Encomiums Galore As Eteidung of Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Linus Etim Essien is Laid to Rest
In the remarkable words of Peter Strople, “Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people.”
This aforementioned inscription depicted the lifestyle of the Late Eteidung Linus Etim Essien as a cross-section of dignitaries in the state poured out their heart-warming tributes to the late Patriarch who passed on at the age of 76.
The funeral service which was conducted by The Apostolic Church Nigeria on Friday, December 23, 2022, was graced by political juggernauts, royal fathers, captains of industries, security agencies, clergymen, community leaders, and Society Groups, among other sympathizers.
In his heart-warming message to the deceased, the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Charles Iwatt, described the Late Eteidung as a role model, a peace advocate, a revered community leader and a man who imbued a great sense of patriotism to his people and the society at large.
While praying for God to give his family and Community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, he also charged them to be consoled by “the indelible memories and positive legacies he left behind.”
The State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan also described the village head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot as an advocate of peace whose reign greatly transformed the Community. He noted that Essien was “a very sincere, honest, straight-forward leader and a great asset to Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village Council.”
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On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Rt Hon. Mark Essiet, said “Eteidung served humanity through selfless engagements in the discharge of his duties and was a devout Christian who touched many lives in his lifetime…Indeed, the entire Uyo Local Government Area have lost a great Patriot and a Leader.”
Also lauding the sterling qualities of the deceased Icon was the Chairman of Uyo LGA, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, who expressed gratification towards the immense leadership style, and vigour of great potential he exhibited while alive, noting that these exceptional services made him an epitome of inspiration, humanitarian and a disciplinarian.
Speaking on behalf of the Uyo Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon said the passing on of the Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot is a loss to the community and the state as a whole because “Essien was a man of wisdom, a high spirited community leader who was willing to meet the yearnings of his people.”
According to the traditional council, he will solely be missed by his family, Community and the people whose lives he had impacted directly and indirectly.
In their various tributes and condolences, Hon. Monday Uko (Commissioner for Youth and Sport); Hon Charles Udoh (Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals); Hon. Okon Okon (Chairman of Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service); Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo (Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo), among others also lauded the exceptional leadership qualities of the deceased traditional ruler.
In his eulogy, the President of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Youths Council, Otuekong Emem Asikpo posited that the demise of Eteidung has imprinted a permanent remembrance in his life and the community of Ekpri Nsukara Offot.
“Your love and passion towards our progress and Ekpri Nsukara Offot were phenomenal and this has become a memory that drives me and many others forward every single day of our lives since you transited.
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“Your reign as the Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara from 2002-2022, will forever remain epochal. We miss you Eteidung Chief Linus Etim Essien, You will remain in our hearts forever,” he said.
Until his death, Eteidung Linus Etim Essien was the Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area. He also served as Vice President of Offot Ukwa Traditional Rulers Council (OUTRC) for four years.
Through his excellent performances, Essien was appointed to represent Offot Ukwa Clan Council at Uyo Traditional Rulers Council for two years. This position earned him many awards from within and outside the state until he was called to glory on Friday, July 29, 2022, after a brief illness.
