The late Deaconess Edoabasi Edward Ekong, a revered matriarch and the mother of Captain Iniobong Ekong, Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning in Akwa Ibom State, has been laid to rest at her ancestral home in Ndiya Ikot Akpafuk, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. The burial was attended by a host of dignitaries, clergy, family members, and friends who gathered to honor a life well-lived and a legacy deeply cherished.
In his condolence speech, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State acknowledged the irreplaceable loss the family has suffered but urged them to take solace in the legacy of their beloved mother. “Deaconess Edoabasi Edward Ekong was the embodiment of faith, hope, and love. She lived a life that is not only worthy of celebration but also of emulation,” the Governor said. “Though there is never a perfect time to lose a loved one, the values she upheld and instilled in her family will continue to inspire those she left behind.”
The Governor also praised Captain Iniobong Ekong, describing him as a reflection of the virtues his late mother stood for. “His humane, disciplined, and generous nature speaks volumes about the upbringing he received from his mother. Captain Iniobong Ekong carries forward her legacy in his actions and his life,” he added.
The burial service began with a heartfelt homily delivered by Most Rev. Dr. Christian Ekong of the Lutheran Church, who drew from 2 Corinthians 5:1-5. He reminded the audience of the transience of life. “Life on earth is temporary,” he began. “What matters is how we live it. Let us live in ways that please God and uplift our fellow humans. Deaconess Edoabasi Ekong understood this and lived accordingly. Her life was a sermon in itself a message of love and service.”
Echoing these sentiments, Captain Iniobong Ekong, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed profound gratitude to all who supported them during their period of mourning. “Your presence here today is a testament to the life my mother lived a life of kindness, compassion, and service. I am deeply grateful to our Governor, the State Executive Council, the Senate President Chief Godswill Akpabio and his wife, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, former Governor Deacon Udom Emmanuel and his wife, Martha, and all other political leaders and stakeholders for standing by us,” he said.
He continued, his voice tinged with emotion, “To our friends, well-wishers, and the captains of industry who showed us immense support, I say thank you. My family will forever cherish your acts of kindness and solidarity during this time.”
The late Deaconess Edoabasi Edward Ekong was widely regarded as a paragon of virtue. Those who knew her spoke of her unwavering faith and boundless love for her family and community. As one mourner described, “She was a mother not just to her own children but to everyone who crossed her path. Her generosity and warmth were unmatched.”
The event also saw the presence of distinguished personalities including members and former members of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elder Udeme Otong, and other members of the House, alongside numerous community leaders and political stakeholders across the state.
The Governor’s parting charge to the family summed up the sentiments of the day: “Let her legacy guide you. Embrace and exhibit the virtues she lived by, and let those values continue to illuminate your paths.”
The solemn yet celebratory occasion was a fitting farewell for a woman who had touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond. Deaconess Edoabasi Edward Ekong will be remembered not only as a devoted mother and wife but also as a symbol of love, faith, and service.
