THE LEGACY OF ANNIE IBOK

Mrs. Aniekan (Annie) Ibok was born Aniekan Solomon Aqua to Dr. and Mrs. Solomon David Aqua of Ikot Ossom village in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. As the eldest of seven children, she had always acted as a mother to her siblings, particularly after her parents left for the United States. In the mid-70's, her parents brought her and her siblings to Saint Louis, MO to join them.

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At a very early age, it was apparent that she would enter into the medical field. She worked

very hard in her studies earning a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Texas Woman's University in Dallas, Texas (working about 30 years in the field). She loved Nursing, and often regretted that her father did not live long enough to see her, a Registered Nurse, and her brother, an MD at Kaiser Hospital, in their white coats. This was her father's dream.

 

A woman of profound but simple faith, she constantly lifted her family up in prayers. She poured her life into service and dedication to her family. She also poured herself into giving back to the community, particularly to her native country through the women's group, Mboho Ima Iban Akwa Ibom. The women adopted the project of renovating the Maternity Wing of the local hospital, St. Luke's Hospital, Anua. At the conclusion of which, the hospital named the Maternity Ward after her, "Mma Aniekan Ibok Maternity Ward".

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Mrs. Aniekan Ibok was called home in 2014, but her legacy lives on through her husband, children, siblings, and this scholarship.