Representative of the Gov. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Ime Akpan (4th from R. front row) and others during the condolence visit.
By Anietie Akpan
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commiserated with the family of the late Elder Udeme Ebukiba Akwatang,father of the National Chairman of the United Evangelical Church.
The Governor who spoke on Thursday, during a condolence visit on the family in Eket, said Elder Akwatang left the world as a fulfilled man, urging them to be consoled by the legacies left behind by their father..
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Ime Akpan, the Governor commended the son of the deceased, Rev (Dr) Samuel Ebukiba for all the prayers and support to his administration.
He recounted that Rev Ebukiba was among dedicated men of God who took special interest in praying for the success of his aspiration, and had constantly been available to encourage him on.
“The Governor has asked me to tell you that you should cry no more, but be consoled that your father left a fulfilled man”.
The Permanent Secretary who made some presentations from the Governor to the family, described Pastor Eno as a man with great love for his people, assured them of the Governor’s readiness to always support the family.
Earlier, the Chairman of Eket local government area, Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey appreciated the Governor on the visit and the goodwill extended to the bereaved family, describing Rev Ebukiba as his spiritual father, who was always willing to come and intercede for the people of Eket.
Tommey congratulated Pastor Eno on his recent award as Governor of the Year, assuring of the support of Eket people to his re-election.
Responding, the National Chairman of Conference, United Evangelical Church, Rev Samuel Udeme Ebukiba, said he was elated to have the Governor in his humble family abode,
Rev Ebukiba recounted that his father was his mentor who groomed him in the way of God, instilling in him sound moral and Christian principles which have seen to his present attainment in life.
“My father was in charge of the children’s ministry of the church and I was the one who would go with him to the church early in the morning to ring the bell and stay with him all through the programme”, Rev Ebukiba said.
He appreciated the Governor and the Eket local government Chairman for the support which he confessed would go a long way in adding to the success of the ceremony.
In the delegation included, Governor’s aides on Humanitarian Affairs, Elder Nsikan Umoekpo and Mrs Mfon Bassey, SSA on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, and Special Assistant on Religious Affairs, Pastor Inima Umo, who offered prayers for the family.
The Chairman led a delegation from the local government, including his Vice, Council Secretary, the leader and members of the local government legislative council, the Chairman of PDP in Eket, Mr Usoh Hanson and the State PDP Officer, Obongiwaad Emmanuel Mbong, as well as Chief of Staff to the Chairman Chief Akwaekong Idim, Chairman of Joint Labour Committee Etukudo Ekefre, among others.
The remains of Late Elder Udeme Ebukiba Akwatang, who died at the age of 88, will be buried on Friday, January 31, after a funeral service at the Eket Stadium Ground by 10am.
