Ubong Essien CSP

Ubong Essien, CSP, is a Nigerian motivational speaker, corporate trainer, author, and communication skills expert. In 2012, he became the first Nigerian to be awarded the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation by the U.S.-based National Speakers Association, an internationally recognized accreditation for professional speakers. As of 2025, he is reported to be the only CSP credential holder in West Africa. He is the publisher of The Achievers Journal, a motivational publication, and the founder of the “Speak for Change” Youth-Voice Competition, a national initiative aimed at enhancing public speaking skills among Nigerian secondary school students. Essien is also a Paul Harris of Rotary Club International and an advocate for youth development.

Early Life and Career

Ubong Essien is a Nigerian motivational speaker, corporate trainer, and communication skills consultant. He was born in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and raised in Lagos. He completed primary education in Lagos and attended Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene. Essien earned a degree in Biology Education from the University of Ilorin He is a postgraduate diplomat from the department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos. 

In 2006, Essien founded the School of Eloquence, a public speaking training center based in Ikoyi, Lagos, with a branch in London. The institution has reportedly trained over 2,000 professionals, including politicians and media practitioners.  The 2024 edition of Nigeria’s leading public speaking competition for secondary school students, the Eloquence Cup, was held on November 2, 2024, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. Organized by the School of Eloquence, the event aimed to inspire and develop public speaking skills among young learners. Lagoon School, Lekki, emerged as the winner of the competition. The initiative by the School of Eloquence is designed to equip secondary school students with the fundamental principles of effective public speaking, with the goal of fostering future leaders skilled in communication. Each participating school was represented by two students, who were evaluated based on their eloquence, originality, and interpretation of the competition's theme.

According to the Dean of the School of Eloquence, Ubong Essien, the 2023 edition of the Catching Them Young Eloquence Cup marked the fifth installment of the competition, which was initially launched in 2017 as a public speaking contest for government-owned secondary schools in Lagos State. At a pre-event press conference held at the School of Eloquence headquarters, Ubong Essien announced plans to expand the competition in the coming year, with additional schools expected to participate. He noted that the contest, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the school, is aimed at giving back to society by nurturing future leaders through the development of strong public speaking skills. The competition, he explained, serves as a testament to the value of effective oral communication and reflects the school’s mission to promote public speaking as a vital skill within Nigerian society, in line with its guiding philosophy of "teaching the world to speak.

Since 1999, he has served as a speaker, trainer, and consultant to organizations such as Total Plc, Guinness Plc, AIICO Insurance, Fidelity Bank, Standard Chartered, Nigeria LNG, NIMASA (where he served as Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications), and several Nigerian government bodies.  At a general meeting of the association held in Lagos, which included the induction of new members and a lecture titled "The Blue Economy Revolution: Emerging Opportunities for Real Estate Players," the keynote address was delivered by Mr. Ubong Essien, former Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Ubong Essien, founder of the Blue Economy Academy, urged members of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) to move beyond advocacy efforts and actively engage with government authorities in the implementation of policies aimed at harnessing the potential of the blue economy. Drawing on his extensive background in strategic communication, maritime policy, and business development, Ubong Essien is scheduled to deliver a keynote address focused on how real estate investors and developers can utilize Nigeria’s coastal and maritime resources to promote sustainable economic growth. In a statement ahead of the event, Essien underscored the need to shift focus from oil-based development to a blue economy framework, highlighting opportunities in waterfront infrastructure, coastal urbanization, and maritime-oriented policy initiatives.

According to a press statement issued by Amaechi Okonkwo, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, and Ignatius Chukwu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, the annual Press Week was held in partnership with the Mayor of Housing, with its opening ceremony taking place at the NBA Hall, located near the Port Harcourt City Council Secretariat (PHALGA) and the courts. Chamberlain S. Peter-side, Executive Chairman of Xcellon Capital Advisors, served as Chairman of the Week, while the guest speaker was Ubong Essien, Dean of the School of Eloquence and Founder of the Blue Economy Academy, who previously served as Special Assistant to the immediate past Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Ubong Essien stated that the newly established institution was created to raise awareness about the economic potential and strategic importance of Nigeria’s maritime resources. He noted that the academy would also serve as a platform for advocacy, encouraging engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders to promote supportive policies. Essien further emphasized that greater knowledge of the ocean can broaden individuals' perspectives and enable them to better apply their skills within the context of the blue economy. Ubong Essien, highlighted the importance of enhancing public awareness regarding the economic opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime sector. He noted that effective collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders is essential for maximizing the sector’s potential benefits.

In 2012, Essien became the first Nigerian to receive the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the U.S.-based National Speakers Association (NSA). The CSP is an elite international accreditation given to experienced speakers. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Ubong Essien outlines the fundamental principles of structuring and delivering an effective speech. He emphasizes that a well-organized speech should follow a clear framework consisting of a beginning, a body, and a conclusion. Essien refers to this structure as the "BBC" of public speaking, which he advocates as the standard approach for effective speech delivery.

He hosted the weekly program Motivational Moments on Inspiration FM and appeared on Channels TV’s Sunrise, discussing leadership and personal effectiveness. He is also known as “Nigeria’s Mister Motivator” for pioneering motivational broadcasts since 2002 and received the Success Digest Young Entrepreneur Award in 2002. Essien is a member of the National Speakers Association (USA) and the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD).  

Publications

Ubong Essien, CSP, is the author of several influential books and training manuals on communication, motivation, and leadership, including The complete public speaking course guide, a foundational guide to effective oral communication; Speak with Power: 21 Keys to Winning Presentations, which provides practical techniques for impactful speech delivery; Pitch Perfect: Mastering Business Presentations, focused on persuasive corporate communication; Boost Your Brainpower, a motivational toolkit for mental clarity and personal productivity; and Professional Performance, a guide aimed at helping individuals achieve excellence in the workplace through communication mastery and self-leadership. Also includes books which are; Ubong Essien: The Challenge to perform, Speak with Power, Dare to Dream & Succeed, and The Gates' Way to Riches.

Recognition and Awards

Ubong Essien was awarded the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation by the National Speakers Association (NSA), United States, in July 2012, becoming the first Nigerian to receive the credential. The CSP is a professional certification that recognizes experience and excellence in the field of public speaking. As of 2025, Essien is reported to be the only holder of the CSP designation in Nigeria and West Africa. Ubong Essien was recognized as the SuccessDigest Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002 for his pioneering work as the publisher of The Achievers Manual. He gained national prominence for his motivational segments on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), appearing twice weekly on the widely viewed breakfast program New Dawn with Funmi Iyanda from 2002 to 2006, earning him the nickname "Nigeria’s Mister Motivator."

Personal life

Ubong Essien CSP, is married to Mrs. Patience Essien, who is the registrar at the School of Eloquence. His parents were both entrepreneurs. His father ran an electronics business and his mum was a seamstress. He is also blessed with lovely children.

---

See Also

• Public speaking
• National Speakers Association

References

1.This Day (June 16, 2025). Ubong Essien: I am first Nigerian to become Certified Speaking Professional. This Day. https://www.thisdaylive.com/2017/05/13/ubong-essien-i-am-first-nigerian-to-become-certified-professional-speaker/. Retrieved June 17, 2025.

2. Ubong Essien, CSP, Nigeria’s Mister Motivator and West Africa’s only Certified Speaking Professional and Dean, School of Eloquence (2018). Nigeria's Mister Motivator. https://www.ubongessien.com. Retrieved June 17, 2025.

3. Article on Speaker Hub without a formal title. Speaker Hub. https://speakerhub.com/speaker/ubong-essien. Retrieved June 17, 2025.

4. Onyenucheya, Adaku, (19 February 2025). " Academy moves to combat sea blinders, unlock potential". The Guardian. https://guardian.ng/business-services/maritime/academy-moves-to-combat-sea-blindness-unlock-potential/. Retrieved 19 June 2025.

5. Iroegbu-Chikezie, Okwy (7 February 2025). "Realtors urged to explore $1.5tr blue economy". The Nation Newspaper. https://thenationonlineng.net/realtors-urged-to-explore-1-5tr-blue-economy/. Retrieved 20 June 2025.

6.Okonkwo, Amaechi (6 April 2025). "Rivers journalist gather experts to dissect blue economy". Tribune Online. https://tribuneonlineng.com/rivers-journalists-gather-experts-to-dissect-blue-economy/. Retrieved 20 June 2025.

7. Egole, Anozie (17 February 2025). "Blue economy academy to educate Nigerians on sea wealth - Founder". Punch Newspaper. https://punchng.com/blue-economy-academy-to-educate-nigerians-on-sea-wealth-founder/#google_vignette. Retrieved 20 June 2025.

8. The Nation (10 May 2014). "Tips on effective public speaking". The Nation Newspaper. https://thenationonlineng.net/tips-effective-public-speaking/. Retrieved 20 June 2025.

9. Rapheal (21 February 2025). "Blue Economy Academy to unlock Nigeria's maritime". The Sun Nigeria. https://thesun.ng/blue-economy-academy-to-unlock-nigerias-maritime-potential-essien/. Retrieved 20 June 2025.

10. Okah, Paul (2 February 2025). "Blue economy to make center stage as FIABCI gathers experts in Lagos". Blueprint Newspaper Limited. https://blueprint.ng/blue-economy-to-take-centre-stage-as-fiabci-gathers-experts-in-lagos/. Retrieved 20 June 2025.

11. Roam Reporters (6 November 2024). "Lagoon School emerges Winner of 2024 Eloquence Cup Competition". Roam Reporters. https://roamrepporters.com.ng/2024/11/06/lagoon-school-emerges-winner-of-2024-eloquence-cup-competition/. Retrieved 20 June 2025.

12. OnePage Africa (16 November 2023). " 10 secondary schools in Lagos to lock horns in 2023 Eloquence Cup Competition". OnePage Africa. https://onepageafrica.com/2023/11/16/10-secondary-schools-in-lagos-to-lock-horns-in-2023-eloquence-cup-competition/. Retrieved 20 June 2025.