fellow Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPoN), Fellow Waste Management Society of Nigeria (FWSON) and Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (FIEPN), Chief Esien was in 2025 recognized as “a champion of Health, Safety and Environment in the oil and gas industry and in Nigeria as ASSP NC 2024 Safety Professionals of the Year ”.

Among multiple recognitions received by him, Chief Esien has also been conferred with the Award of Recognition as 2nd Nigeria’s Top 100 Environmental and Sustainability Professionals, which effectively recognizes him as Nigeria Top Eco-Hero 2025, by the Environment Africa Magazine.

Reacting to the honour done him by his people, Chief Akpabio Ndarake Esien expressed his gratitude to the Clan Head of Ukei Mbom Ancestral Clan, His Royal Highness, Etinyin Okon Edet Ekpenyong Iba III, and his Traditional Rulers Council for deeming him worthy of such high and distinguished status.

He stated that this would inspire him to do more for humanity, acknowledging the fact that “at some point in life, you realize that you are no more living for yourself but for your fellow humans; thus there is the need for being deliberate about the decisions you make in different areas of life”.

Chief Esien further thanked the whole community for turning out enmasse to accord him the honour, promising that he will continue to make them proud in his endeavours.