…As burial holds March 18, 2022

The Chairmen of Uyo Local Government, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, HOSCON, Dr. Mike Emuh, Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Okon Okon and others have extolled the good virtues of Madam Alice Eyo Ekpo, wife of the late Etteidung Eyo Akpan Ekpo, who passed unto eternal glory recently.

Her late husband, Etteidung Eyo Akpan Ekpo was at different times a teacher, a very successful Village head of Obio Etoi for 33 years, Secretary General, Etoi Clan Council of Chiefs and Chairman of Uyo Federated County Council (1962-63), now Uyo Local Government Council.

In different condolence messages sent to the family, Dr. Udo, Dr. Emuh, Mr. Okon and others, commended Madam Alice, who will be buried on Friday, March 18, 2022, after a funeral service to be conducted by Methodist Church Nigeria, for making many contributions as well as in supporting her late husband’s efforts toward bringing sustainable development to the areas and by extension, Akwa Ibom State.
Local Government Chairman writes

Specifically, Dr. Udo, stated: “Late Madam Ekpo, who was an adult education teacher, a devout Christian of great potentials, would be fondly remembered for her good works as an adviser, an epitome of inspiration, humanitarian and a disciplinarian.

“Your consolation nonetheless lies in the great legacies and accomplishments left by your late mother, which stand today as outstanding testimonies.

“Our hearts are with you at this moment of grief, knowing that her demise has left a big vacuum that can never be filled. I am confident that she has gone to rest in the Lord having run a good race and lived a worthy life.”

HOSCON extols

Similarly, Dr. Emuh, stated: “On behalf of myself and the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, HOSCON, I wish to commiserate with you and your entire family, on the recent passing unto glory of your beloved mother.

“No matter the age, the death of a mother is always painful. But, please, be comforted, especially as she lived a long positively impacting life to the Kingdom of God, the family and entire society.”

AISIRS commiserates

Also, Mr. Okon, stated: “On behalf of my family, and the Board of Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue, I write to convey our sincere condolences to you and your family over the passing of your beloved mother, late Madam Alice Eyo Akpan Ekpo.

“While we commiserate with you, I urge you and your entire family to be consoled by the fact that your mother was passionate about serving God and humanity during her pilgrimage on earth. Her wise counsel and high moral values which set her apart as an exemplary and virtuous woman will be greatly missed.

“Indeed, her transition will be felt not only by your family, but also by the Church, the entire community that she lived in and served, and the people whose lives she impacted directly and indirectly.

“We give glory to God Almighty for using her as a vessel of honour to raise many illustrious sons, daughters, in-laws and other relatives.”

Madam Alice’s birth

According to the family, “Madam Alice was born into the Royal family of Etukudo Akpan lbanga, Nduo Eduo Nsit 1, Nsit Ibom Local Government, about 84 years ago.

“Her father was particularly known as Etukudo (Eberefiak Edem). He was at various times the custodian of the peoples’ unique culture and tradition, family head and village head of Nduo Eduo Nsit. Although a great worshipper of nature, like William Wordsworth, who would sit by Tintern Abbey to appreciate creation, Obong Eberefiak Edem allowed his four wives, including Alice’s mother, who was known as Mma Affiong, to take Madam Alice and other children to church. He also allowed them to hold regular fellowship, which attracted worshipers from the community and beyond at his compound, thus enabling her and other siblings to develop their spirituality very early in life.”

Education

It stated: “She treasured education. Like the creoles of Sierra Leone, Madam Alice was always open to learning. She was enrolled into Nsit District School, Obot Idim Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, at about age six. But for inexplicable reasons, the brilliant Madam Alice did not complete her Primary School Education in Nsit District School, but later in the Primary School, Obio Etoi, which was then known as Etoi Western School in 1975, after her marriage to Eteidung Eyo Akpan Ekpo.

“She had the option of attending a Teacher’s Training College, TTC, but did not. Apparently, because of her passion for women, Madam Alice attended the Adult Education Training Centre, Uyo and was trained to teach women not only to read and write, but also in home economics and soap making. She joined other women leaders, especially Mrs. Arit David Itim, who was popularly known as ‘Mma Itim’ that played leading roles in the Adult Education Centre, Obio Etoi, to mentor community women. She was skillful in dancing, singing and acting, which culminated in the school winning at various competitions. Later, she was also engaged to provide catering services in some Secondary Schools, including Lutheran High School, Obot Idim, Ibesikpo.”

Christian faith

The family stated: “Madam Alice was a deeply spiritual woman, and a committed member of the Methodist Church, Obio Etoi, which Eteidung Eyo Akpan Ekpo, her husband, had joined others, including Mr. James Udofia (his close friend) to establish in the community. She was at different times entrusted with key positions, including President, Women Fellowship and Treasurer, Circuit Women Fellowship. She was also active in many areas of the church, especially the Choir, Bible study and prayer group, in the Local Church, Etoi Circuit and the Diocese.”

Homemaking
It stated: “She was a good homemaker. Many people knew Eteidung Eyo Akpan Ekpo, due mainly to his roles as a teacher, Village head, Secretary General, Etoi Clan Council of Chiefs and Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council. These and other roles created the right platforms for him to contribute significantly to the sustainable development of the areas and by extension Akwa Ibom State.

But, what they might not know is that, for a greater part of his life, Madam Alice was a great motivator and source of inspiration. She was always there to create the needed conducive home environment for engagements with different stakeholders, provide wise counsel and travel with him to meet various institutions and persons, including lawyers, outside Akwa Ibom State, who needed to be consulted on regular basis.

“These and other roles did not stop her from taking good care of her children and other children around her. She would cook and share the food with everyone, especially children and relatives. She would admonish and pray for them. She would also create the time to visit them in their boarding schools.”

Community development

It also added: “Madam Alice was a community person. She participated and contributed financially, morally and intellectually to different programme or project initiatives which were targeted at enhancing development.”