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Toyo, A Clear Success Story of the Oro Genius, says Ekong Sampson…Akwa Ibom South Senator-elect salutes Total Chair at 70

The Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South, Dr Ekong Sampson has saluted Arc. Otu Ita Toyo on the occasion of his 2023 birthday celebrations. Toyo, popularly known as ‘Total Chair’, a sobriquet he earned during his time as State Chairman, PDP, Akwa Ibom State, is an Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, trained architect and a respected Oro elder statesman. He turned 70 today.

In the varying tributes that have poured in for the celebrant, many have attested to the intellectual depth and scholarly standing of the Oro chieftain. In his birthday message of felicitation, Dr. Ekong Sampson, a former two term State Lawmaker for Mkpat Enin hailed the renowned architect as ‘an Oro genius’.

Sampson, also, a former State Environment and Petroleum Resources Commissioner recalled his ‘close encounters with some irresistible handlers of navigating thought – Antigha Eyo Bassey, Dr. Edunam,(bless their souls), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Chris Abasieyo…’, among others. Dr. Sampson noted that ‘thriving proudly among this eminent tribe of philosopher-kings is the Total Chair himself’.

Sampson’s birthday message to Chief Toyo further read:
‘As you mark your 70th birthday, Otu Ita Toyo, the firmament safely records your pages through scholarship, community service and nation-building. I would only be privileged to take a chunk of some of the finer ideals that underpin your crusades, to the Senate. Happy birthday, Sir!’

The Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin prayed the celebrant resounding 2023 celebrations and many happy returns in the years ahead.