Founder and Convener of the Global Knowledge Festival, Amb. Mfon Ekpo, recently reflected briefly on her personal journey as the Global Knowledge Centre was commissioned in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, Ekpo recalled some of the negative expectations surrounding her birth, including being told that she would be “retarded.”
“I cried this morning,” she said, describing the moment as she reflected on the journey that had brought her to the commissioning.
The occasion formed part of the Global Knowledge Festival 2026, themed “The Convergence,” which brought together personalities from politics, business, entertainment, media, education and social development.
Among those who attended were Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno; Olori Atuwatse III; actor RMD; Dr Gabriel Ogbechie; Dr Busola Tejumola; Dr Nike Adeyemi; Adebola Williams; Chude Jideonwo; actress Ini Edo and Tunde Onakoya, among others.
The newly commissioned centre is conceived as a hub for knowledge, learning, discovery and human development, with the festival using the occasion to bring together conversations around ideas, creativity and Africa’s future.
The event combined the formal commissioning of the centre with discussions and engagements around the broader theme of knowledge and its role in shaping individuals, communities and society.
