Chris Ekong

Chris Ekong a quiet, gentle man who appreciates the peaceful environment of Saskatchewan. After graduating from Medical School from the University of Ibadan, the premier university in Nigeria, he wrote the necessary exams needed to do graduate work overseas. Although offered positions elsewhere he chose to come to the University of Saskatchewan where he spent four years specializing in neurosurgery. He completed this course of study at the University of Toronto. He then worked as a fellow for a couple of years before returning to Saskatchewan where he and his family took up residence in Regina. He divides his time between teaching and operating his own practice.

Jane Ekong also graduated from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria with a degree in biochemistry before coming to Saskatoon to marry Chris. While living in Toronto she completed a Master of Science Degree in Biochemistry before moving with her family to Regina. Jane and Chris raised four children, Imo, Nse-Abasi, Ime, and Enobong. At the same time, Jane managed Chris’s office for 15 years and also taught at the University of Regina for a couple of years. After the children left home for universities, Jane returned to school to study psychology. She graduated with a PhD in Psychology. Her area of interest is in chronic diseases and chronic pain management, and in helping clients adopt healthy positive lifestyles.

Chris and Jane initiated the Nigerian Cultural Association of Saskatchewan in the early 1990’s. They created a sense of community and provided not only opportunities for socialization but also a voice for the Nigerian community in the province. The concept is based on the tradition of gathering at the ‘elder brother’s house” in Nigeria.

Chris and Jane belief in giving back to society, especially to the less fortunate. To this end, Chris has organized several trips to Nigeria to provide free medical clinics with free medications. He delivers lectures to medical schools in Nigeria. Chris also organizes computer workshops to increase IT literacy to the less fortunate in Nigeria. Together with Jane they established many micro-economic endeavours to help poor women increase their level of self-sufficiency. This has been a great success and they plan to expand these services to other poor countries of the world.

Jane’s contributions to the community include working with the African Pavilion at Mosaic and serving on the Board of the African Association and SACHM. With much concern for the welfare of children, she helped the poor children of Regina by volunteering with Soul’s Harbour for several years and was very involved in establishing and making Soul’s Harbour Drop in Centre for poor children a success. On the national level, Jane is an advocate for Compassion Canada, an organization dedicated to helping the world’s poor children by finding them sponsors so that they can attend school, access medical care and good nutrition. Jane is also an active member of the Christian community in Saskatchewan. She enjoys dancing, being physically active and exploring new horizons.

Chris’s contributions to the community are many. They include acting as the President of the Regina – Qu’Appelle Regional Medical Association. As an advocate for physicians generally, he attends many meetings throughout the region. He is also the Head of the Division of Neurosurgery for the region and was instrumental in establishing Think First Canada, an organization dedicated to the prevention of head and spinal cord injuries. In addition, Chris has served as an Examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons for many years. He enjoys fishing, and together with Jane, he enjoys cooking, especially specialty Nigerian dishes.