By Bassey Nkponam
IKA
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom governor, Pastor Umo Eno, have condoled the minister of state for petroleum, gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, as he buried his mother in-law and octogenarian, the late Madam Magdalene Ubom Udoakpan, at her countryhome, Ikot Udom, in Ika Local Government Area.
Tinubu, represented by the minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, condoled Ekpo and his family, on the death of his mother in-law, the late Madam Udoakpan, describing the loss as profound and grievous.
He described the deceased as a woman of exceptional character and kindness whose affection, warmth, and benevolence had a remarkable impact on lives around her, saying, “on behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I send to you my heartfelt condolences at this moment of grief”.
The President saw the deceased as one who was more than a mother in-law to Ekpo, but as an integral part of his family, a steady source of strength, wisdom, and warmth, whose love and compassion will be remembered by all who knew her.
He prayed God to grant the family the comfort, strength, and peace as they lay her to rest, having lived a fulfilled life of purpose and grace.
The Senate President, Akpabio, who was represented by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam, Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Unyime Idem, admonished the family, community, and indeed the people to be consoled by her remarkable life of service to God and humanity.
Akpabio, while sympathizing with Ekpo and family, described the deceased as a distinguished industrialist and woman leader who had touched the lives of the people positively.
Governor Eno said though the loss of Madam Udoakpan was painful, Obongemem Ekpo and his family should be consoled in the knowledge that she lived a fulfilled and impactful life marked by deep faith in God, compassion for others, and steadfast devotion to her family and community.
He noted that the deceased’s quiet strength, industry, and exemplary Christian virtues stood her out as a beacon of hope and morality, adding that through her godly upbringing and values, she raised generations who have continued to uphold her legacy of integrity, service, and humility.
According to him, the transition of the late octogenarian was not only a great loss to her immediate family but to all those who were privileged to have known her, saying, “while words may not fully express the depth of your loss, please be consoled by the knowledge that Mama has gone to rest in the bossom of The Lord whom she faithfully served while here on earth”.
Eno lauded Ekpo for truly being an epitome of peace whose unifying disposition has greatly guided the government to take the best decision to align with the centre, which has been of immense benefit to the State, and appreciated President Tinubu for always identifying with the State even on the Minister’s occasion of grief, assuring him and Akpabio of the State’s total solidarity and support for their re-election.
Discussion about this post