Mfon Ekpo unveils Global Knowledge Centre

Founder and convener of the Global Knowledge Festival, Mfon Ekpo, broke down in tears while recounting the painful prediction about her future as she commissioned the Global Knowledge Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Ekpo became emotional as she reflected on her journey during the commissioning, which formed part of the 2026 Global Knowledge Festival themed, “The Convergence.”

“They said I would be retarded,” Ekpo said through tears, adding, “I cried this morning.”

The emotional moment came as she reflected on words she said had followed her from birth, but which she had ultimately risen above in building a career and establishing a centre focused on knowledge, learning, discovery and human development.

For Ekpo, the commissioning represented more than the opening of a new institution. It marked what she described as a deeply personal moment in a journey from painful predictions about her potential to creating a platform intended to expand opportunities for others.

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The Global Knowledge Centre was conceived as a hub for knowledge, learning, discovery and human development. Its commissioning was one of the highlights of the 2026 Global Knowledge Festival, which brings together individuals and ideas around the role of knowledge in driving transformation.

The event attracted several notable personalities, including Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; Olori Atuwatse III; actor Richard Mofe-Damijo; Dr Gabriel Ogbechie; Dr Busola Tejumola; Dr Nike Adeyemi; Adebola Williams; Chude Jideonwo; Ini Edo; and Tunde Onakoya, among others.

The gathering brought together leaders, creatives, innovators and other professionals to engage on issues around knowledge, leadership, creativity and innovation, as well as their implications for Africa’s future.

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