CTV News Regina Announces the 2024 Regina Citizen of the Year

REGINA (December 31, 2024) – CTV News Regina announced tonight during CTV NEWS AT SIX that Dr. Chris Ekong is the recipient of the 2024 Regina Citizen of the Year Award. “Dr. Ekong is a distinguished neurosurgeon in Regina, and his impact on healthcare in the community is remarkable,” said J.C. Garden, Manager of Operations, Local TV & Radio and Director of News & Public Affairs Saskatchewan, Bell Media. “In addition to his medical contributions, he has established a private charitable foundation which helps fund the needs of schools and health institutions in Canada and abroad.” After completing his medical degree in 1972 at Nigeria’s University of Ibadan, Dr. Ekong came to Canada for specialty training in neurosurgery in Toronto and Regina. In 1982, he settled in Regina as a staff neurosurgeon with a cross-academic position at the University of Saskatchewan, teaching both medical students and residents. Dr. Ekong retired from medical practice in 2019 and partnered with the Hospitals of Regina Foundation to establish a neuro-spine fellowship that offers 10 year-long fellowships for surgeons training to become neuro-spine surgical specialists. Dr. Ekong has been recognized with several awards in Canada and Nigeria, including the Power of Humanity Award from the Canadian Red Cross and the Excellence in Global Medical Education Award from Nigeria’s University of Uyo. The Regina Citizen of the Year Award presented by CTV is an annual tradition now in its 22^nd year. Each November, CTV Regina accepts nominations from viewers for the Regina Citizen of the Year Award and presents the award at the end of December to an individual who exemplifies excellence in community service.