'A privilege and a pleasure': Meet CTV Regina's 2024 Citizen of the Year

Dr. Chris Ekong, a retired neurosurgeon who remains active in the community, was announced as CTV Regina's 2024 Citizen of the Year on New Year's Eve. 

Since 1982, he has played a part in the history of neurosurgery in Saskatchewan.

Born in Nigeria, Ekong credits his family for instilling the importance of education, as well as health and medicine.

Ekong has always had an interest in technology and how it has greatly improved neurosurgery over his career.

“In 1973, there was one CT scan in western Canada and that was in Calgary. The CT scan greatly allowed us to see the different structures of the brain,” he said.

Ekong’s wife Jane said it is a gratifying occasion for her husband to receive such recognition.

“My husband has given a lot to the Saskatchewan people, the Regina people in particular. The people have also given a lot back to us. It’s been a privilege to serve the people for all these years,” she said.

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Dr. Ekong retired in 2019 but has continued to stay active in the health community.

In 2023, he partnered with the Hospitals of Regina Foundation to begin the Dr. Chris Ekong Neuro Spine Fellowship, which will train surgeons over a 10-year period.

“We have been very fortunate to have Doctor Ekong here in Regina, taking care of our patients for many decades. This award is very well deserved,” said Dino Sophocleous, the CEO and President of The Hospitals of Regina Foundation.

Over the years, Ekong has expanded his teaching and learning to other parts of the world, which he said has improved his way of thinking.

“I have been very grateful … to learn what I have learned on neurosurgery. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to bring it to Regina,” he said.