The small community of Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono was on Friday November 19th, 2021, a hives of activities as Nma Teacher, mother of Obonganwan Dorah Daniel Ebong, the Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Federal Character, Late Deaconess Arit Daniel Ebong was laid to eternal rest.
Mma Teacher as was fondly called was a nonagenarian identify by many as a woman of proven reputation and impeccable character, with justifiable contribution to humanity.
Preaching from various texts of the Bible including Heb. 9:27, Rm.14:18. 2, Sam 12:23, Ps 82:7, Eccl 9:5. 2, and Sam 14:14, the officiating minister, Rev. (Dr) S. U. Ebukiba of the United Evangelical Church said, there are over 30 Bible verses about the inevitability of death.
Rev. Ebukiba described death as unavoidable road for everyone.
According to him “Everyone must die whether white or black, rich or poor, but the most important thing is to get prepared at all times to have a personal encounter with God just as late Deaconess Arit Daniel Ebong had lived a fulfilled Christian life which has affected so many people positively”
The pastor maintained that Mma’s life on earth was a redefinition of integrity and goodwill and called on faithfuls to follow the way of Jesus and be faithful to their callings as good Christians.
Chief Samuel Udo along with the woman leader of Ikot Ekpeyak village, in their respective goodwill messages to the bereaved family, said: “Mma’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she was loved beyond words and missed beyond measure today we are celebrating her life”.
At the funeral, senior special assistant to the president, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang described the life of late Deaconess Arit Daniel Ebong as a testimony of impact in the community, church, family and indeed, the lives of her children.
In life, eventhough the waves are rough and fierce, Mma Teacher was able to determined all her life’s affairs with God, couple with endurance and meaningful successes through perseverance and great determination. It’s therefore, not surprising that resoluteness is given prominence during her life time and today she has gone home amidst high standard celebration.
The funeral of late Deaconess Arit Daniel Ebong provided the moment of spiritual renewal of intention for the living as there were over 30 officiating ministers of God.
Notable personalities present at the burial were; H. E. Mrs. Valarie Ebe, AKS Former Deputy Governor, Amb. Etim Okpoyo, AKS Former Dep. Governor, Obong Rita Akpan, Former Minister of women affairs, Senator Chris Ekpeyong, represented by Mr. Kufre Osoh, and Federal Character Commissioners representing Lagos, Benue, Rivers, Enugu and Abia.
Others were, Pastor Monday Udo Tom, Resident Electoral Commissioner Delta State, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, Vice Chancellor University of Uyo, Prof. Enoidem Usoro, DVC Admin., University of Uyo, Prof. Anthony P. Udo, DVC Academic University of Uyo, Hon Kufre Abasi Edidem, member representing Itu state Constituency, Dr. Emem Abasi Bassey, CMD University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, and Prof. Akpan Ekpo, Former Vice Chancellor University of Uyo.
Also at the funeral were, Obong Bassey E. Umoh, MD Ebccu Construction company Uyo, Obong Ime Ekpo, National President Ikono Development Union & Director of procurement University of Uyo, Dr. Chris Ekpo, Former Chairman, Uyo LGA, Obong Kufre Inyangette, Former State Vice Chairman APC, Dr. Effiong Etok, Former State Sec. APC, Elder, Emmanuel Oton, Former Chairman Eket Senatorial District of APC, Dr. Silas Udofia, Otumba Uduak Udoma, Hon. Justice Andrew Okon rtd, and Mrs. Florence Umana, wife of the MD oil and gas free zone.
