About Nka Ikem Esit

Nka Ikem Esit, a non-profit organization, was established on September 12, 1993 in Washington, D.C. by Efik indigenes primarily in the tri-state area of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The name of the association came out of the resolve by the founding members (Mrs. Margaret Edet-Nnorom, Ms. Gloria Effiong, Mrs. Atai Nyambi, the late Mr. Samuel Ndiyo, Mr. Derrick Ekanem, and Dr. Chris B. Effiong) to work together through dedication of time and resources to make a positive change for progress in our community. Other members who joined the association at its formative stage include Dr. (Mrs.) Rosemary Effiong, Chief Emmanuel Duke, Mr. Samuel Eyo, Mrs. Obo Akinbola, Mr. Charles Effiong, and Mrs. Patricia Udo.
The association was formally launched on July 2, 1994. The membership since launching has continued to grow strong, consisting of committed individuals with vested interests in the well being and progress of the Efik community. The organization garners strength from the special admission of at-large members, who reside outside the Washington-DC metropolitan area, into the association. The philosophical strength of the organization, determination and persistence, is embodied in its logo designed by Mr. Charles Effiong..
Nka Ikem Esit continues to uphold its primary mission of:

  • Service
  • Education
  • Health and Human Services
  • Promotion of Efik culture.

Members of the association continue to work diligently towards the accomplishment of the organization’s vision. These are evident in monetary donations, services rendered, and collaborative alliances forged with other non-profit entities such as the American Red Cross, United Negro College Fund, and local community groups, etc.

  • For 10 consecutive years, Nka Ikem Esit provided scholarships to less-fortunate children to enable them complete their high school education. We believe the future belongs to the educated and we also know that our children are our future!
  • In 2004, the association awarded a three-year college grant to a student attending Frostburg State University whose father unexpectedly passed away.
  • In 2005, the association gave monetary contributions in support of the Katrina and Rita Disaster Relief Funds, through the American Red Cross.
  • In 2006, members of Nka Ikem Esit responded to an appeal to donate funds to support an Efik lady in Atlanta, Georgia who was in need of a Kidney transplant health_fair_2006.
  • In November 2006, the association organized a Community Health Fair in the Langley Park area of Maryland which attracted a large Hispanic population. This was organized in collaboration with AmeriGroup Community Services, Priority Partners, and United Health Care. A total of 200 families attended the fair, and took advantage of various opportunities to be tested for HIV, diabetes, cholesterol, Blood Pressure and to get Dental Screening services, etc.
    Various programs from the Prince George’s County Health Department were present to provide health information. Colgate Palmolive van was in attendance, and gave out free dental hygiene kits to the children. Baltimore Reads (a non-profit organization) also provided 300 free books that were given out to the children, in an effort to promote interest in reading.
  • In July 2007, the association organized a field trip to the White House for a group of Efik children visiting Washington D.C. from all over the country.
  • In November 2007, the association donated funds to the Efik National Association to help defray some of the cost of transportation for a container-load of medical equipment donated to a local hospital in the Cross River State of Nigeria. This program was orchestrated by the Nigerian Women of Georgia (NWAG) in an effort to promote access to health care for the poor.
  • In June 2008, the association held its second Community Health Fair in the same Langley Park location at its first Health Fair. The Fair was attended by a predominantly Hispanic population as well as other minorities.